This is National Consumer Protection Week, and the Arizona PIRG Education Fund wants people to think about what they can do to protect their valuable documents - both physically and digitally.

The group is offering a new guide to help. The fund's consumer privacy director, R.J. Cross, said it is smart to "disaster proof" documents in case of an emergency such as a wildfire or flood.

She said now is the time to make a plan so you can save yourself a headache down the line.

"Having digital copies of sometimes your Social Security number or having your birth certificate can make it easier for you to navigate the process of those insurance claims," she said, "and the process of getting replacement hard copies if you're in that situation."

She added that when deciding to store documents online "in the cloud," it's a matter of determining the right combination of security and convenience. She recommended using a cloud service that offers what's known as end-to-end encryption.

The guide is online at pirg.org/resources.

Cross explained that end-to-end encryption offers an extra layer of protection, but it does come with a tradeoff: Once you've encrypted your files, you can't afford to lose your encryption key. If so, she said, you won't be able to access your documents.

"When you go from an end-to-end encryption, it is really secure, so secure that even the company that owns the cloud isn't going to be able to help you if you lose that key," she said. "So you do want to take good care of it."

She suggested printing out the encryption keys and keeping that paper in a safe place.

Cross said she realizes some people may not entirely trust a cloud service. That's why she also suggested scanning documents and loading them onto an encrypted thumb drive.

"Probably the last thing you want to do is be standing in line to get a new copy of your marriage license," she said. "The question is, how can I ameliorate the odds that I am going to add way more on my plate after a disaster than I have to?"

Nearly half of Americans age 50 and older are using credit cards to pay for basic living expenses, according to a new AARP survey, and a Minnesota expert has tips on how to keep that debt from becoming a major problem.

In the same national survey, almost nine in 10 respondents say unexpected expenses have contributed to their credit card debt.

Kevin O'Laughlin, a certified financial advisor at TruMix Advisors in the Twin Cities, said the results aren't surprising, since rising consumer costs take a bite out of savings and Social Security payments can't always keep pace.

He encouraged older adults concerned about their balance going up to do some careful planning.

"I think it comes down to taking a real hard look at where are there opportunities to supplement one purchase for another," he said.

That means, if possible, holding off on non-necessary purchases. Other tips apply to people of any age, including paying more than the minimum monthly amount due on cards. O'Laughlin said you can also call the credit card company and request a lower interest rate or see about transferring your balance to one that has a more desirable rate.

If you're still paying a mortgage, O'Laughlin said seeking a refinancing deal shouldn't be ruled out. As these challenges escalate for seniors, he said, it's a reminder to prioritize the basic needs of this demographic.

"Whether that's through an increase to Social Security checks, or maybe just streamlining the ability to work, part time or in some limited capacity, in retirement to supplement their cash flow needs."

If it all seems overwhelming, he said there are financial planners and programs willing to guide older adults at no charge. O'Laughlin's firm takes on pro bono cases, and he pointed to Lutheran Social Services as another resource. The Minnesota Financial Planning Association also does outreach for these services.

Pennsylvania residents who need assistance filing their income tax returns can use the free services of the AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide program.

You do not have to be an AARP member or a senior citizen to get help.

Kathleen Hoffer, program coordinator for AARP Pennsylvania, said the full-service tax program assists Pennsylvanians with federal, state and local returns. She added their main focus is to serve individuals with low to moderate incomes.

"We helped nearly 74,000 people in Pennsylvania last year and it resulted in $52 million in refunds for those folks," Hoffer reported. "We're doing as best we can, but we could do better especially if we had more volunteers."

Hoffer emphasized the volunteers are trained and IRS-certified to ensure they are up-to-date on the latest changes to the tax code. The nationwide program is available through mid-April. Volunteers have helped 1.7 million people secure nearly $1.3 billion in total refunds.

Hoffer noted individuals in rural, underserved areas may struggle with tax preparation access and adds they are working to assist them through virtual appointments. She explained the program offers several options such as in-person and drop-off services for taxpayers to get assistance.

"We also have assisted tax preparation," Hoffer pointed out. "We have where they can come in and bring their tax documents. They basically work on their tax return themselves. But then we have a counselor who can advise them or answer questions. As they are doing their own returns."

Hoffer emphasized their biggest challenge is recruiting more volunteers. With additional help, they can serve a greater number of people. She added volunteers are needed for administrative tasks, greeting clients, communications and technology support.

Activists who believe Tesla CEO Elon Musk is overstepping his role in the Trump administration will protest today at a Tesla dealership in New Mexico's Sandoval County. Similar protests have taken place in Albuquerque and at Tesla dealerships nationwide.

Musk, the world's richest person, leads the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, tasked with saving money by firing federal employees and dismantling agencies.

Terry Eisenbart with Sandoval County Indivisible said many who have lost their jobs live in New Mexico.

"It is time to stand up and fight back with whatever is at our disposal," Eisenbart contended. "Peaceful protests are a huge way to gain the traction of the people that want to express themselves but don't even know where to begin."

Despite his previous vilification of electric vehicles, President Donald Trump went to bat for Musk's beleaguered car company on Tuesday. He showcased five Tesla vehicles in front of the White House and announced he had purchased one for $80,000. Musk donated $270 million to Trump's 2024 election campaign.

Eisenbart is especially concerned federal services she believes Americans want and need are being eliminated. She cited the closure of the Consumer Federal Protection Bureau on Feb. 8, which, Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, called a "woke" and "weaponized" agency. Eisenbart stressed the closure hits close to home.

"The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, when they shut it down the other day -- my sister has personally benefited by that -- and it made the whole difference in her life, by the actions that organization took on her behalf," Eisenbart explained.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., was instrumental in establishing the independent agency after the financial crisis of 2007 and 2008. DOGE claims total government savings of at least $105 billion so far but news agencies have not been able to verify the savings.


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