CARSON CITY -- In observance of America Saves Week 2013, February 25 to March 2, Secretary of State Ross Miller's office is assisting Nevadans in educating and preparing family, friends, and colleagues on personal finances through savings and investing.

"The more families can talk about their finances, the better they will be in the long run," said Miller. "Information is the best defense against losing hard-earned savings to investment fraud."

To help individuals address financial matters, the Secretary of State's Securities Division is making available a series of "Conversation Starters," developed by the North American Securities Administration (NASAA) and available on NASAA's website at www.nasaa.org.  

"These conversation starters are a series of open-ended questions designed to help families kick-start an ongoing dialogue about budgeting, saving, investing and avoiding scams and frauds," said Miller. "Whether you are just starting out as a newlywed or entering retirement, there are questions to get you and your loved ones talking about the often difficult issue of money."

The Secretary of State's Securities Division can provide detailed information about an investment product, broker or adviser. This information is easy to obtain.

The Securities Division also recommends these investment fraud prevention tips for savers: 

• Investigate before you invest. Check out the registration and license of potential investments and salespeople. 
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 
• Take your time. Don't give in to high-pressure sales tactics. 
• If you've been a victim of fraud, contact the Secretary of State's office at (702) 486-2440.

"Investors who contact us will have access to information they need to have a meaningful conversation about their personal finances and make wise decisions about investing their savings," said Miller.

America Saves Week is coordinated by America Saves and the America Savings Education Council. The week-long campaign is an annual opportunity for organizations to promote good savings behavior and a chance for individuals to assess their own saving status. Find more resources by visiting the Securities Center on the Secretary of State's website at www.nvsos.gov.