As secular humanists, we pride ourselves on our skepticism of religious beliefs, pseudoscience, and other extraordinary claims. But do we apply the same level of skepticism to our own investments and other financial affairs? For April's Secular Sunday event, Phil Ferguson will discuss a wide variety of investment topics and show us how to use our skeptic skills to avoid getting ripped off.

Investment Products: He will explain products such as long term-care insurance, annuities, socially responsible mutual funds, return of premium life insurance, and maybe a few more. Don't worry, this is NOT a sales pitch. Phil does not sell this stuff, but he thinks you should know how it works.

Investing Basics: Phil will discuss topics including index funds, expense ratios, market risk, investment turnover, duration, and tax implications.

There will be plenty of time for questions. This information is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Don't actually believe anything he tells you! Do your own research and/or check with your own advisor before taking any action.

Phil Ferguson has been an investment advisor representative since 1996 and is the president of Polaris Financial Planning, LLC. Phil is also a long-time activist in the secular movement. He has been on the board of The Secular Student Alliance and Atheist Alliance International. He also served as the treasurer for the 2016 Reason Rally. He is an active member of many of the national secular organizations and has helped start three local groups. Phil also gives talks to local groups as well as large conventions. He has presented at TAM (The Amazing Meeting) and Skepticon - just to name a few. He is also the host of The Phil Ferguson Show, the #1 Podcast at the intersection of personal finance and atheism.

More information on his activism, business, and podcast can be found on his websites:  http://polarisfinancialplanning.com and http://www.skepticmoney.com.

Timeline for this event:  
10:30 a.m. - coffee and conversation  
11 am - announcements and presentation 
12:30 p.m. - lunch (on site)

Lunch: Some members have requested "lunching in" at the Bradbury-Sullivan Center on occasion rather than going out each month, so we'll be trying this for our April meeting. Although insurance requirements prevent us from having a "potluck," those who wish to stay will be able to bring their own food or order out for delivery (as a group). We will have more details soon about how ordering will work. 

Parking: The Community Parking Deck (6th & Walnut) is a few feet from this event. Street parking is available, but limited; meters are not enforced on Sundays. See http://www.allentownparking.com/ for more information.