"Free Lunch" Seminars and High Pressure Tactics
I may be late to the game in this, but I just discovered this checklist from AARP used to monitor the "free lunch" seminars used by some financial advisors and estate planners to market their products or services. While none of the questions point to any particular tactic that is a clear indicator of fraud or high pressure tactics, they do give you a way to evaluate whether the seminar is more about sales than education.
Of course, many attorneys and financial advisors use seminars or workshops are marketing tools. There's nothing wrong with that. In fact, we offer workshops to prospective clients as part of our marketing. The overall test you should apply is whether the workshop educates you as a means of marketing or strong arms you. It's good marketing for the seminar host to ask you to schedule a follow-up meeting, but you should feel free to say no.
While many legitimate advisors and attorneys will meet people at their homes, be more cautious about follow-up meetings when they aren't in the advisor's office. Many people find it harder to say no to someone in their home, perhaps out of politeness to a guest.
If something is in your best interest, the advisor shouldn't object to giving you time to sleep on it or consult with someone you trust.
Of course, many attorneys and financial advisors use seminars or workshops are marketing tools. There's nothing wrong with that. In fact, we offer workshops to prospective clients as part of our marketing. The overall test you should apply is whether the workshop educates you as a means of marketing or strong arms you. It's good marketing for the seminar host to ask you to schedule a follow-up meeting, but you should feel free to say no.
While many legitimate advisors and attorneys will meet people at their homes, be more cautious about follow-up meetings when they aren't in the advisor's office. Many people find it harder to say no to someone in their home, perhaps out of politeness to a guest.
If something is in your best interest, the advisor shouldn't object to giving you time to sleep on it or consult with someone you trust.



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