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When you invest for long-term goals like retirement or future education costs you often are buying shares in public companies – yet not every investment is the same.
To facilitate wise choices, investors rely on rules and transparency that can buffer them from undue risks.
That’s why I flagged the recent sale of shares of the company SpaceX, which was the largest initial public offering (IPO) stock sale in history. I am troubled that some exchanges changed their rules to fast-track SpaceX’s listing. That means that anyone who invests in an index fund—whether you’re a big institutional investor or a family with a college savings account—will be exposed to SpaceX holdings at a price that hasn’t undergone the rigors of market exposure.
In addition, SpaceX’s IPO diminishes beneficiaries’ voice by limiting management accountability, which can undermine a company’s long-term performance and value.
Every investor – from the Oregon State Treasury to individual families – needs to be able to trust that safeguards are in place to protect them and their investments from unnecessary volatility and disproportionate risk.
The bottom line is important for all of us: America’s economy thrives when the rules apply to everyone and public companies are transparent and accountable to their shareholder owners.
- Elizabeth Steiner, MD, Oregon State Treasurer
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A new government investment account for American children is about to launch, and eligible kids born between 2025 and 2028 will receive $1,000. Other children could get money from businesses and philanthropists. And all account owners can access financial education resources.
If your child is due to receive free money, parents should strongly consider opening an account.
What are 530A accounts, also known as Trump Accounts? How do they compare to Oregon’s tax-advantaged plan for education savings, known as Embark? Experts at the Aspen Institute offered answers to the Financial Empowerment Advisory Team.
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Oregon State Bar offers free consumer legal resources
The legal system can seem overwhelming. Oregon Law Help offers free step-by-step guidance about the court process, a glossary, and legal details about topics such as housing, money and debt, and senior programs. If needed, people can also search for lawyers.
Kindergarten grads earn diplomas and $100 for future education costs
Across Oregon, kindergarteners just completed their first academic year – and can receive a new state diploma and a $100 bonus in Embark to jumpstart savings toward their education dreams. State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner MD and Oregon Department of Education Director Dr. Charlene Williams met with students in Beaverton to celebrate.
Student loan options to shrink on July 1 for many borrowers
The federal government will reduce loan options for many student borrowers and their parents as of July 1. Among the changes: A cap for “nonprofessional” graduate degree programs, and new income-based repayment scenarios.
Did you know?
More than half of Oregon parents (53%) say they talk about money with their kids, but only 25% discuss their own household finances, according to the Oregon Financial Wellness Scorecard. Research shows that children are more financially confident when parents actively discuss money and household budgets.
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Oregon Financial Empowerment Roundup
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