FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  98-77

                                       Press contact:
                                       John J. Nester (202)
                                       942-7083
                              
                              
  SEC Launches On-line Version of "Financial Facts Tool Kit"
Web users can start building financial security at the click
                         of a mouse
                              

     Washington, D.C., August 25, 1998 -- Calling it a
"wealth of information on the Web," the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission has assembled an on-line version of the
Financial Facts Tool Kit on its Web site, www.sec.gov.

     The tool kit was developed by the SEC and its partners
in the Facts on Saving and Investing Campaign, an ongoing
national effort by government agencies, consumer groups, and
business organizations to encourage Americans to get the
facts they need to save and invest wisely, and avoid costly
mistakes.

     "We want to hammer home the message that anyone can
build financial security once they have the right tools,"
said Nancy M. Smith, Director of the SEC's Office of
Investor Education and Assistance.  "The Financial Facts
Tool Kit will help you nail down and achieve your financial
goals."

     For example, the Financial Facts Tool Kit includes an
interactive version of the "Ballpark Estimate," a popular
worksheet developed by the American Savings Education
Council that helps people quickly calculate how much money
they should save each year for retirement.

     The tool kit also features a calendar from the American
Financial Services Association Education Foundation to help
you organize your finances and manage your money, and the
SEC's form for taking notes when talking to a financial
professional.

     Other tools include--

     ú    Get the Facts on Saving and Investing-A basic primer
       from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will
       get you started on the road to saving and investing wisely.
       
     ú    Top 10 Ways to Beat the Clock and Prepare for
       Retirement-Get tips on planning for retirement from the U.S.
       Department of Labor's Pension & Welfare Benefits
       Administration.
       
     ú    Invest Wisely:  Advice from Securities Regulators-
       Information from the SEC and the National Association of
       Securities Dealers will help you select a brokerage firm and
       sales representative, make an investment decision, and
       monitor your investments.
       
     ú    A Guide to Understanding Mutual Funds-The Investment
       Company Institute explains mutual funds, describes how to
       establish realistic goals, and suggests questions to ask
       before you invest.
       
ú    Understanding Market Risks-The Securities Industry
Association describes what every investor should know about
market cycles and the benefits of diversification.
     ú    An Investor's Guide to Corporate Bonds-The Bond Market
       Association explains corporate bonds and their key features,
       including income and safety.
       
     ú    An Investor's Guide to Municipal Bonds-The Bond Market
       Association describes what you need to know about municipal
       bonds, including tax considerations and other basic
       information.
       
     ú    Invest Wisely:  An Introduction to Mutual Funds-The SEC
       explains mutual funds and the impact of fees and
       commissions.
       
     ú    Ask Questions-Get tips from the SEC on the questions
       you should ask about investments and the people who sell
       them.  Learn what to do if you have a problem.
       
ú    10 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Financial
Planner-Guidance from the Certified Financial Planner Board
of Standards will help you identify a financial planner
who's right for you.
     ú    Cold Calling Alert-The SEC and the North American
       Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) tell you about
       your legal rights, how to deal with cold calls, how to stop
       them, and how to evaluate any investment opportunity that
       comes your way over the phone.
       
     ú    Alliance for Investor Education Web site-The official
       site of the Facts on Saving and Investing Campaign features
       a searchable index of investment topics and links to
       campaign partners and other sources.
       
     ú    Best Sellers-The Federal Trade Commission offers a
       comprehensive selection of consumer and business
       publications.
       
     ú    Consumer Information Catalog-Government agencies offer
       free or low cost publications on a variety of consumer
       topics, including money, saving, and investing.
       
     Consumers without Internet access can order free copies
of the Financial Facts Tool Kit by calling 1-800-732-0330.
Delivery takes 6-8 weeks.

     The Facts on Saving and Investing Campaign was launched
because working Americans are increasingly responsible for
their own retirement security, yet studies indicate that
most have no idea how much money they should save for
retirement.  It's also estimated that 65 million U.S.
households will probably fail to realize at least one of
their major life goals because they have not developed a
comprehensive financial plan.


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