Approximately 120 members of the Lower Macungie Senior Citizens Club met Aug. 7 for the first of their twice-monthly meetings at the Lower Macungie Community Center along Brookside Road in the township.

Following a bagged-lunch and dessert, the seniors listened to a presentation by Robert Springer, Ph.D, CFP, and Eric Boyle, AWMA, of Crest Financial Group on their investment outlook going forward.

While many seniors have lost as much as half of their net worth in the economy of the last four years, Springer urged his listeners not to lose hope about their financial misfortunes.

"I feel confident," Springer said, "that this financial downturn, like all those before in the last 80 years, will turn around."

He cautioned club members that as the investment outlook becomes more positive, they should take care to get good advice from a certified financial planner.

"Visit two or three investment advisors until you find one you are comfortable with to help you wisely use your savings and investments," Springer said.

"Some advisors with no more than a high school education can start an advisory business. Ask about their level of education, how long they have been in business and how much of a portfolio they manage," he said.

Find the best advisor you can, and make sure to make clear what you need your money to do for you, and have the patience to let it grow back in a better economy, he advised.

"I don't know when the economy will turn around," Springer said, "but I pay a lot of attention to the direction it is heading."

After the business meeting, club members enjoyed a session of bingo with food items brought by members as the prizes for winning games.

The club meets at the community center on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. For more information, call 610-530-8220 or send an e-mail to willetjoy@ptd.net.