Q: Every day I seem to have a mailbox full of "invitations" to free seminars on living trusts and financial planning. Would these seminars provide me with the information I need?

A: This is an excellent question and one I would like more seniors to inquire about before they sign up for one of these free presentations. Will attending such a seminar provide you with the information and services you need? The answer is maybe yes — but more likely no.

These community seminars address the issue of estate planning in a general manner, and the right strategies needed for an individual to make proper decisions depend on that individual's unique circumstances. What might be the right action for your neighbor will more likely not make sense for your particular situation.

Many times the sponsors of this type of seminar have a product or service to sell, and while they do provide some useful general information they are also promoting the purchase of their specific product or service.

The subject of estate planning is very complex, and, unfortunately, this complexity provides a window of opportunity for scam artists to make an entrance into the field of financial planning seminars. Not all seminars are presented by scam artists, but some are, and you need to protect yourself. You need to be very careful about what information you offer about yourself and carefully read and fully understand what you sign.

Before you sign any papers to create a will or trust or to move your assets into a different type of investment explore all your options with an experienced attorney or financial adviser of your choice. By that, I mean you initiate the contact with the provider instead of dealing with a salesperson who contacted you.

Avoid high-pressure sales tactics either by phone, door-to-door or seminar salespeople. If a salesperson gives the impression that a well-known organization is endorsing the product or service make sure to check with that organization before committing yourself.

Do some homework on your own. Learn the differences between wills and trusts. Investigate how probate works. Remember it has taken you years of hard work to accumulate your assets — do take time in deciding how to handle your estate planning.

Q: Well, summer is over now that we are celebrating Labor Day, and I find that activities usually pick up starting in the month of September. Do you know of any activities of interest?

A: Matter of fact, I know of two events that are happening in Simi Valley.

Simi Valley's Council on Aging is holding its second annual Health & Wellness Fair from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Simi Valley Senior Center at 3900 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley.

The event will host a variety of services, programs and resources that benefit seniors — and you will be able to access information about them all in one place.

Approximately 60 vendors will be in attendance, including Simi Valley Hospital, City of Simi Valley Transit, Consumer Credit Counseling, Senior Concerns, Sleep Diagnostic Center and Ventura County Fire Department, just to name a few.

K-Earth 101 will be celebrating 35 years of playing the greatest hits on earth and its street team will play music and give away limited K-Earth prizes from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

There will be fabulous door prizes and free givea-ways. It's free, so come early and stay late. For more information, call 583-6363.

Also in Simi Valley will be the second Annual Simi Community Games. The games will take place Sept. 13 through Sept. 19.

Events include basketball shooting skills, bingo, bunco, 8-ball, pool, golf, horseshoes, shuffleboard, 1-mile fun walk, pickleball, poker, indoor lawn bowling and pingpong.

There is something offered for everyone. For more information call 583-6059. Entry packets are available at the Senior Center. Registration deadline is Thursday.

September presentations

Volunteering — A Win-Win Situation: 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sept. 12, Westlake Village Civic Center, 31200 E. Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village. For more information, call the Advocates Office at 495-7876.

Let's Talk Turkey About Credit Cards: 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sept. 18, Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. For more information, call Goebel Center at 381-2744.

— Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; or call 495-6250. You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.