The FINRA Investor Education Foundation has published an investor alert entitled, " Five Tips to Keep Your Finances From Going Off a Cliff." See tips below: Lower your tax burden by saving to the 401(k) max. A rainy day fund can lead to greater financial security. HARP can help you refinance your mortgage. Avoid Credit Card Debt. Do a Yearly Background Check on Your Investment Professional. Click hereto view notice in full (links externally to FINRA website).

The SEC announced that David Grim has been appointed Deputy Director of its Division of Investment Management. Mr. Grim has worked in the division for 17 years, most recently as Assistant Chief Counsel in its Office of Chief Counsel. Click here to view press release in full (links externally to SEC website).

The FDIC has announced that Sandra L. Thompson, Director of the Division of Risk Management Supervision ("RMS"), will be leaving the FDIC for a position as the Deputy Director of Housing Mission and Goals at the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Click here to view press release (links externally to FDIC website).

New SRO rules and rule proposals have been announced by the SEC. Click on the links to view the SEC's notices of each rule change and proposal. CFE: Effective Immediately - Rule Change Regarding Minor Rule Violations (See also: Exhibit 5) FINRA: Proposed Rule Change Relating to Amendments to the Customer and Industry Codes of Arbitration Procedure to Revise the Public Arbitrator Definition ISE: Effective Immediately - Rule Change to Amend the Schedule of Fees (See also: Exhibit 5) ISE: Effective Immediately - Rule Change to Amend the Schedule of Fees (See also: Exhibit 5) NASDAQ: Effective

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency announced that Amy Friend - a former assistant chief counsel at the OCC - has been named the agency's Chief Counsel. Ms. Friend also previously served as chief counsel to the Senate Banking Committee, where she played an integral role in the development of the Dodd-Frank Act. Click here to view press release in full (links externally to OCC website).