Channeling finance

Need a way to explain Ponzi schemes? Want to bring debt management to life? Have your clients turn to “Checks and Balances TV,” a new 20-minute consumer finance television show and interactive website (checksandbalances.tv) sponsored by American Equity Investment Life Insurance Co. CBTV aims to educate consumers about financial fitness, investments, planning and the latest financial news. A monthly program, “The Truth About ...,” covers stocks, bonds, mutual funds and annuities. “Never has there been a greater need for objective financial advice,” said the show's host and creator, Matthew J. Rettick. “Our goal is to teach the public how to check facts and balance information, and empower them to make informed financial decisions.” For financial advisers, the site offers videos, podcasts and downloadable monthly reports that can be used to educate clients on a range of financial issues. New episodes are featured weekly at 4 p.m. ET.