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Read This Before You Go to That Free Investment Dinner

We share an insider’s take from a former stockbroker. Plus four more unlocked Members Edition stories for the week

2-minute read

Sara Schwartz,

AARP

Published September 23, 2026

a person holding a plate of food while holding paperwork beind their back

The author used to invite retirees out for a free lunch with a side dish of financial education, but the juicy steak had strings attached.

Michelle Kondrich

For this week’s Members Edition Unlocked — where we unlock five stories for one week — we’re pulling back the curtain on those invitations in your mailbox promising a free steak dinner and helpful retirement advice. Maybe you’ve been tempted to RSVP or have attended one. We talked to a former stockbroker who used to run such events, and he shares what attendees rarely hear about: the follow-up calls, kitchen-table sales pitches, commission-driven recommendations and pressure tactics. Curious about what’s really behind those invitations?

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Texting Etiquette

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The Five Words My Father Waited a Lifetime to Say

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Your Guide to a More Beautiful Yard

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This article was created with the assistance of generative AI and reviewed by editors before publication. The individual stories featured are original AARP content and were not generated by AI.

Sara Schwartz is the senior editor for AARP's Members Edition.