SOUTH BRUNSWICK — Former investigative reporter Scott Newman said reporting on financial fraud opened his eyes, and his work resulted in millions of dollars in refunds for hardworking Americans.
Now, he is taking those efforts in a more proactive direction.
“I’m looking to help folks one-on-one, where they will be treated with honesty, integrity and just some lighthearted humor,” he said.
Newman has launched a financial-planning business called The Practical Guy. He said he’s not your typical suit-wearing businessman; he wears a T-shirt bearing a caricature of himself.
“This is a dream job for me, because I’m doing this out of love,” he said.
The Practical Guy will hold a free financial seminar at Zinna’s Bistro on South River Road in Cranbury 7-9 p.m. Sept. 17.
Newman said participants will learn how to avoid giving too much away to financial planners, real estate agents, mortgage brokers and car dealers; learn how to ask the right questions to find an honest money manager or mortgage broker; and retire sooner with less risk.
The South Brunswick resident said he came up with his vision for The Practical Guy two years ago and has obtained mortgage, financial planning and insurance licenses. He said he either meets his clients face-to-face at their homes or at his office in Cranbury.
Newman said he started working when he was 16. During his career in TV and newspapers, he saved $800,000 so that he could retire by age 50.
“This was with no trust fund, just hard work and smart money management,” he said. “I have always lived within my means, and I am lucky and blessed to do something like this.”
Now 51, he said he wants to help others achieve their financial goals.
The seminar is also a charity event that will raise money for the Day by Day Hope Foundation, South Brunswick. A $25 donation will be collected to benefit the foundation.
The Day by Day Hope Foundation helps middle-income and self-employed families adjust and manage their finances while dealing with the effects of cancer. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, Cheryl Confalone founded the organization to help others with meals, household chores and yard services; and to provide assistance in navigating financial, legal and insurance issues.
To register or for more information, visit www.practicalguy.com or call 877-451- 4141.