American Express Financial Advisors Launches New Ad Campaign on April 22.

Business Editors

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 22, 2003

Ads focus on the new concept of a "personal economy"

Today, American Express Financial Advisors, a subsidiary of American Express Company (NYSE:AXP), announced a new print ad campaign featuring the concept of a "personal economy" to appear in major newspapers and magazines nationwide. The "personal economy" concept introduces a unique way for consumers to view their financial situation with a focus on taking control for the future. The ads feature an empowering tag line - "Managing the economy that means most: yours(SM)."

"Our focus, and what I believe we do best, is to help people manage their current financial needs while helping them plan for their future, long-term goals," said Jim Cracchiolo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of American Express Financial Advisors and President of American Express Global Financial Services. "These ads were designed to build on the American Express 'Make Life Rewarding' campaign and to increase awareness about how we help people manage the most important economy there is - their own."

The idea of a "personal economy" is built on the premise that a person's life is affected by a variety of life events that have a financial impact, such as a career change, birth or adoption, education needs, retirement or a change in marital status. These events tie into a larger financial picture and influence a person's financial situation over time - just like a personal economy. This concept will be portrayed in the ads by depicting different life scenarios including a child who needs braces, a gentleman planning for retirement and a couple's decision to adopt a child, among others.

"This campaign addresses people's desire for more control over their personal financial situation," said Barbara Fraser, Executive Vice President, Products and Corporate Marketing. "Unlike the national or world economy, a personal economy can be controlled with careful planning and professional guidance."

A complimentary, initial consultation with an American Express financial advisor can provide that needed sense of control. By discussing an individual's or couple's current personal economy and short-term and long-term goals a Personal Economic Forecast can be created providing a personalized financial roadmap to follow using American Express Financial Advisor's toolkit of knowledgeable advice and powerful product solutions.

Consumers can call for a complimentary consultation at 1-877-MY-ECONOMY or visit www.americanexpress.com/myeconomy.

American Express Financial Advisors is one of the nation's leading financial planning companies. It is part of the American Express Financial Corporation, which currently owns or manages more than $198 billion in assets. Through a network of more than 10,200 financial advisors and its online brokerage, the company provides comprehensive, long-term financial planning and high quality financial products to more than 2.6 million clients throughout the United States.

For more information on American Express Financial Advisors, visit the company's Web site at americanexpress.com.

American Express Financial Advisors Inc. Member NASD. American Express Company is separate from American Express Financial Advisors Inc. and is not a broker-dealer.