American Express Financial Education and Planning Services Publishes Guidebook on Workplace Financial Education and Advice.

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Business Editors

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MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 25, 2004

2004 Guide highlights industry trends within work force financial

issues, education and employee engagement

The American Express Financial Education and Planning Services group of American Express Retirement Services today announced that it has published a guidebook providing strategies and resources for employee financial benefits and education. The American Express Guide to Workplace Financial Education and Advice offers up-to-date information on the latest developments and industry trends within work force financial issues, education and employee engagement.

The American Express Guide to Workplace Financial Education and Advice is a resource for employers seeking advice on several fronts, including those interested in developing comprehensive employee financial education programs; understanding behavioral changes and demographic shifts that affect work force engagement and productivity; and in gaining overall awareness of financial issues in the workplace. The 2004 Guide also highlights guest articles and case studies from industry leaders, research findings and developments on a wide range of financial education topics. Experts contributing articles to the Guide include: Jim Klein, president of the American Benefits Council; Martha Farnsworth Riche, former director of the U.S. Census Bureau; and Stephen Brobeck, executive director of the Consumer Federation of America. The Guide also features interviews with several congressional leaders on retirement security issues and legislation.

"American Express is pleased to offer employers an array of information and resources to explore financial education programs more fully on their own," said Rusty Field, vice president of American Express Financial Education and Planning Services. "With the 2004 Guide, employers can bring a value-added solution to employees that helps alleviate financial stress, while improving their overall employer-employee relationship."

By providing information on the latest research, applied theory and practical information, The American Express Guide to Workplace Financial Education and Advice serves as a resource to benefits, human resources and pension professionals, as well as to senior management.

American Express Financial Advisors popularized early saving and investing programs for Americans more than 100 years ago, helping give rise to financial planning, mutual funds and retirement plans in the past century. Today, American Express continues its commitment to individuals and corporations with its Financial Education and Planning Services unit of American Express Retirement Services, which delivers comprehensive financial education programs to organizations ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 corporations. American Express Financial Education and Planning Services provides Web, phone, print and face-to-face education, guidance and advice to more than 2 million workers nationwide.

American Express Retirement Services, a service group of American Express Financial Advisors Inc., provides corporations, unions and municipalities, and their more than 1 million workers nationwide with a complete package of financial education, recordkeeping, investments and trustee services for their qualified retirement plans. For more information on American Express Retirement Services, visit www.americanexpress.com/sponsors.

Editor's Note: To schedule an interview with Rusty Field, contact Todd Wold, [phone] or email [e-mail].

First use 05/25/2004

Registered investments and financial planning services are offered through American Express Financial Advisors Inc., Member NASD. American Express Company is separate from American Express Financial Advisors Inc. and is not a broker-dealer. Retirement plan and trust-related services are offered through American Express Trust Company.

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