Dear Sun Spots: Are stocks and cash in accounts of financial trading houses secured like money in the banks, if the trading house goes belly up? If so, for how much? I believe the bank funds are insured to $100,000 (which was established back in the 1930s and really should be brought up to today investment standards). – John, Greene.

Answer: Sun Spots spoke with Lena Hartley, senior vice president at Downeast Financial Group, 460 Main St., Lewiston, who explained that the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) insures investors up to $500,000, which includes up to $100,000 in cash.

According to the SIPC Web site, their focus is to restore funds to investors with assets in the hands of bankrupt and otherwise financially troubled brokerage firms. They maintain a special reserve fund authorized by Congress to help investors at failed brokerage firms. Without SIPC, investors at financially troubled brokerage firms might lose their securities or money forever or wait for years while their assets are tied up in court.

Hartley points out that if the trading house goes belly up, other trading houses could buy them out. Keep in mind that if you own stock in a particular company, you will continue to own the stock even if the brokerage firm goes out of business. In this case, you would move the account to another broker or get the stock certificate.

Dear Sun Spots: I am wondering if plans are being made to enable handicapped individuals to utilize the YMCA facility. There isn’t any handicapped parking available, and the entrance to the building and the facilities inside make it difficult for individuals with mobility problems. I thought that agencies that qualify for United Way had to provide services to all individuals. I am hoping that either ramps or stair elevators are being installed. At this time one must take stairs to go swimming, and climb three stories to take yoga classes, etc. It’s not welcoming for the many individuals in the community who would benefit from this facility. – No Name, Auburn.

Answer: Sun Spots spoke with Jim Lawler, executive director at the YMCA, who provided us with some great information about the facility. He recognizes that it is an old building and they do everything within their power to help all individuals utilize their services. As they embark on new projects, they do make sure it is accessible to all. For example, they renovated the third floor of the building and included a ramp at the back entrance, which you can use to gain entry to the yoga room. They also have a side door that can be used to get into the pool area for those who cannot use the stairs. Employees at the YMCA are happy to help, whether you are participating in a yoga class or watching a swim class. Since the side and back doors are locked, please call ahead and let them know you are coming and they will assist you. The phone number is 795-4095.

He also notes that there is a handicapped parking space in the front of the building, as well as some in the parking lot in the back of the building, along Pleasant Street.

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