Senators Boxer, Manchin, Grassley, Tester Urge Congress to Curb Exorbitant Taxpayer-funded Compensation

Washington, D.C. - A bipartisan group of four U.S. Senators today released the following statement expressing their objections with the newly increased allowable level for taxpayer-funded contractor compensation:

"We are deeply troubled by the December 4 announcement by the Office of Management and Budget that the benchmark compensation cap for Federal Government contractors would automatically increase from $763,029 to $952,308, retroactive to January 2012, as required by statute.  In the interest of fiscal responsibility and fairness, we remain strongly committed to bringing the allowable level of taxpayer-funded contractor compensation to a figure that makes common sense to the American people.  If we do nothing, this figure could rise to $1.6 million by fiscal year 2020.  Congress should pass our bipartisan legislative fix (S.1192) as soon as possible to avoid this affront to the taxpayers in the future."

The statement was signed by Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Joe Manchin III (D-WV), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Jon Tester (D-MT), who have sponsored the Commonsense Contractor Compensation Act of 2013.

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Quad Cities, USA: December 6, 2013 - With only 17 days remaining in the Red Kettle Campaign, The Salvation Army is extremely concerned about Kettle Donations.

Major Gary Felton, Quad Cities Coordinator for The Salvation Army, states, "Our goal of $750,000 to keep our programs strong is still a long way away. We are grateful for the $230,000 that has been donated to date, but we are $150,000 behind last year at this time. The six days that we lost between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a huge concern. Other factors may be donor fatigue due to the recent typhoon and tornado disasters."

He adds, "Less giving is a great concern to us. These donations allow us to do our work at Christmas and all year round. The Red Kettle Campaign raises 60% of our annual budget and still has a long way to go. The monies collected provide shelter, food and other basic needs to families and individuals in crisis. We depend on the generosity of each individual in the Quad Cities to be able provide our services. We try not to think about falling short of the goal - we simply cannot fall short this year."

Another way you can become involved with The Salvation Army's Christmas programs and make your own Christmas even brighter: Volunteering. Opportunities include Toy Shop Escort, Bell Ringer, and Toy Collector at Fill the Truck on December 13 & 14. Easy sign up at www.ringbells.org.

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Financial Advisor Shares Steps Everyone Should Take in 2014

For many baby boomers looking to retire in the next few years, the biggest worry is not whether or not they can retire, but if they'll outlive their savings.

It's a valid concern: One of every four people turning 65 today can expect to live past their 90th birthday, and one in 10 will live past 95, according to the Social Security Administration.

For a married couple, there's a 58 percent chance that one of them will live to 90.

With 10,000 boomers turning 65 every day, it's something on the minds of more than a fourth of Americans.

"I went into this business because I hated seeing people who'd followed the rules - saved money in a 401k, put their kids through college, gave to charity - get to retirement and find they didn't have enough to sustain them for more than a few years," says Andrew McNair, founder and CEO of SWAN Capital, (SWAN-Capital.com), and author of "Don't be Penny Wise & Dollar Foolish."

"It's not enough to have a certain amount of money in your portfolio, you want to have a guaranteed check coming in in addition to your investments."

Whether you're years from retirement or planning for it now, McNair says these three New Year's resolutions will be the best you ever made:

• Resolve to plan for expenses in retirement to equal or exceed your expenses today. Many people assume their expenses will decline once they retire - they forget that they're going to have a lot more free time to do what they love, McNair says. "What are your dreams? Will you want to travel? Take up a new hobby? Meet friends for golf two or three times a week? Those likely are going to be expenses you don't have now," he says. Also, once you retire, things don't magically last forever. The rug in the dining room, the fridge in the kitchen - eventually they'll need to be replaced or repaired. Also, as you age, medical expenses either appear or increase. Sit down and think about what your ideal retirement looks like, and presume that it will be for at least 30 years. Make a list and take a guess at what those activities cost - even if your retirement is years away. How much money will you need coming in each month or year?

• Resolve to get most of your investments out of tax-deferred plans. If you're working for a company that provides a match for 401k contributions, by all means, contribute up to the maximum match. "That's free money - you'd be crazy not to take advantage," McNair says. But anything beyond that should be invested in something that's more tax efficient: Roth IRA, municipal bonds, life insurance or real estate. No one expects taxes will go down - they'll be going up. Uncle Sam already has a lien on your IRA or 401(k); don't let his lien, the taxes you'll owe, continue to grow. Go ahead and pay now, and your future retired self will be glad you did.

• Resolve to have a portfolio that generates a steady or guaranteed paycheck. The ideal financial security for retirement is having a guaranteed income that increases with inflation, McNair says. "You want to plan for an income that meets or exceeds your annual income now so, if you'll be getting $1,000 a month from Social Security at age 62 and your current income is $4,000 a month, you need to have a plan to guarantee $3,000 a month to cover that gap." Annuities and life insurance are the only investments that provide a guaranteed income you cannot outlive, so consider them for at least part of your portfolio. "You don't want them to make up 100 percent of your portfolio, but they should provide the foundation," McNair says.

It's important to start thinking now about where you want to be in retirement and what combination of investments will ensure you have the lifestyle you want for as long as you live, he says.

"At 65, you don't want to be making risky investments because you're panicking about not having enough money."

About Andrew McNair

Andrew McNair is founder and CEO of SWAN Capital, specializing in Wealth Management and Retirement Income. After earning a degree in business administration/finance, and with two books on his financial strategies already published, McNair launched SWAN later that year. At 22, he was hosting a radio show, What Your Money Would Say, that provides financial guidance to retirees. McNair is also the founder and CEO of the Veteran Benefit Project, which works with veterans and their families at no charge to ensure they receive all of the benefits they deserve.

(DES MOINES) - Tim Albrecht, who has served as Gov. Branstad's communications director since November of 2009, is departing the Branstad-Reynolds administration to pursue a new private sector opportunity. Albrecht's last day will be Friday, December 13.

Former Branstad-Reynolds administration deputy communications director Jimmy Centers has been named the new director of communications.

"The opportunity to work as communications director in the governor's office is one I have worked toward my entire career, and I am so excited I could serve the people of Iowa in this capacity under Governor Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Reynolds, who each set a strong example of hard work, dedication and passion for the state." said Albrecht. "This has been such a rewarding experience, and I am very grateful for the opportunity. Jimmy Centers is a talented professional, and he is going to excel in this new position. We will ensure that a smooth transition takes place."

Branstad thanked Albrecht for his work with the administration.

"I want to thank Tim for all the great work he has done within my administration," said Gov. Branstad. "He is a passionate advocate for the state of Iowa, and never forgot his Ida Grove roots. Tim's embrace of social media, online tools and overall messaging was a benefit to nearly every department and agency within state government. I have really enjoyed working with Tim, and I wish him all the best in his new opportunity. While Tim will be missed, we are really excited to have Jimmy back in the official office."

Reynolds echoed the governor's sentiment.

"Tim has traveled with us to a majority of Iowa's counties, been with us as we worked through three legislative sessions, and has been an important advisor to us in a number of areas," said Reynolds. "We wish him well as he departs for new opportunities, and we are very excited to welcome Jimmy back into our office."

Albrecht said he enjoyed working with the reporters, staff and directors he interacted with on a daily basis, and that he will remain active in his new position.

"I intend to remain involved with Republican causes, and will continue to assist the Branstad-Reynolds campaign, should they choose to run again," said Albrecht. "With significant job growth, a return to a balanced state budget, and education reform well on its way, Iowa is enjoying a strong comeback. I look forward to assisting the governor and lieutenant governor in any way to help them continue their successful efforts."

Albrecht, 36, is a native of Ida Grove and a 2001 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, with a degree in Public Relations. He previously worked on the presidential campaigns of Steve Forbes and Mitt Romney, and as communications director for Iowa House Speaker Christopher Rants, R-Sioux City. Albrecht resides in West Des Moines with his wife, Josie, and their infant son Davis.

Centers, 26, is a Peoria, IL, native and a graduate of the University of Iowa with a degree in Political Science. He served as the Northeast Iowa field director on the 2010 Branstad-Reynolds campaign, later serving as the administration's deputy communications director. He currently serves as the Branstad-Reynolds campaign's communications director, and his replacement there is expected to be named in the coming days. He resides in Des Moines with his wife, Gretchen.

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