(DES MOINES) - The year 2013 marks the 30^th Anniversary of the Hebei Province, PRC and State of Iowa Sister State relationship. During those 30 years, Iowa and Hebei have participated in many projects.  Throughout 2013 there will be events statewide that will be held to commemorate this important relationship.

On February 11th, there will be events that will include a small group performance of Hebei and Iowa youth in the chambers of the Iowa House of Representatives. Also attending the performance will be six officials from Hebei Province.  On Monday evening, the 11th, from 6-7pm at Valley High School the Shijiazhuang Foreign Language School Orchestra (from Hebei) will perform a joint concert with Valley High School's Orchestra.  This event is free and open to the public.

International relationship building is the cornerstone of the work Iowa Sister States does. The Hebei/Iowa relationship has received much attention due to the fact that in 1985 Xi Jinping came to Iowa from Hebei on an agricultural tour through Iowa Sister States. Xi Jinping will become President of China in 2013 and has made it very clear that he is fond of Iowa and its citizens, even visiting the State of Iowa in February, 2012.

In recognition of this relationship, Governor Branstad sent a New Year greeting to Governor Zhang Qingwei and citizens of Hebei, China.  In return, attached is the letter of greeting from Hebei Governor Zhang to the citizens of Iowa. 

Iowa Sister States (ISS) is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization that was founded in 1985 to manage the official relationships the State of Iowa has with 8 different countries.  To learn more about the Iowa/Hebei sister state relationship, or to view a list of its activities, please visit the Iowa Sister State website www.iowasisterstates.org.

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38.8% of Iowans Surveyed Plan to Pay Down Their Debt with Their Tax Refunds

CONSIDER THIS: Tax refund time is just around the corner, and many Iowans are eager to pay down their debt. Last year, the IRS issued more than 104 million refunds totaling $282 billion. For many Americans, their tax refund represents one of the most substantial debt payments they will make all year.

According to a survey of 890 Iowa credit union members conducted by the Iowa Credit Union League (ICUL), 38.8% of respondents plan to use their refund to pay down existing debt in 2013. Similarly, 36.8% of respondents said they plan to save their tax refunds in 2013. Only 4.1% of Iowans are using their tax returns for large purchases, while a small number have designated the funds to start a new business (0.7%).

Many financial experts suggest using a tax refund to establish an "emergency fund" for those who do not already have one. Keeping these funds separate from a regular checking account will discourage spending, and a savings component allows individuals to access funds that can help them avoid going into debt.

The IRS has made it easier to save your tax refund for a "rainy day" by allowing recipients to have the refund split up and deposited in up to three different accounts. This gives consumers the option to earmark portions of their refund for spending and/or saving.

ICUL suggests using a tax refund for one or more of the following:

• Start a "rainy day" fund. Save for unexpected financial woes that occur including car repairs, home maintenance and health expenses. Putting money aside helps you manage the unimaginable.
• Invest it long term. The further away you are from retirement, the more your refund can benefit you. Talk to a credit union about long term investment options, and watch your money grow.
• Invest it short term. While returns on short term investments, such as certificates of deposit, are at record lows, they are still safe and earn interest. If you are looking to make a major purchase within the year, investing short term can grow your refund into a down payment.
• Start a college savings plan. If your children have college aspirations, consider using your refund to start an education savings plan. The cost of attending college is forecasted to rise significantly over the next decade, so saving for higher education now is a smart investment.
• Pay down a credit card or loan balance. Nothing hampers a budget like interest-laden monthly loan payments. Whether in the form of a credit card minimum amount due, or repaying a home equity line, shrinking your balance due can minimize your payment and shorten the life on the loan

By Jason Alderman

Many people adopt a "penny wise, pound foolish" mentality when it comes to buying insurance. When trying to lower expenses, some will drop or reduce needed coverage, gambling that they won't become seriously ill, suffer a car accident or fall victim to a fire or other catastrophe. But all it takes is one serious uncovered (or under-covered) incident to potentially wipe you out financially.

Here are insurance policies no household should be without:

Medical. This is the most critical - and unfortunately, the most expensive - coverage you need. When comparing plans, consider:

• Are your doctors in their provider networks? If not, can you afford out-of-network charges - or are you willing to find new doctors?
• Are your medications covered under the plan's drug formularies?
• Do they restrict specialized services you might need like maternity, mental health or weight reduction treatments?
• If you choose catastrophic coverage to lower premiums, can you afford the high deductible in case of an accident or major illness?

Homeowner/renter. Faulty plumbing, theft and home-accident lawsuits are only a few catastrophes that could leave you without possessions or homeless. A few tips:

• "Actual cash value" coverage repairs or replaces belongings, minus the deductible and depreciation, whereas "replacement cost" coverage replaces items in today's dollars. Depreciation can significantly lower values, so replacement coverage is probably worth the extra expense.
• Jewelry, art, computers and luxury items usually require additional coverage.
• Review coverage periodically to adjust for inflation, home improvements, new possessions, change in marital/family status, etc.
• The market is competitive, so compare your rate with other insurance carriers. Get "apples to apples" quotes since policies may have varying provisions.

Vehicle. You probably can't even get a driver's license without demonstrating proof of insurance. Consider these coverage options:

• "Liability" pays if you cause an accident that injures others or damages their car or property.
• "Uninsured motorist" pays for damage caused to you or your car by an uninsured motorist.
• "Collision" pays for damage to your car resulting from a collision and "comprehensive" pays for damage caused by things like theft, vandalism and fire. However, they only pay up to the actual cash value (ACV) minus deductibles. Because the ACV for older cars is low, repairs often cost more than the car is worth.
• Common ways to lower premiums include : Raising deductibles; discounts for good drivers, exceeding age 55 or installing security systems; comparison shopping; and buying homeowner and car insurance from the same carrier.

Life insurance. If you're single with no dependents, you may get by with minimal or no life insurance. But if your family depends on your income, experts recommend buying coverage worth at least five to 10 times annual pay. Other considerations:

• Many employers offer life insurance, but if you're young and healthy you may be able to get a better deal on your own.
• After your kids are grown you may be able to lower your coverage; although carefully consider your spouse's retirement needs.
• You probably don't need life insurance on your children, but you might want spousal coverage if you depend on each other's income.
• If your divorce settlement includes alimony and/or child support, buy life insurance on the person paying it, naming the receiving ex-spouse as beneficiary.

Don't gamble your future financial stability by passing on vital insurance coverage - the odds aren't in your favor.

Urges Homeowners to visit KeepYourHomeIllinois.org for Assistance

CHICAGO - February 1, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that, one year after he launched the Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network (IFPN) in his State of the State address, more than a half-million people have connected to its free statewide resources to help keep their homes.

"I launched the Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network to help give Illinois families the guidance they need to stay in their homes," Governor Quinn said. "Knowledge is power. By accessing this free, centralized source of trustworthy information we can help homeowners do what's best for their families, while strengthening communities and our economy."

As a result of the IFPN, 561,000 people have been connected to foreclosure prevention help:

·         446,000 homeowners have accessed the IFPN website or the Illinois Hardest Hit program website.

·         More than 60,700 people have called IFPN help hotlines.

·         More than 44,500 homeowners have received homeownership counseling.

·         More than 3,400 people have attended a series of IFPN workshops across the state.

·         More than 6,300 homeowners have received mortgage payment assistance with $144.1 million in funds approved through the Illinois Hardest Hit program.

Families are urged to reach out today to access the free resources that have helped so many other homeowners across Illinois. All of the services are available by visiting www.keepyourhomeillinois.org, calling the toll-free hotline (1-855-KEEP-411), or visiting 80 counseling agencies throughout the state.

In February 2012, Governor Pat Quinn created the IFPN to give Illinois homeowners access to a trusted and reliable source where they could receive one-on-one counseling, legal advice and financial assistance. Under Governor Quinn, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) partnered to establish this free, one-stop resource.

"When families fall behind on mortgage payments due to a job loss or pay cut, Governor Quinn's Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network (IFPN) stands ready to help them," IHDA Executive Director Mary R. Kenney said. "IFPN coordinates every available statewide resource for homeowners, and provides critical tools - such as counseling. Homeowners who undergo counseling are twice as likely to keep their homes."

IFPN has made a difference in the lives of so many Illinois families, such as Maria Perez of suburban Carol Stream. After her divorce in 2008, Perez struggled to pay her mortgage and save for her two sons' college education.

When she lost her job as a school registrar last year, Perez turned to the DuPage Homeownership Center - which assisted her in applying for temporary financial assistance available under IFPN's flagship program, the Illinois Hardest Hit program. The program enables qualified unemployed or underemployed homeowners to get current on their payments or receive monthly assistance.

"The Illinois Hardest Hit program bought me some time to consider my options calmly. It gave me time to breathe," said 48-year-old Perez.

IFPN events to enable homeowners to receive counseling or legal advice, apply for financial assistance and potentially receive an on-site loan modification from participating lenders are scheduled this spring. IFPN's next regional events are planned for Peoria and Rockford in April and June, respectively.