[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 15]
[House]
[Pages 20639-20642]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING FINANCIAL PLANNING WEEK

  Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 973) recognizing Financial Planning Week, 
recognizing the significant impact of sound financial planning on 
achieving life's goals, and honoring families and the financial 
planning profession for their adherence and dedication to the financial 
planning process, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows

                              H. Res. 973

       Whereas the financial planning process can play a vital 
     role in helping workers achieve financial independence by 
     empowering them to identify and manage realistic financial 
     objectives and meet the financial challenges that arise at 
     every stage of life;
       Whereas all individuals in the United States can improve 
     their quality of life by securing competent, objective, and 
     comprehensive financial advice to assist them in attaining 
     their financial goals;
       Whereas 2 surveys released in 2006 by the Consumer 
     Federation of America and the Financial Planning Association 
     revealed that 77 percent of financial planners think it is 
     very important for Americans to understand what net personal 
     wealth is, but only 49 percent of Americans know what 
     constitutes this wealth--financial assets plus home equity 
     and other tangible assets minus consumer debts;
       Whereas, in the past year, proclamations have been issued 
     in numerous States and the District of Columbia recognizing 
     the importance of the financial planning process in meeting 
     the goal of financial independence and other long-term 
     financial objectives; and
       Whereas the Financial Planning Association has designated 
     the week beginning October 2, 2006, as ``Financial Planning 
     Week'': Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) encourages Americans to observe ``Financial Planning 
     Week'' with appropriate programs and activities;
       (2) supports the goals and ideals of ``Financial Planning 
     Week'';
       (3) recognizes the significant impact that sound financial 
     planning can have on securing financial independence and 
     achieving life's goals and dreams; and
       (4) acknowledges and commends the millions of families 
     across the United States, as well as the financial planning 
     profession, for their adherence and dedication to the 
     financial planning process.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Marchant) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.


                             General Leave

  Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Texas?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, there is no question that a sound financial foundation 
can provide people with more opportunities and a better quality of 
life. H. Res. 973, as amended, recognizes the importance of thorough 
planning to the achievement of financial aspirations, and it commends 
the millions of Americans who are already working and planning to 
achieve their personal goals.
  In the past year, proclamations have been made in several States, as 
well as the District of Columbia, recognizing this fact, and I am 
pleased to support H. Res. 973 designating the week of October 2, 2006, 
as National Financial Planning Week.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
might consume.
  Mr. Speaker, my father used to tell us that he or she who fails to 
plan, plans to fail. Of course, the same is true when it comes to money 
management and handling one's finances. This resolution makes all of us 
aware and reminds us that financial planning is essential to financial 
security.
  I am pleased to join in support of this resolution setting aside and 
recognizing Financial Planning Week. I urge its passage.
  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to 
support House Resolution 973, which supports the goals and ideals of 
designating the week of October 2-8, 2006 Financial Planning Week.
  I want to thank my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Texas, 
Mr. Hinojosa, for introducing this resolution. I want to commend him 
for his leadership on the important issue of financial education.
  In addition to serving together on the Financial Services Committee, 
Congressman Hinojosa and I co-chair the Financial and Economic Literacy 
Caucus, which now has 79 members. His commitment to improving financial 
literacy levels among all Americans is unwavering. I am honored to co-
chair the caucus with him and to be the lead co-sponsor of this 
resolution.
  I also want to thank the gentleman from Virginia, Chairman Tom Davis, 
for expeditiously moving this resolution through the Committee on 
Government Reform.
  Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 973 calls on the Nation to observe the 
week of October 2-8, 2006, as ``Financial Planning Week.'' The 
Financial Planning Association, along with many states and 
municipalities across the country, have designated October 2-8, 2006, 
as ``Financial Planning Week.'' Our collective goal for the week is to 
make Americans aware of their financial planning needs, and encourage 
them to take the actions necessary to achieve financial security for 
their families.
  Mr. Speaker, proper financial planning is an essential part of 
achieving one's life goals. Whether saving for a child's education, 
planning for retirement, or purchasing a first home, virtually every 
major decision that we make requires comprehensive financial planning.
  Financial Planning Week will provide a good opportunity to talk to 
your kids about their personal finances, to remind your friends and 
loved ones of the need to plan for retirement, or to seek help with 
your own financial situation, if need be.
  In the last quarter of 2005, the personal savings rate dropped to 
negative-point-two-percent--one of the lowest since the Great 
Depression. Studies show that as many as 10 million households in the 
United States are `un-banked.' They don't even have a bank or credit 
union account. In addition, 37 percent of workers are not currently 
saving for retirement. This has to change, and the best way for it to

[[Page 20640]]

change is for us as Americans to get educated about properly managing 
our finances.
  This October, during ``Financial Planning Week,'' I will join my 
colleagues, and financial literacy advocates nationwide, to encourage 
Americans to seek out information about the benefits of properly 
managing their personal finances.
  I ask my colleagues to join me and support the goals and ideals of 
designating October 2-8, 2006, as Financial Planning Week.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
973, recognizing ``Financial Planning Week,'' October 2nd through the 
8th of this year. I was very pleased that my colleague and good friend 
from Illinois, Congresswoman Judy Biggert, joined me in introducing 
this important and timely resolution.
  I want to take this opportunity to thank Congresswoman Biggert, 
Congressman Kanjorski and his staff, Congresswoman Maloney and her 
staff, Tania Shand with Government Reform, and Jerry Hartz and Catlin 
O'Neill with the Minority Leader's office for the assistance they 
provided me in bringing this resolution to the floor today.
  As Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Financial and Economic Literacy 
Caucus, I decided to introduce this resolution to place the spotlight 
on yet another important piece of the financial and economic literacy 
puzzle that we must all put together during our lives: financial 
planning. Financial planning plays a key role in meeting the goal of 
the Caucus to improve financial literacy rates for individuals during 
all stages of their lives.
  Mr. Speaker, at this point, I ask unanimous consent to insert into 
the record the following letters in support of H. Res. 973: letters 
from the Financial Planning Association, the Financial Services 
Roundtable, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Cross Financial 
Services Corporation, MasterCard and Citigroup.
  Despite daily challenges of balancing work, family, and personal 
matters, it's important--now more than ever--that all Americans take 
time to increase their financial knowledge and plan for a secure 
future. Like most people, we all have hopes and dreams and life goals 
for ourselves and our families. These might include buying a home or 
business . . . saving for college education for our children . . . 
taking a dream vacation . . . reducing taxes . . . or retiring 
comfortably.
  Managing your personal finances is ultimately your responsibility. 
However, you don't have to do it alone.
  There are community centers, non-profits, community-based 
organizations, financial counseling organizations as well as private 
sector financial groups and associations that can help you make 
decisions that make the most of your financial resources. Certified 
Financial Planners are among those groups. This advice is available in 
many languages.
  All these entities can help you set realistic financial and personal 
goals. They can assess your current financial health by examining your 
assets, liabilities, income, insurance, taxes, investments and estate 
plan. These same groups can help you develop a realistic, comprehensive 
plan to meet your financial goals by addressing financial weaknesses 
and building on financial strengths. They can help you put your plan 
into action and monitor its progress.
  Furthermore, they can help you stay on track to meet changing goals. 
. . changing personal circumstances. . . changing stages of your life. 
. . changing products, markets and tax laws.
  Research has shown that people with a financial plan tend to save 
more money, feel better about their progress, and make more appropriate 
decisions--no matter what their income.
  Moreover, a written financial plan is far more effective than a 
mental one. Seeing your plan in writing helps to remind you about what 
actions are necessary to reach your goals, and it helps you to check 
your progress more easily than relying on memory alone.
  Following the financial plan is the biggest challenge for most 
people. The pay-off for meeting this challenge will be increased family 
financial security and satisfaction.
  Many people are amazed to see how much of their money is spent on 
take-out lunches, morning coffees, and other expenses that can add up 
over time. It is up to all of us to decide whether these ``extras'' are 
really worth the trade- off. Are these everyday ``extras'' worth giving 
up money for current expenses and future goals?
  The reality is that your everyday spending decisions have a greater 
impact on your long-term financial well-being than all of your 
investment decisions combined.
  Next week, I hope that all of you will focus on mapping out your 
financial future.
  I would like to commend the financial planners who will be 
volunteering their services on October 4th, financial planning day in 
room 430 of Senate Dirksen Office Building from noon to 3pm. Over a 
dozen financial planners will be available to answer any financial 
questions from you or your staff. More than likely, just your staff 
will be able to attend the event, but I encourage them to do so.
  Mr. Speaker, if there is one thing I would like my colleagues and the 
public to understand today is that it is never too late to take control 
of your finances.
  Whether you are a youth learning the fundamentals of savings and 
checking or an older person concerned that you haven't planned for your 
golden years, it is never too late to start. So, why not start today!
  Again, I rise in strong support of this resolution and urge my 
colleagues to vote in favor of it.

                           The Financial Planning Association,

                                Washington, DC, September 8, 2006.
     Hon. Ruben Hinojosa,
     House of Representatives, Rayburn House Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Hinojosa: As the leading membership 
     organization for the financial planning community, the 
     Financial Planning Association (FPA) would like to thank you 
     for introducing H.R. 973, in recognition of Financial 
     Planning Week. This resolution will help expand our goal of 
     increasing financial literacy and as a result, help the 
     national savings rate.
       In a few weeks, our efforts to promote the benefits of wise 
     personal financial planning will be extended to Capitol Hill. 
     We would like to personally invite you to attend our sixth 
     annual Financial Planning Day on Capitol Hill on October 4, 
     in the Senate Dirksen Building, room 430, from 12 p.m. to 3 
     p.m. Over a dozen financial planners will be available to 
     answer any financial questions from you or your staff. I 
     would also like to use that opportunity to personally express 
     my gratitude for your efforts in support of sound financial 
     planning for all Americans.
       FPA connects those who need, support and deliver financial 
     planning. Our 28,000 members work with a variety of clients, 
     including individuals and small businesses, to support and 
     deliver objective financial planning advice from a competent, 
     ethical financial planner. Our members demonstrate and 
     support a professional commitment to education and a client-
     centered financial planning process.
           Sincerely,
                                                Daniel B. Moisand,
     President, FPA.
                                  ____

                                            The Financial Services


                                                   Roundtable,

                               Washington, DC, September 25, 2006.
     Hon. Ruben Hinojosa,
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Hinojosa: We write to applaud your 
     leadership in introducing House Resolution 973, recognizing 
     Financial Planning Week. The Roundtable believes the 
     financial planning process allows Americans to achieve their 
     dreams by empowering them to identify and manage realistic 
     financial goals.
       This resolution highlights the impact of sound financial 
     planning on achieving life's goals, and honoring families and 
     the financial planning profession for the adherence and 
     dedication to the financial planning process. Everyone can 
     benefit from knowing the value of financial planning and 
     knowing where to turn for objective financial advice.
       The Financial Services Roundtable represents 100 of the 
     largest integrated financial services companies providing 
     banking, insurance, and investment products and services to 
     the American consumer. Member companies participate through 
     the Chief Executive Officer and other senior executives 
     nominated by the CEO.
       Roundtable member companies provide fuel for America's 
     economic engine, accounting directly for $50.5 trillion in 
     managed assets, $1.1 trillion in revenue, and 2.4 million 
     jobs.
       We thank you for your leadership in recognizing Financial 
     Planning Week through H. Res. 973. The Roundtable is proud to 
     support this important resolution.
           Best regards,
                                                   Steve Bartlett,
     President and CEO.
                                  ____

                                            United States Hispanic


                                          Chamber of Commerce,

                                Washington, DC, September 7, 2006.
       Dear Representative: On behalf of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber 
     of Commerce, the largest and most influential advocate for 
     the nation's 2 million Hispanic-owned businesses, I would 
     like to express our support for H. Res. 973, a legislative 
     efforts to recognize October 2-8, 2006 as Financial Planning 
     Week.
       Indeed, all families, especially in the Latino community, 
     must further their reliance on competent and ethical 
     financial planners to help make smart financial decisions, 
     open businesses, and plan for the future. Acknowledging the 
     importance of sound financial planning can help inform 
     consumers on how to maximize their and their family's 
     potential to improve their

[[Page 20641]]

     quality of life. Latino families would benefit from planned 
     Financial Planning Week activities that will include toll 
     free hotlines in both English and Spanish for individuals to 
     call a financial planner with questions about their finances.
       All families and businesses are well served by using the 
     services of financial planners to plan for college, prepare 
     for retirement, invest in financial products and life 
     insurance to help get through times of need and estate 
     planning. In the past year, proclamations have been issued in 
     numerous states and the District of Columbia recognizing the 
     importance of the financial planning process in meeting long-
     term financial objectives and achieving the goal of financial 
     independence.
       We urge you to cosponsor H. Res. 973 so that we may help 
     educate families on how to best prepare and improve their 
     financial lives.
       Please contact me or David Ferreira, Director of Government 
     Affairs, at 202.842.1212 if we can be of further service in 
     advancing this worthwhile goal.
           Sincerely,
                                               Michael L. Barrera,
     President and CEO.
                                  ____

                                          Cross Financial Services


                                                  Corporation,

                                               September 11, 2006.
     Hon. Ruben Hinojosa,
     House of Representatives, Rayburn House Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Hinojosa: As a member of FPA, I would 
     like to thank you for introducing H.R. 973, in recognition of 
     Financial Planning Week. I would also like to personally 
     express my gratitude for your efforts for increasing 
     financial literacy. On a daily basis, I see the need and 
     importance for increasing financial literacy as a nation. 
     Financial Planning Week serves as an opportunity to help the 
     American public realize the importance of sound financial 
     planning in their personal lives.
       Many Americans seem to have not been taught the lessons 
     their forefathers learned during the depression about debt 
     and cash reserves nor have had the basic understanding of 
     financial knowledge passed on to them from the previous 
     generation. It is imperative that they receive that 
     information. Today, financial planners, like myself, deliver 
     objective advice to help individuals and families as they 
     make their financial decisions. I work with a variety of 
     clients, including individuals and small businesses, to 
     support and deliver objective financial planning advice.
       Thank you for your efforts to support sound financial 
     planning for all Americans.
           Sincerely,
     Kirk W. Francis,
       Government Relations Director, San Antonio-South Texas 
     Chapter, The Financial Planning Association.
                                  ____

                                         MasterCard International,


                                               Law Department,

                                 Purchase, NY, September 27, 2006.
     Hon. Judy Biggert,
     Hon. Ruben Hinojosa,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Representatives Biggert and Hinojosa: I am writing to 
     communicate MasterCard Worldwide's strong support for House 
     Resolution 973, which recognizes October 2-8 as Financial 
     Planning Week and honors financial planning professionals for 
     their devotion and commitment to promoting the financial 
     planning process.
       MasterCard Worldwide shares your goal of increasing 
     financial planning, illustrated by our various consumer 
     education programs. Specifically, MasterCard has developed 
     two programs called Debt Know How and Are You Credit Wise? 
     which target consumers at different stages of their financial 
     lives and aims to increase successful financial planning.
       By working with community leaders to offer consumers easy-
     to-understand tips and resources to increase their financial 
     planning efforts, MasterCard's Debt Know How program helps 
     consumers successfully manage financial debt. The program was 
     developed in conjunction with the University of Minnesota 
     Extension Service and is available in both English and 
     Spanish.
       Are You Credit Wise? is MasterCard's consumer education 
     program which aims to increase financial literacy rates among 
     America's college students by teaching successful financial 
     planning skills. The program employs a peer-to-peer teaching 
     model to maximize its effectiveness, as college students are 
     more included to listen and act upon information coming from 
     their peers than from parents, teachers or counselors.
       We once again applaud your leadership and your tireless 
     efforts to improve the lives of the American people through 
     increased financial literacy and planning.
           Sincerely,
     Joshua Peirez.
                                  ____

     Hon. Judy Biggert,
     Hon. Ruben Hinojosa,
     U.S. House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Representatives Biggert and Hinojosa: On behalf of 
     Citigroup's Office of Financial Education, I am writing in 
     support of H. Res. 973, which recognizes Financial Planning 
     Week and encourages Americans to become engaged in the 
     financial planning process in order to achieve their 
     financial goals. Financial literacy is a critical skill that 
     people need to master if they are to function in our global 
     economy.
       Citigroup is strongly committed to promoting financial 
     education as evidenced by our ten-year, $200 million dollar 
     commitment and our multi-lingual curriculum designed for 
     consumers of all ages.
       We applaud the work of the Financial Literacy Caucus and 
     thank you both for your continued efforts to improve the 
     lives of Americans in this area.
           Sincerely,

                                                  Dara Duguay,

                                                         Director,
                                             Citigroup's Office of
                                              Financial Education.

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 973, 
``Recognizing Financial Planning Week.'' I want to thank Mr. Hinojosa 
and Mrs. Biggert for introducing the resolution. I am cosponsor of this 
resolution because I believe that we must acknowledge the importance of 
financial planning for all Americans.
  This resolution accepts the goal of financial planning as a tool to 
enable families and individuals to achieve their financial and life 
goals. It recognizes the relevance of financial planners, many of whom 
are essential to American individuals and families planning for their 
futures.
  Sound financial planning must be integrated into any comprehensive 
life plan. Many of the financial instruments and investments require 
basic if not advanced financial planning to be used productively. 
Financial independence is a goal that I strongly advocate. Without 
financial independence it is impossible to function and to meet future 
challenges.
  The Financial Planning Association has designated the week beginning 
October 2, 2006 as Financial Planning Week. The House officially 
recognizes the importance of financial planning and financial planners 
in the process, and this resolution embraces Financial Planning Week. 
Therefore, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
strong support of H. Res. 973, and the goals and the ideals of 
Financial Planning Month. I am proud to say that I am an original co-
sponsor of this bill, and a member of the Financial Literacy Education 
Caucus.
  I would first like to start by thanking my colleagues Mrs. Biggert 
and Mr. Hinojosa for their leadership on this issue.
  Mr. Speaker, we need to be paying more attention to financial 
literacy in this country, and to making sure our constituents have the 
tools to be responsible consumers, good savers and savvy investors.
  An estimated 40 percent of Americans say they know only some, a 
little or not much, about how to manage their finances and only 10 
percent of college students have had financial education in high 
school.
  And yet, everyday life requires an increasing knowledge of banking 
and finance. The average American family spends $200,000 to raise a 
child to the age of 18, but the overall savings in this country barely 
breaks above 1 percent.
  Prices for basic essentials--for health care, housing, schooling--are 
all skyrocketing. How are our families going to pay for it all if they 
aren't saving?
  I am pleased that the Congress is voting to pass this financial 
planning awareness resolution at this time. Next week, I will be 
hosting the banking and finance portion of the Congressional Hispanic 
Caucus Institute Summit.
  Financial literacy education is such an important topic that I have 
chosen to make it the focus of our summit. During our discussion, we 
will talk about ``best practices'' in financial literacy education.
  It is essential that our citizens develop the tools of good financial 
management. These are the tools that will allow them to build wealth to 
enrich their families and communities.
  They are also the tools that will protect them from fraud and 
exploitation, and help them be more responsible with their finances. 
This is not just important for individuals and their families, it is 
important to our nation as a whole. Less debt, more savings and more 
investment will be the foundation of our future economic success.
  Once again I thank my colleagues for bringing H. Res. 973 to the 
floor and urge its passage.
  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong 
support for House Resolution 973--recognizing Financial Planning Week. 
Now more than ever, working families need the tools and resources to 
make sound financial decisions.

[[Page 20642]]

  American families are struggling with financial burdens--from growing 
student loan and credit card debts to increasing interest rates. 
Flattened wages and negative savings rates mean that too may families 
have to choose between sending their children to college and saving for 
retirement.
  The financial situation for most American families is grim. In fact 
in 2005--for the first time since the Great Depression--the personal 
savings rate of Americans was negative. Americans have depleted their 
savings to pay off debt and to simply make ends meet. This is a 
dangerous trend for Americans that must be reversed.
  That is why financial planning is more critical than ever. Americans 
need the tools and resources to know how to save for a variety of life 
opportunities and situations--including retirement, college, starting a 
new business, and buying a first home. Many families simply need 
assistance with budgeting for everyday needs. I commend the financial 
institutions that have included in their business models financial 
planning assistance for their customers. These institutions help to 
strengthen the economic situation for our communities and families.
  What is unfortunate is that this Republican Congress has done little 
to provide relief to struggling families. Instead, families are being 
squeezed--flat wages, increased costs of health care, skyrocketing 
prices at the gas pump, and double digit college tuition increases. In 
nearly every aspect of life, American families are faced with financial 
burdens and tough budget decisions.
  Congress could benefit from better financial planning--America 
deserves a Government that knows how to model good budget decisions. 
Unfortunately, this Republican Congress has led our Government into a 
negative savings rate--spending and borrowing more than our Nation can 
afford--while passing budgets that benefit the Nation's wealthiest 
while shortchanging hardworking, middle class families.
  Today, I rise to support this important resolution. I will continue 
to work to support legislation that will encourage working families to 
save for their futures and to ensure that working families have the 
resources to make sound budget decisions.
  Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the adoption 
of H. Res. 973, as amended, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Marchant) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 973, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was 
agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________