"In order to retire on one's own terms, an individual must manage their debt responsibility, choose a mortgage suitable to their financial situation, and invest appropriately."
"Without an annual COLA increase, these veterans and their families would see the value of their hard-earned benefits slowly diminish."
"The negative impacts of financial illiteracy are less obvious when the economy is booming, employment is plentiful, and wages rise."
"The passage of S. 407, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009, is critical."
"VA supports a cost-of-living adjustment of this nature."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Duvall."
"It is when recessions come, people lose jobs, and wages fall where the true costs of financial illiteracy among working families become apparent."
"This would provide them with the financial tools to arrange whatever services they need to live in their own homes."
"I am hopeful that we will be able to increase the resources available for the EEE program."
"Should there be further legislation that would help the cause, we certainly want to consider that as well."
"It is important that we continue to educate, protect, and empower consumers."
"I very much appreciate that President Obama includes financial literacy in his platform to help working families."
"I think the fact is that we are trying to create a place that families can call home."
"This bill will also allow military spouses the flexibility to hold property in their own names, something the rest of us probably take for granted."
"We thank Senator Akaka for introducing this bill and congressional staffers for working with DAV to address the unmet needs of caregivers of severely injured veterans."
"I want to ask that my full statement be included in the record."
"I believe that you will be able to provide the kind of leadership that FEMA needs."
"FEMA must have strong, experienced, and capable leadership."
