International sales of U.S.-based companies increased at an annual rate of 16.4% for the first quarter of 2007, compared to 2.7% growth in domestic sales. International profits account for 25% of all profits of U.S. companies, up from 5% in the 1960s (Source: U.S. Commerce Department, 2007).
In a recent survey of financial executives, 81% indicated that their employee medical expenses had increased from 5% to more than 20% in the past year. Approximately 25% indicated that some or most of these increased costs would be passed on to their employees (Source: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, 2008).
In 2005, 83% of families with multiple adults and one or more children were offered health insurance, compared with 81% of families with multiple adults and no children, 69% of households with one adult and no children, and 67% of families with one adult and one or more children (Source: Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, 2007).
When asked whether saving for college or retirement was more important, 43% of respondents indicated college while an additional 43% said retirement (Source: InvestmentNews, 2007).