With the current economic environment and political climate in Washington, executive pay packages have come under fire. For anyone employed by a public company or a firm that has received TARP funds, you now have a new best friend keeping close tabs on you, the federal government's "pay czar."

At the same time, everyone else should take note that the pay control virus will undoubtedly spread, perhaps subtly, to companies in other parts of the private sector that want to avoid finding themselves in the news.

The implications of all this will be felt in the year ahead. Whether you work for a public corporation or a private company, you can be absolutely certain that the pendulum in executive benefits is quickly swinging toward more security. This includes adequate disability income insurance and re-engineering company-sponsored life insurance for more flexible solutions for executives.