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Is My Financial Planner Crazy? This Is Why Ball Corporation Employees Are Being Told to Invest More Aggressively.

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Ball Corporation Ball Corporation's healthcare coverage is primarily provided through Aetna, a well-established insurer known for a range of healthcare plans tailored to meet the diverse needs of employees. Brief Overview of Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look ahead to 2026, Ball Corporation employees should prepare for significant healthcare cost increases, with many anticipating premium hikes of over 60% in some states. This alarming trend is largely attributed to rising medical expenses, the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, and aggressive actions from major insurers. Without congressional intervention to extend these vital subsidies, more than 22 million individuals could face an average increase of 75% in out-of-pocket costs, straining budgets and limiting access to essential healthcare services. It's crucial for employees to proactively plan for these developments to mitigate financial impacts in the coming year. Click here to learn more

Ball Corporation employees should consider a risk-adjusted investment strategy that fits their risk tolerance and retirement goals - (Advisor Name) of The Retirement Group suggests seeking personalized advice on how to make these important decisions.

In diversifying investments - (Advisor Name) of The Retirement Group says Ball Corporation employees must consider their financial comfort and long-term goals - 'People should use professional guidance to find the right strategy for them'

In this article:

1. Options for investment for Ball Corporation employees.

2. How to interpret financial advice and plan a retirement.

3. A comparison of the benefits and risks of aggressive investment strategies and the bucket method.

Investors have many ways to return money. You probably picture the stock market when you think about investing but you can also put your money in bonds, real estate, precious metals, cash or cryptocurrencies. A Bankrate survey found that Americans would choose 29% in real estate, 26% in the stock market, 17% cash investments (savings, CDs), 9% gold or other precious metals, 9% bonds, 6% Bitcoin/cryptocurrency and 3% neither.

Learning about investment decisions at Ball Corporation: Understanding investment decisions.

With so much information online and so many options when it comes to investing, people working at Ball Corporation are probably unsure of what decisions are best for them. Take 55-year-old Virginia as an example: she and her husband read an article recommending one should have a 100 - age minus - stock portfolio in retirement. A second professional gave them financial advice as well.

The first advisor recommended 40% stocks and the second was conservative and recommended 75%. The other advisor defended his more aggressive approach by citing the current bond market. Two more advisors who supported the aggressive approach left Virginia confused. It includes $1.4 million in IRAs and two homes that will all be paid off by retirement. Virginia asked herself why she was choosing this option. Who is right? How do we decide with such varied advice?

Navigating Diverse Financial Advice

If you ask any Ball Corporation employee what the answer is, it probably is a no. Your financial planner is not crazy. There are literally thousands of 'right' ways to build a retirement portfolio and many rules that are just rules of thumb. That approach of subtracting your age from 100 is but one of many. Imagine you invested only 40-45% in stocks. Here's why that sounds a little conservative:

Risks from Aggressive Investment Strategies.

To employees of the Ball Corporation now considering a more aggressive investment strategy, remember that said approach is rarely the best one. Having an aggressive portfolio can be stressful during high volatility. And losing too much of your balance near retirement to market fluctuations is very risky. Anyone hoping to retire soon should avoid sacrificing money that could be tapped soon. In this scenario - called the sequence of return risk - you would pull out of a depreciating portfolio that has lower future potential returns. Best strategy: Have money set aside for when the market goes down. This will provide greater potential upside with minimal possible loss.

Seeking Professional Financial Advice

To Ball Corporation employees looking for expert financial advice: what some professionals suggest might not always be something that works for you. Pick a strategy you feel comfortable with, and a qualified CFP will work to your specifications. In consultation, state your concerns, fears, hopes and goals to your elected professional. That way they can assemble an appropriate strategy for you.

The Bucket Method Strategy

Another strategy advisors often recommend to Ball Corporation employees is the bucket method. Here your assets are split into categories based on investment time frames. As an example, you might have one very short-term part that you conservatively invest to avoid losses should you need to withdraw.

Bucket 1: A bucket would hold one or two years of living expenses. This cash is kind of an emergency fund. Those are the dollars you will use to pay for your everyday living.

Bucket 2: Another would be a mid-term investment pool (something like the 100 minus your age strategy). According to who you talk to, Bucket 2 will contain five to ten years of living costs. In this bucket you will find medium-risk and return investments including blue-chip and dividend-paying stocks, high-quality bonds, certificates of deposit and other medium-risk quality investments. Make sure this bucket gets income from a somewhat diversified portfolio design that you know is reliable.

Bucket 3: The final portion would be the long-term - the aggressive part of this strategy. The idea behind an aggressive long-term approach is that your money will earn higher returns without you really feeling it when the balance drops. Since the time frame is 10 + years, you would worry less about day-to-day volatility and be more aggressive. This bucket is for more risky investments like junk bonds, commodities and riskier stocks. Expect not to touch the money in Bucket 3 for at least ten years. Ideally it will survive market swings and still make the maximum return.

Tailored Bucket Strategy for Your Needs.

It is also worth noting that depending on your time until retirement, how long you need your money to last and your risk tolerance level, everyone will add different sums of money to each bucket. For instance: if you have enough cash to last you thirty or more years of retirement, you're over 50, and you're not a big risk-taker, you might put 75% of your remaining (after Bucket 1) money in Bucket 2 and 25% in Bucket 3. If you're still barely 30 and okay with higher-risk investing, you might want to flip those numbers.

Conclusion: Find the Right Investment Strategy.

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So basically, investment strategies cannot always be about returns. For Ball Corporation employees, the best strategy is one that fits their philosophy about savings. If market volatility and daily fluctuations in your account balance make you feel anxious, inform your advisor. And remember that even if you are 50 or older, having an aggressive portfolio is perfectly normal and not crazy. Everything else aside, Ball Corporation employees might benefit from professional financial advice when unsure of what investment strategy is right for them. You can request a free cash flow analysis and consult with an advisor through The Retirement Group to learn which choice is best for you.

Sources:

1. Schwab, Charles.  'Phasing Retirement with a Bucket Drawdown Strategy.'  Charles Schwab www.schwab.com/learn/story/phasing-retirement-with-bucket-drawdown-strategy?utm_source=chatgpt.com . Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

2. Morningstar.  'The Bucket Approach to Building a Retirement Portfolio.'  Morningstar www.morningstar.com/portfolios/bucket-approach-building-retirement-portfolio?utm_source=chatgpt.com . Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

3. The Retirement Group.  'Retirement Guide for Ball Corporation Employees.'  The Retirement Group www.theretirementgroup.com/en-us/retirement-guide/retirement-guide-for-fortune-500-employees?utm_source=chatgpt.com . Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

4. National Council on Aging.  'Boost Your Retirement Portfolio with the 'Three Bucket' Strategy.'  National Council on Aging www.ncoa.org/article/boost-your-retirement-portfolio-with-the-three-bucket-strategy?utm_source=chatgpt.com . Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

5. ADP.  'Retirement Strategies | Guide for Employers.'  ADP www.adp.com/resources/articles-and-insights/articles/r/retirement-strategies.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com . Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

What type of retirement plan does Ball Corporation offer to its employees?

Ball Corporation offers a 401(k) Savings Plan to its employees to help them save for retirement.

How does Ball Corporation match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Ball Corporation provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) contributions, typically matching a percentage of what employees contribute up to a certain limit.

Can employees at Ball Corporation choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?

Yes, employees at Ball Corporation can choose from a variety of investment options for their 401(k) contributions, allowing them to tailor their investment strategy.

What is the eligibility requirement for Ball Corporation employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

Most employees at Ball Corporation are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically within their first year of employment.

Does Ball Corporation offer any educational resources for employees to learn about the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Ball Corporation provides educational resources and tools to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.

What is the maximum contribution limit for employees participating in Ball Corporation’s 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for employees in Ball Corporation’s 401(k) plan is set by the IRS and may change annually; employees should check the latest limits for the current year.

Are there any fees associated with Ball Corporation's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Ball Corporation's 401(k) plan may have certain administrative fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents provided to employees.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) savings at Ball Corporation?

Yes, Ball Corporation allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

What happens to employees' 401(k) savings if they leave Ball Corporation?

If employees leave Ball Corporation, they can roll over their 401(k) savings into another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the Ball Corporation plan, depending on the plan’s rules.

Does Ball Corporation allow for after-tax contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Ball Corporation may allow for after-tax contributions to the 401(k) plan, enabling employees to save additional funds for retirement.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Ball Corporation offers a defined benefit pension plan called the Ball Corporation Pension Plan. Employees become eligible after one year and vested after five years of service. The plan calculates benefits based on final average salary and years of service. Ball’s 401(k) plan, known as the Ball Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan, matches employee contributions up to 4% when contributing 5% or more. Immediate 100% vesting is provided for all contributions. [Source: Ball Benefits Overview, 2022, p. 12]
Ball Corporation transferred its pension liabilities to Prudential Annuity to manage costs and streamline administration. The company reported strong financial results for Q1 2024 and continues to offer competitive benefits including a 401(k) plan with company match and additional contributions. Understanding these benefits is vital given the current tax and political landscape.
Ball Corporation provides stock options and RSUs as part of its compensation packages. Stock options allow employees to purchase shares at a set price post-vesting, while RSUs are awarded with vesting conditions such as tenure or performance. In 2022, Ball Corporation enhanced its equity programs with performance-based RSUs. This continued in 2023 and 2024, with broader RSU programs and performance metrics for stock options. Executives and middle management are the main recipients, ensuring alignment with long-term company goals. [Source: Ball Corporation Financial Results 2022-2024, p. 58]
Ball Corporation’s 2022 healthcare updates included improved mental health support and expanded telehealth services. The company introduced additional wellness programs and preventive care options by 2023. For 2024, Ball Corporation focused on maintaining comprehensive health coverage and integrating innovative solutions. The strategy aimed to support overall employee well-being with digital health tools and comprehensive care options. Ball Corporation’s approach reflected a commitment to addressing evolving employee needs and enhancing benefits. The updates were designed to improve employee satisfaction and health management.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Ball Corporation at 100 north riverside Chicago, IL 60606; or by calling them at 1-312-544-2000.

https://www.ball.com/getattachment/318cdc87-5e97-4291-b42e-79bbad714665/GRI-REPORT-2024-March-Update.pdf - Page 5 https://www.pbgc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fy-2024-annual-performance-plan.pdf - Page 12 https://www.ball.com/getmedia/a64361fb-2ac5-4139-8497-e76e1add643c/2023_financial-data.pdf - Page 18 https://www.ball.com/getattachment/e0e7b2a3-5c68-4284-8f49-0a7bf45b3505/Ball-2023-GRI-Content-Index-Response_March-2023-1.pdf - Page 14 https://s1.q4cdn.com/288660599/files/doc_financials/2023/ball-corporation-2023-10k.pdf - Page 20 https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rr-22-02.pdf - Page 8 https://cache.hacontent.com/ybr/R516/04471_ybr_ybrfndt/downloads/FedExCorporationPensionPlanAFN.pdf - Page 15 https://www.nvpers.org/sites/default/files/publications/21735_NV_PERS_News_2022_p6_1.pdf - Page 10 https://www.bdo.com/getmedia/bdc0ae98-c4b6-4f30-a4a9-c3e8a2d64dc4/EBP_2023-Deadlines-and-Important-Dates.pdf?ext=.pdf - Page 9 https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmg/us/pdf/2022/10/22323.pdf - Page 13

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