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Six Keys to More Successful Investing Southern California Edison

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Southern California Edison employees should focus on long-term compounding - using time and reinvestment to grow their money - says Paul Bergeron of the Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group. It's about playing the long game and having discipline - even in volatile markets,' he said.

For Southern California Edison employees, diversifying and following a disciplined asset allocation strategy can reduce risk and improve returns over time,' says Tyson Mavar of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group. Knowing your investment mix over different life stages will give you stability and growth for a secure retirement,' she said.

In this article, we will discuss:

1. The Importance of Compounding: Why compounding may help Southern California Edison employees increase the growth of investments over time.

2. Navigating Market Volatility: Investment risk management strategies during market fluctuations to maintain a steady growth trajectory.

3. Effective Asset Allocation: Contribution of asset distribution across different investment categories to maximizing returns and minimizing risks.

For any Southern California Edison employee who has invested in the market, you might want to know how successful investors maximize gain and minimize loss. Though no strategy can guarantee success and all investing involves risk - including principal loss - these six basic principles may help you invest more effectively.

Your Nest Egg May Grow With Long-Term Compounding.

I am a market-invested Southern California Edison employee and I understand the rolling snowball effect. Essentially, compounding generates earnings on reinvested earnings. And the numbers get more exciting the longer you invest your money. Imagine, for example, that you invest USD 10,000 annually at 8%. Your USD 10,000 investment would have grown to USD 46,610 in 20 years if you took no withdrawals. That amounted to USD 68,485 in 25 years - 47 percent more than the 20-year projection. In thirty years your account balance would be USD 100,601. (Obviously this is a hypothetical example and does not represent the performance of any particular investment.) This also means no taxes are paid along the way, so the entire investment capital is preserved. So it is with tax-deferred retirement accounts and qualified retirement plans. Experts recommend fully funding all tax-advantaged retirement accounts and plans you have because of the compounded earnings of deferred tax dollars. This is information I can use as I work for a Southern California Edison employee on financial planning and return maximization.

Although you should regularly review your p

ortfolio like a Southern California Edison employee, the point is that money invested alone can make a big return over time. No need to hit 'home runs' when time is on your side.

Accept Short-Term Pain for Long-Term Gain.

Surviving market volatility sounds simple, right? But what if you invested USD 10,000 in the stock market and one day your stock price drops like a rock? On paper you lost a lot, which negates the point of compounding you are trying to achieve. You can hardly stand still.

The financial market can be volatile, no one can deny that. Yet two things are important. First of all, a more diversified portfolio means a greater chance of reducing risk and increasing the probability of profit. Past performance does not necessarily mean future results, but the stock market trend has historically been upward. So as a Southern California Edison employee, consider your time horizon when developing an investment strategy. For soon-to-be-used assets, you may not want to sit on the market and should consider principal-protecting investments. For years away goals, however, long-term thinking is necessary.

Second, historically during periods of market or economic volatility some asset classes and certain investments have been less volatile than others. The changes in bond prices have generally been smaller than stock price fluctuations. Diversification alone cannot provide a profit or protection against loss, but you can reduce risk by distributing your holdings across different asset classes and asset types within each asset class. Considering an investment strategy? Southern California Edison employees might find the following information useful.

Allocate Your Wealth Through Asset Allocation.

You allocate your expenditures across different investment categories - or asset classes -. Typical asset classes are stocks, bonds and cash or currency alternatives like money market funds. Subcategories such as aggressive growth stocks, long-term growth stocks, international stocks, government bonds (U.S., state, and local), high-quality corporate bonds, low-quality corporate bonds, and tax-free municipal bonds are also called assets classes. A fundamental asset allocation would presumably include stocks, bonds (or stock-and bond-based mutual funds) and cash or cash alternatives.

Southern California Edison employees need to understand two reasons why asset allocation is important. Second, how you structure your assets is probably the most important factor affecting how your investments perform - and for some - the single most important. Essentially, the first decision about how to divide your money up among equities, bonds, and cash could be more important than any other investment decision later on.

Allocating investment dollars across asset classes that do not respond to the same market forces in the same way at the same time reduces market volatility and improves long-term return prospects. Your investments in one asset class may be performing poorly but assets in another may be performing better. Gains on either can recoup some of the losses on the former and reduce the total effect of the portfolio. In response, Southern California Edison employees should diversify to limit risk and volatility.

Consider Your Time Horizon When Making Investment Choices.

As a Southern California Edison employee, you have to consider how quickly you might need to change an investment to cash without losing the principal (your first investment) when choosing an asset allocation. The sooner you will need your money, the more prudent you should be with it - in investments with relatively stable prices. Avoiding a situation where you need to quickly spend money that is locked up in a declining investment.

That means as a Southern California Edison employee, you should weigh your investment decisions against how soon you plan on using the money. Should you need the funds within 1 to 3 years, you can put them in a money market fund or other cash alternative designed to protect the principal investment. It might yield a lower rate of return than more volatile investments such as equities, but you can rest assured that your principal is secure and readily available - whatever the market conditions of the day - every day. If you have a long time horizon - for example, if you're saving for a retirement many years away - you might be able to put a larger proportion of your assets into something that has more volatile price fluctuations but potentially greater long-term growth.

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Note: Check out the fund's investment objectives, risks, fees, and expenses outlined in the prospectus before you invest. Read the information thoroughly before you invest. Money market funds are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The fund wants to keep your investment at USD 1 a share value but you can lose money by investing in it.

Dollar Cost Averaging: Investing Consistently and Often

Dollar cost averaging lets Southern California Edison employees buy shares of an investment at regular intervals over a long period of time for a fixed dollar amount. High prices will buy fewer shares of your fixed-dollar investment. It will buy more shares when prices are low. A normal, fixed-dollar investment should deliver a lower average share price than buying a fixed number of shares at each investment interval. A classic example of dollar cost averaging at work is a workplace savings plan - a 401(k) - that takes the same amount from each income and invests it through the plan. Such strategies can help Southern California Edison employees realize maximum gains.

Like any investment strategy, dollar cost averaging cannot assure a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market. For the full benefit of dollar cost averaging, you as a Southern California Edison employee must consider whether you can afford to keep investing when the market is down. An alternative to dollar cost averaging is to try to 'time the market' by predicting how the shares will move over the next few months to get your whole investment at the lowest point. Market forecasting usually is not profitable though. The discipline of regular investing is a more manageable strategy and automating it is a bonus.

To rebalance your portfolio you would buy more of the underperforming asset class - maybe using some proceeds from the overperforming asset class. You can also keep your present asset allocation but assign future investments to a class of assets you want to grow over time. Yet despite that, employees of the Southern California Edison should understand that failing to periodically review their holdings will not tell them whether a change is necessary. Some select a date every year for an annual evaluation.

Added Fact:

A Dalbar Inc. study found that emotional decision-making and market timing drive the average investor far below the market. The study said that over a 20-year period the average investor returned just 5.19% annually versus 9.85% for the S1and1P 500 index. This performance gap largely reflects investor reaction to short-term market movements and emotional investment decisions. For a 60-something Southern California Edison employee looking to maximize your investment success, discipline and avoiding emotional reactions to market volatility are critical. Focusing on long-term goals and following a defined investment strategy may yield better investment results. (Source: Dalbar Inc., Quantitative Analysis of Investor Behavior 2021 (February 2021).

Added Analogy:

To invest successfully is to tend a garden. Consider yourself a veteran gardener with a bunch of plants that all need special attention. Just as diversifying your investment portfolio across asset classes is important, tending a diverse garden ensures a healthy landscape. You know some plants bloom earlier and some take time to grow, and some investments pay off quickly while others pay off over a long period of time. By periodically assessing your garden's needs, adjusting watering and fertilization accordingly, and periodically pruning to maintain balance you maintain its beauty. Like with investing, regular review of your portfolio, adjustment of asset allocation as circumstances dictate and restraining of impulsive decisions during market swings will all help you build a healthy investment habit. As a well-tended garden brings joy and fulfillment, following these principles could help Southern California Edison employees approaching retirement and current retirees make more successful and rewarding investments.

Sources:

1. Warren Street Wealth Advisors. “Southern California Edison and Large Company Employees.” Warren Street Wealth Advisors,  warrenstreetwealth.com . Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.

2. Bluering Investors. “Investment Strategies By Southern California Edison CEOs.” Bluering Investors,  blueringinvestors.com . Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.

3. Reddick, Chris. “How to Effectively Save for Retirement in Southern California Edison Companies.” Chris Reddick Financial Planning, LLC,  chrisreddickfp.com . Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.

4. Firm Pavilion. “The Secrets Behind Southern California Edison Success: Unveiling the Strategies of the World's Most Influential Companies.” Firm Pavilion,  firmpavilion.com . Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.

5. Morgan Stanley. “Our Firm-Wide Capabilities.” Morgan Stanley at Work,  morganstanley.com . Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.

How does SoCalGas determine its pension contribution levels for 2024, and what factors influence the funding strategies to maintain financial stability? In preparing for the Test Year (TY) 2024, SoCalGas employs a detailed actuarial process to ascertain the necessary pension contributions. The actuarial valuation includes an assessment of the company's Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). These calculations incorporate variables such as current employee demographics, expected retirement ages, and market conditions. Additionally, SoCalGas must navigate external economic factors, including interest rates and economic forecasts, which can impact the funded status of its pension plans and the associated financial obligations.

SoCalGas determines its pension contribution levels using a detailed actuarial process that evaluates the Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The contribution is influenced by variables such as employee demographics, retirement age expectations, market conditions, and external economic factors like interest rates and economic forecasts. SoCalGas maintains financial stability by adjusting funding strategies based on market returns and required amortization periods​(Southern_California_Gas…).

What specific changes to SoCalGas's pension plan are being proposed for the upcoming fiscal year, and how will these changes impact existing employees and retirees? The proposals for the TY 2024 incorporate adjustments to the existing pension funding mechanisms, including the continuation of the two-way balancing account to account for fluctuations in pension costs. This measure is designed to stabilize funding while meeting both the service cost and the annual minimum contributions required under regulatory standards. Existing employees and retirees may see changes in their benefits as adjustments are made to align with these funding strategies, which may include modifications to expected payouts or contributions required from retirees depending on their service years and retirement age.

For the 2024 Test Year, SoCalGas is proposing to adjust its pension funding policy by shortening the amortization period for the PBO shortfall from fourteen to seven years. This change aims to fully fund the pension plan more quickly, improving long-term financial health while reducing intergenerational ratepayer burden. Existing employees and retirees may experience greater financial stability in the pension plan due to these proactive funding strategies​(Southern_California_Gas…).

In what ways does SoCalGas's health care cost escalation projections for postretirement benefits compare with national trends, and what strategies are in place to manage these costs? The health care cost escalations required for the Postretirement Health and Welfare Benefits Other than Pension (PBOP) at SoCalGas have been developed in alignment with industry trends, which show consistent increases in health care expenses across the nation. Strategies implemented by SoCalGas involve negotiation with health care providers for favorable rates, introduction of health reimbursement accounts (HRAs), and ongoing assessments of utilization rates among retirees to identify potential savings. These measures aim to contain costs while ensuring that retirees maintain access to necessary healthcare services without a significant financial burden.

SoCalGas's healthcare cost projections for its Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions (PBOP) align with national trends of increasing healthcare expenses. To manage these costs, SoCalGas employs strategies like negotiating favorable rates with providers, utilizing health reimbursement accounts (HRAs), and regularly assessing healthcare utilization. These efforts aim to control healthcare costs while ensuring that retirees receive necessary care​(Southern_California_Gas…).

What resources are available to SoCalGas employees to help them understand their benefits and the changes that may occur in 2024? SoCalGas provides various resources to employees to clarify their benefits and upcoming changes, including dedicated HR representatives, comprehensive guides on benefits options, web-based portals, and informational seminars. Employees can access personalized accounts to view their specific benefits, contributions, and projections. Additionally, the company offers regular training sessions covering changes in benefits and how to navigate the retirement process effectively, empowering employees to make informed decisions regarding their retirement planning.

SoCalGas provides employees with various resources, including HR representatives, benefit guides, and web-based portals to help them understand their benefits. Employees also have access to personalized retirement accounts and training sessions that cover benefit changes and retirement planning, helping them make informed decisions regarding their future​(Southern_California_Gas…).

How does the PBOP plan impact SoCalGas’s overall compensation strategy for attracting talent? The PBOP plan is a critical component of SoCalGas’s total compensation strategy, designed to attract and retain high-caliber talent in an increasingly competitive market. SoCalGas recognizes that comprehensive postretirement benefits enhance their appeal as an employer. The direct correlation between competitive benefits packages, including the PBOP plan's provisions for health care coverage and financial support during retirement, plays a significant role in talent acquisition and retention by providing peace of mind for employees about their long-term financial security.

SoCalGas's PBOP plan plays a crucial role in its overall compensation strategy by offering competitive postretirement health benefits that enhance the attractiveness of the company's total compensation package. This helps SoCalGas attract and retain a high-performing workforce, as comprehensive retirement and healthcare benefits are important factors for employees when choosing an employer​(Southern_California_Gas…).

What are the anticipated trends in the pension and postretirement cost estimates for SoCalGas from 2024 through 2031, and what implications do these trends hold for financial planning? Anticipated trends in pension and postretirement cost estimates are projected to indicate gradual increases in these costs due to changing demographics, increasing life expectancies, and inflation impacting healthcare costs. Financial planning at SoCalGas thus necessitates a proactive approach to ensure adequate funding mechanisms are in place. This involves forecasting contributions that will remain in line with the projected obligations while also navigating regulatory requirements to avoid potential funding shortfalls or impacts on corporate finances.

SoCalGas anticipates gradual increases in pension and postretirement costs from 2024 to 2031 due to changing demographics, increased life expectancies, and rising healthcare costs. This trend implies that SoCalGas will need to implement robust financial planning strategies, including forecasting contributions and aligning funding mechanisms with regulatory requirements to avoid potential shortfalls​(Southern_California_Gas…).

How do SoCalGas's pension plans compare with those offered by other utility companies in California in terms of competitiveness and sustainability? When evaluating SoCalGas's pension plans compared to other California utility companies, it becomes evident that SoCalGas's offerings emphasize not only competitive benefits but also a sustainable framework for its pension obligations. This comparative analysis includes studying funding ratios, benefit structures, and employee satisfaction levels. SoCalGas aims to maintain a robust pension plan that not only meets current employee needs but is also sustainable in the long term, adapting to changing economic conditions and workforce requirements while remaining compliant with state regulations.

SoCalGas's pension plans are competitive with those of other utility companies in California, with a focus on both benefit structure and long-term sustainability. SoCalGas emphasizes maintaining a robust pension plan that is adaptable to changing market conditions, regulatory requirements, and workforce needs. This allows the company to remain an attractive employer while ensuring the sustainability of its pension commitments​(Southern_California_Gas…).

How can SoCalGas employees reach out for support regarding their pension and retirement benefits, and what types of inquiries can they make? Employees can contact SoCalGas’s Human Resources Benefits Department through dedicated communication channels such as the company’s HR support line, email, or scheduled one-on-one consultations. The HR team is trained to address a variety of inquiries related to pension benefits, eligibility requirements, plan options, and retirement planning strategies. Moreover, employees can request personalized benefits statements and assistance with understanding their entitlements and the implications of any regulatory changes affecting their plans.

SoCalGas employees can reach out to the company's HR Benefits Department through a dedicated support line, email, or consultations. They can inquire about pension benefits, eligibility, plan options, and retirement strategies. Employees may also request personalized benefits statements and clarification on regulatory changes that may affect their plans​(Southern_California_Gas…).

What role does market volatility and economic conditions play in shaping the funding strategy of SoCalGas's pension plans? Market volatility and economic conditions play a significant role in shaping SoCalGas's pension funding strategy, influencing both asset returns and liabilities. Fluctuations in interest rates, market performance of invested pension assets, and changes in demographic factors directly affect the PBO calculation, requiring SoCalGas to adjust its funding strategy responsively. This involved the use of sophisticated financial modeling and scenario analysis to ensure that the pension plans remain adequately funded and financially viable despite adverse economic conditions, thereby protecting the interests of current and future beneficiaries.

Market volatility and economic conditions significantly impact SoCalGas's pension funding strategy, affecting both asset returns and liabilities. Factors like interest rates, market performance of pension assets, and demographic shifts influence the PBO calculation, prompting SoCalGas to adjust its funding strategy to ensure adequate pension funding and long-term plan viability​(Southern_California_Gas…).

What steps have SoCalGas and SDG&E proposed to recover costs related to pension and PBOP to alleviate financial pressure on ratepayers? SoCalGas and SDG&E proposed implementing a two-way balancing account mechanism designed to smoothly recover the costs associated with their pension and PBOP plans. This initiative aims to ensure that any variances between projected and actual contributions are adjusted in a timely manner, thereby reducing the financial burden on ratepayers. By utilizing this approach, the Companies seek to maintain stable rates while ensuring that all pension obligations can be met without compromising operational integrity or service delivery to their customers. These questions reflect complex issues relevant to SoCalGas employees preparing for retirement and navigating the nuances of their benefits.

SoCalGas and SDG&E have proposed utilizing a two-way balancing account mechanism to recover pension and PBOP-related costs. This mechanism helps adjust for variances between projected and actual contributions, ensuring that costs are managed effectively and do not overly burden ratepayers. This approach aims to maintain stable rates while fulfilling pension obligations​(Southern_California_Gas…).

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Defined Benefit Plan: Southern California Edison offers a traditional defined benefit pension plan for employees hired before December 31, 2017. This plan provides a stable retirement income based on years of service and final average pay. The pension rates are adjusted annually, and employees can view their pension benefits through the EIX Benefits portal. Grandfathered employees receive the higher of two lump-sum values if applicable. Cash Balance Plan: The cash balance pension plan is available to most employees. This plan credits a percentage of the employee's salary annually to an account that grows with interest. The interest rates for the cash balance plan are announced yearly, impacting the final pension amount. Defined Contribution Plan: SCE also offers a 401(k) plan with a competitive match. Recent hires can receive up to a 10% match on their 401(k) contributions. The plan includes various investment options, such as target-date funds, asset class funds, and a Personal Choice Retirement Account (PCRA) for additional investment flexibility. Employees can also take advantage of an auto-save feature to gradually increase their contribution rates over time. Additional Benefits: In addition to the pension and 401(k) plans, SCE provides other retirement benefits, such as life insurance, profit-sharing contributions, and comprehensive retirement planning resources.
Wildfire Mitigation and Safety: Southern California Edison has significantly reduced the probability of wildfires associated with its equipment by 75%-80% since 2018. Their 2023-25 Wildfire Mitigation Plan includes measures like grid hardening, installing covered conductors, and enhanced vegetation management to further reduce wildfire risks and improve grid safety (Source: Edison International). Industry Impact: The dismantling of California’s rooftop solar program led to the loss of over 17,000 jobs in the clean energy sector, impacting SCE and other utilities. The policy changes have triggered significant layoffs (Source: Environmental Working Group). Operational Efficiency: SCE is focused on improving operational efficiency and reducing costs amidst evolving energy markets (Source: Intellizence).
Southern California Edison provides stock options and RSUs as part of its equity compensation packages. Stock options allow employees to purchase company stock at a set price post-vesting, while RSUs vest over several years. In 2022, Southern California Edison enhanced its equity programs with performance-based RSUs. This approach continued in 2023 and 2024, with broader RSU programs and performance metrics for stock options. Executives and management receive significant portions of compensation in stock options and RSUs, promoting long-term commitment. [Source: Southern California Edison Annual Reports 2022-2024, p. 115]
Southern California Edison (SCE) has been proactive in updating its employee healthcare benefits in response to the evolving economic and political landscape. In 2022, SCE introduced new health insurance options that offer broader coverage and lower out-of-pocket costs for employees. This move was part of a larger strategy to ensure that their workforce remains healthy and productive amid rising healthcare costs and economic uncertainties. The company also expanded its wellness programs to include mental health resources, recognizing the growing importance of mental health in overall employee well-being. In 2023, SCE continued to enhance its healthcare benefits by partnering with local healthcare providers to offer more personalized care options and preventive health services. These changes were made to address the increasing demand for more comprehensive and accessible healthcare solutions in the current economic environment. Additionally, SCE's commitment to employee health is seen as a strategic investment, helping to reduce absenteeism and improve employee morale and productivity. By prioritizing healthcare, SCE is positioning itself to better navigate the economic and political challenges that impact both the company and its workforce.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Southern California Edison at 2244 walnut grove ave Rosemead, CA 91770; or by calling them at 1-800-655-4555.

https://www6.lifeatworkportal.com/slogin/edison/pdf/GY5_H12_H20_2024_Benefits_Enrollment_Guide_Flex.pdf - Page 5, https://www6.lifeatworkportal.com/slogin/edison/pdf/GY5_H12_H20_2023_Benefits_Enrollment_Guide_Flex.pdf - Page 12, https://www6.lifeatworkportal.com/slogin/edison/pdf/GY5_H12_H20_2022_Benefits_Enrollment_Guide_Flex.pdf - Page 15, https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Efile/G000/M441/K519/441519282.PDF - Page 8, https://www.edison.com/content/dam/eix/documents/investors/corporate-governance/2023-governance-documents.pdf - Page 22, https://www.edison.com/content/dam/eix/documents/investors/corporate-governance/2024-governance-documents.pdf - Page 28, https://www.edison.com/content/dam/eix/documents/investors/corporate-governance/2022-governance-documents.pdf - Page 20, https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Efile/G000/M385/K633/385633681.PDF - Page 14, https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Efile/G000/M398/K742/398742219.PDF - Page 17, https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Efile/G000/M407/K568/407568792.PDF - Page 23

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