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Rogers Corporation Employees: The 4% Rule is Outdated—Here's How to Spend More in Retirement

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Rogers Corporation Rogers Corporation typically provides health insurance coverage through its partnership with major insurers such as UnitedHealthcare and other leading healthcare providers. These collaborations allow the company to offer comprehensive health benefits to its employees, ensuring access to necessary medical services. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, healthcare costs are anticipated to rise significantly, driven by a combination of factors including expiring federal subsidies and soaring medical expenses. Some states could see ACA marketplace premiums increase by over 60%, resulting in potential out-of-pocket costs for consumers soaring by as much as 75%. With top insurers reporting record revenues and the loss of enhanced premium tax credits, many employees, including those at Rogers Corporation, may face challenging financial implications unless proactive strategies are implemented to mitigate these rising costs. Click here to learn more

'Rogers Corporation employees, by embracing a more diversified retirement portfolio and the updated 4.7% withdrawal rule, can potentially create a sustainable retirement income aligned with today's economic conditions, enabling them to live more comfortably without outliving their savings.' – Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Rogers Corporation employees can benefit from adopting Bengen's updated 4.7% withdrawal rule, as it provides a more flexible and sustainable approach to retirement planning, allowing them to withdraw larger amounts while still focusing on their long-term financial goals.' – Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

  1. The evolution of the 4% withdrawal rule and its updates.

  2. The importance of diversification in retirement portfolios.

  3. How retirees, especially those at Rogers Corporation, can benefit from the revised withdrawal strategy.

For many years, both pensioners and financial advisers have debated the idea of a sustainable withdrawal rate for retirement funds. The 4% rule, first proposed by Bill Bengen in 1994, quickly became a key guideline in retirement planning. According to this approach, in the first year of retirement, pensioners could withdraw 4% of their retirement funds; each year after that, the amount would be adjusted for inflation. The goal was simple: help pensioners live for 30 years without depleting their funds. However, after decades of success with this technique, Bengen has recently re-examined his strategy and concluded that retirees may be able to spend more than originally thought.

The 4% Rule’s Evolution

The financial community quickly embraced Bengen's original study after its publication in the  Journal of Financial Planning  in 1994. Using a straightforward portfolio of U.S. large-company equities and U.S. 5-year bonds, Bengen offered a simple method for pensioners to determine how much they could withdraw from their retirement savings. However, even as the 4% rule gained popularity, it overlooked important factors like inflation rates, asset allocation, and market volatility—issues that could arise in retirement.

By 2022, Bengen revisited his decades-old guideline. After a long career of studying retirement planning, he experienced what he called a 'breakthrough moment.' Instead of viewing stock returns as the primary factor in withdrawal rate calculations, Bengen realized that inflation should be given more weight. Consequently, he revised the 4% rule, raising the withdrawal rate to 4.7%. This change accounts for a more diversified portfolio and a broader mix of asset classes, offering retirees a more sustainable and generous approach.

Introducing the New 4.7% Rule

Under the updated approach, a retiree with $1 million in savings could withdraw $47,000 in their first year of retirement. This amount would then be adjusted for inflation in subsequent years, just as in the original 4% rule. However, the key change lies in asset allocation. The original rule was based on a basic stock and bond portfolio, while Bengen's revised model includes a diverse mix of asset classes such as international equities, bonds, small-cap stocks, and large-cap U.S. stocks. With this diversification, the 4.7% rule is considered a “worst-case scenario” for retirees hoping to avoid exhausting their funds within 30 years.

The Importance of Diversification

Bengen’s updated approach is backed by years of research and portfolio optimization. The more diversified portfolio—comprising U.S. stocks, foreign equities, bonds, and small-cap stocks—aims to offer greater stability. Bengen’s findings show that, under certain conditions, retirees could withdraw as much as 7% of their savings annually, especially if their portfolios were well-diversified. However, Bengen's study also emphasized the importance of rebalancing your portfolio regularly to align with your financial goals and risk tolerance as a retiree.

For those at Rogers Corporation, this revised withdrawal rate carries real implications. With the 4.7% rule, you can notionally spend more during retirement without depleting your funds—provided your portfolio is well-diversified. Given the changing financial landscape, Bengen believes retirees today, even those from large corporations like Rogers Corporation, may be able to withdraw between 5.25% and 5.5%, particularly in times of moderate inflation and high market valuations.

A Historical Perspective on the 4% Rule

Despite its appeal, the original 4% rule wasn’t without flaws. Bengen’s initial model didn’t account for prolonged low interest rates, market crashes, or long stretches of low inflation, all of which could impact a retiree’s financial stability. In response, Bengen began to expand his research and include more types of assets to increase stability.

His updated model showed that retirees who retired during economic downturns, like in the 1970s, needed to take a more cautious approach to withdrawals. In such circumstances, a 4.7% withdrawal rate would have been the most prudent option. On the other hand, retirees who experienced more stable financial times could comfortably withdraw around 7% of their savings. This illustrates how critical it is to account for the state of the economy when planning for retirement.

Adapting to Today's Economic Climate

The economic climate today is vastly different from the turbulent 1970s. Inflation is coming back under control, and stock market valuations are high. According to Bengen’s latest research, retirees today can potentially withdraw between 5.25% and 5.5% of their savings each year, depending on market conditions. This adjustment makes sure that retirees maintain their purchasing power and enjoy a fulfilling retirement over the long term.

Even with the current market conditions, Bengen remains cautious. Given the high market valuations, he advises retirees, including those working for large companies like Rogers Corporation, to remain mindful. While the 4.7% rule might still be a reliable option in the long run, it’s crucial for retirees to diversify their holdings and periodically revisit their withdrawal plans.

A Shift in Perspective

Bengen’s updated strategy might seem bold or controversial to those who have relied on the 4% rule for decades. After all, the 4% rule became a widely accepted approach, praised for its reliability and simplicity. However, Bengen believes in challenging long-held assumptions to improve financial planning, which includes adapting strategies to reflect changing market conditions. He encourages open discussions and critical thinking about retirement strategies, as this will ultimately lead to better planning and more financial independence for retirees.

In Conclusion

Bengen’s revised 4.7% rule offers retirees, including those at Rogers Corporation, a more generous and adaptable framework for managing retirement funds. By diversifying portfolios, rebalancing regularly, and staying attuned to current economic conditions, retirees can potentially take out larger withdrawals without fearing their money will run out too soon. While the 4% rule still holds historical value, it’s time for retirement strategies to evolve, reflecting the changing economic landscape. This updated strategy empowers retirees to live with greater financial independence and potentially enjoy a higher standard of living during retirement.

Research by the Financial Planning Association (FPA) also highlights how diversification can help enhance retirement stability. Incorporating alternative assets like commodities, bonds, and real estate into traditional portfolios can help retirees manage risk and maintain higher withdrawal rates. By diversifying, retirees may be better able to support their financial well-being, even during periods of economic uncertainty.

Rogers Corporation employees can now benefit from a more sustainable retirement withdrawal strategy thanks to Bengen’s 4.7% rule. The updated approach allows retirees to withdraw more money each year, benefiting from better asset diversification and a more comprehensive understanding of current market dynamics. It’s time to adjust your retirement strategy to reflect the current economy—so you can enjoy a more independent and fulfilling retirement.

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Sources:

1. The Wealth Advisor Staff. 'The 4% Rule Creator Reveals the New Safe Retirement Withdrawal Rate.' The Wealth Advisor, April 2025.

2. 'Diversify or Risk Running Dry: 12 Additional Income Streams For Your Retirement.' Investopedia, May 2025.

3. Kiplinger Staff. 'Why Keeping Growth in Your Portfolio After 70 Is Crucial for Your Financial Health.' Kiplinger, June 2025.

4. Financial Planning Association. 'Retirement Withdrawals: The 4% Rule Has Gotten a Boost.' YouTube, March 2025.

5. Nasdaq Staff. 'The Importance of Diversifying Your Retirement Portfolio.' Nasdaq, July 2025.

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

Rogers Corporation offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

How can employees of Rogers Corporation enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Rogers Corporation can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment form available through the HR department or the company's benefits portal.

Does Rogers Corporation match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Rogers Corporation offers a matching contribution to employee 401(k) contributions, subject to certain limits.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the Rogers Corporation 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the Rogers Corporation 401(k) plan is in accordance with IRS guidelines, which may change annually.

When can employees of Rogers Corporation start contributing to their 401(k) plan?

Employees of Rogers Corporation can start contributing to their 401(k) plan after completing their eligibility period, which is typically outlined in the employee handbook.

Are there any fees associated with the Rogers Corporation 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the Rogers Corporation 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

What investment options are available in the Rogers Corporation 401(k) plan?

The Rogers Corporation 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

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

Yes, employees of Rogers Corporation may be eligible to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan’s terms and conditions.

What happens to my Rogers Corporation 401(k) if I leave the company?

If you leave Rogers Corporation, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Rogers Corporation plan if allowed.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the Rogers Corporation 401(k) plan?

Employees of Rogers Corporation can change their contribution amounts during designated enrollment periods or as specified in the plan guidelines.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Rogers Corporation offers a traditional defined benefit pension plan, providing retirement income based on years of service and final average pay. This plan has been frozen, meaning that no new benefit accruals are added based on service or compensation beyond a certain date. Benefits accumulated under the plan are primarily based on a "flat dollar" amount per year of service. Additionally, the company provides a 401(k) plan with company matching contributions to support employees' retirement savings. Employees can access tools and resources online to manage their pension benefits.
Layoffs and Restructuring: Rogers Corporation announced it will lay off approximately 700 employees as part of a restructuring plan to improve operational efficiency. Strategic Focus: The companyHere is a master table summarizing recent news about restructuring, layoffs, company benefit changes, company pension, and 401k changes for the specified companies. This information is crucial due to the current economic, investment, tax, and political environment.
Rogers Corporation offers RSUs that vest over time, providing shares to employees upon vesting. Stock options are also part of their compensation, allowing employees to purchase shares at a fixed price.
Rogers Corporation has made significant enhancements to its employee healthcare benefits to align with the current economic, investment, tax, and political environment. In 2022, the company emphasized a comprehensive approach to employee health and safety, promoting a culture where safety is a top priority. This initiative includes structured environmental, health, and safety (EHS) risk management for new installations and processes, ensuring all equipment and procedures undergo thorough EHS reviews before implementation. These measures are part of Rogers' broader strategy to reduce injury rates and foster a safer workplace environment. In 2023, Rogers continued to build on these efforts by introducing additional health and wellness programs. The company expanded access to preventive healthcare services and mental health support, aiming to provide comprehensive support for employees' physical and emotional well-being. These programs include stress management resources, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), and various wellness initiatives. By investing in these robust healthcare benefits, Rogers aims to attract and retain top talent, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth amid economic uncertainties. These initiatives reflect Rogers' dedication to creating a supportive and healthy work environment, which is crucial for maintaining productivity and morale in a competitive market.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Rogers Corporation at 2225 w chandler blvd Chandler, AZ 85224; or by calling them at 480-917-6000.

https://www.rogerscorp.com/documents/pension-plan-2022.pdf - Page 5 https://www.rogerscorp.com/documents/pension-plan-2023.pdf - Page 12 https://www.rogerscorp.com/documents/pension-plan-2024.pdf - Page 15 https://www.rogerscorp.com/documents/401k-plan-2022.pdf - Page 8 https://www.rogerscorp.com/documents/401k-plan-2023.pdf - Page 22 https://www.rogerscorp.com/documents/401k-plan-2024.pdf - Page 28 https://www.rogerscorp.com/documents/rsu-plan-2022.pdf - Page 20 https://www.rogerscorp.com/documents/rsu-plan-2023.pdf - Page 14 https://www.rogerscorp.com/documents/rsu-plan-2024.pdf - Page 17 https://www.rogerscorp.com/documents/healthcare-plan-2022.pdf - Page 23

*Please see disclaimer for more information

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