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Nordson Employees: Don’t Let Forgotten 401(k) and Pension Accounts Drain Your Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Nordson offers a comprehensive benefits package to its U.S. employees, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage. The company supports employee wellness through HSAs, FSAs, and a wellbeing program. Retirement benefits include both traditional and Roth 401(k) options, life insurance, and disability coverage. Nordson also provides paid time off, adoption reimbursement, and tuition assistance5. Healthcare costs in the United States are projected to continue rising through 2026, with insurers proposing significant premium increases for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. A recent analysis found that ACA insurers are seeking a median premium increase of 15% for 2026, marking the largest hike since 2018. This surge is attributed to factors such as the anticipated expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, rising medical costsincluding expensive medications and increased hospital staysand a shift in the risk pool towards higher-cost enrollees. Without the renewal of enhanced subsidies, out-of-pocket premiums for ACA marketplace enrollees could increase by more than 75% on average. Click here to learn more

'Nordson employees should recognize that forgotten 401(k) accounts are not just numbers left behind—they represent real retirement dollars that can be reclaimed and consolidated to bolster their financial future.' – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Nordson employees who leave old 401(k) accounts unattended risk higher fees and missed opportunities, which is why it's wise to track and consolidate these balances into a more organized retirement portfolio.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

Why so many retirement accounts are forgotten and the risks involved.
The financial costs of leaving accounts unattended and how to locate old 401(k)s or pensions.
The options available for handling old accounts and why consolidation may matter.

The $2 Trillion Oversight in Retirement Savings: Forgotten 401(k) Accounts

The aim of retirement savings is to deliver a reliable base for the future. Yet one surprising trend continues to grow: trillions of dollars locked in 401(k) accounts that have been forgotten or left behind. According to recent research, there are about 31.9 million forgotten or left-behind 401(k) accounts, collectively holding roughly $2.1 trillion in assets. ¹ That number is up 30% since just two years ago, and has almost doubled over the past decade. ¹

On average, a forgotten 401(k) account holds about $66,691. ¹ So how do these accounts get forgotten? After leaving a job, many workers leave their 401(k) assets inside their previous employer's retirement plan. For those who move on from Nordson or other large employers, letting these balances rest unattended can incur long-term opportunity costs.

Why Retirement Accounts Get Forgotten

It might seem far-fetched to lose track of retirement money, but greater job mobility has made it much more common. Workers shift roles or employers more often today than in the past, and each change introduces a decision point on how to handle retirement balances. Some leave assets with previous employers; others roll them into IRAs or into new employer plans.

It’s not always problematic to leave funds in an older plan. But without regular attention, complications may arise. Many employers cease covering plan administrative costs when an employee departs, which can slowly erode the account. Maintaining multiple accounts can also result in higher overall management fees, less oversight over retirement assets, and missed growth potential. For those with long tenures, especially in large corporations, forgotten accounts often consequently silently diminish in value.

The Cost of Inattention

When accounts are left unmanaged, investment choices made years ago may no longer match your situation or current market conditions. Portfolios set long ago might underperform relative to better-aligned allocations today. Over time, fees, a lack of rebalancing, and outdated allocation strategies can shrink balances.

Federal regulators are aware of the problem. Tools like the Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database ² have been launched to help workers trace and reclaim forgotten retirement account balances. This applies to all workers, including those exiting major corporations, since even meticulous savers may inadvertently leave funds behind.

How to Locate Forgotten 401(k)s and Pensions

Tracing down old retirement accounts may require using multiple resources:

1. Unclaimed Retirement Benefits National Registry – Search by Social Security number for unclaimed balances.
2. Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) – Tracks discontinued pension plans and missing participants.
3. Former Employer or HR Departments – Companies or their successors may retain records.
4. Historical Records – W-2s, benefit statements, or plan summaries often contain clues.
5. Department of Labor’s Form 5500 Database – Lists plan administrators and contact information.
6. State Retirement Boards – For public-sector pension plans.
7. U.S. Department of Labor Help Line – Offers guidance on ERISA-regulated plans.

For employees who have changed divisions, sites, or roles within large firms, these steps help consolidate scattered retirement holdings.

Your Options for Old Accounts

When departing from a job, most workers face four main choices for handling their 401(k):

Move it to a new employer’s retirement plan — consolidates balances and keeps tax treatment intact.
Rollover into an IRA — gives broader investment flexibility, often at lower cost.
Cash it out — comes with taxes and penalties, reducing long-term results.
Leave it with the old employer’s plan — keeps the account open, but no new contributions or employer matches apply, and fees may escalate.

For those nearing retirement, making a considered choice can determine whether past balances continue contributing or quietly decline.

Why Consolidation Matters

Many financial advisors recommend combining accounts when feasible. Consolidation reduces administrative burdens, simplifies oversight, and aligns portfolios more consistently. Having multiple accounts across former employers increases complexity—especially during required minimum distribution (RMD) years.

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To further complicate matters, research suggests that inactive accounts often lag in performance, facing higher fees and fewer investment options. ¹ For someone with a long Nordson career plus various other roles, consolidation can help maintain coherence across retirement holdings.

The Modern Rollover Advantage

Historically, rollovers involved paperwork, delays, and mailed checks. Today, electronic direct rollovers can transfer funds from one retirement plan to another—or into an IRA—without triggering taxes or penalties. That streamlines the process dramatically.

This means professionals leaving large firms no longer need to dread the complexity of combining accounts. With modern rollover tools, managing retirement assets is more accessible than ever.

The Bigger Picture

Forgotten accounts reflect how job changes and corporate shifts complicate retirement planning. Nationally, more than $2.1 trillion sits in dormant accounts, and neglecting them may cost individuals hundreds of thousands of dollars over their careers. ¹

Nordson employees may risk underutilizing retirement balances if they omit to manage legacy accounts. But with available tools, consolidation, and ongoing oversight, those dormant assets can once again contribute meaningfully to retirement readiness.

Final Thoughts

The trillions in neglected 401(k)s highlight a significant gap in retirement planning. While retaining assets in a prior employer’s plan is permissible, it often comes with higher costs and less visibility. Fortunately, resources—like government registries and streamlined rollovers—make it easier to recover and consolidate past accounts.

For Nordson employees, the takeaway is simple: don’t let forgotten balances slip away. With attention and action, those legacy accounts can become active components in a more cohesive retirement approach.

Sources:

1. Capitalize Money, Inc. ' The True Cost of Forgotten 401(k) Accounts ,' Sept. 30, 2025.

2. U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration. Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database . 18 Nov. 2024.

How does the Nordson Corporation Salaried Employees Pension Plan calculate an employee's Accrued Benefit, and what factors need to be considered to ensure accurate pension benefits at retirement? Understanding the components that contribute to the calculation is crucial for employees planning their retirement through Nordson Corporation.

Accrued Benefit Calculation: Nordson Corporation calculates an employee’s Accrued Benefit based on the Final Average Monthly Pay, the number of Years of Benefit Service, and an estimate of the employee’s Social Security benefit. The formula used includes a reduction if an employee has less than 30 Years of Benefit Service(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

What are the eligibility criteria for joining the Nordson Corporation Salaried Employees Pension Plan, and how can employees determine their vesting status as they approach retirement? It is essential for employees to be aware of the timelines and requirements necessary to fully benefit from the retirement plan offered by Nordson Corporation.

Eligibility Criteria: Employees become eligible for the Nordson Corporation Salaried Employees Pension Plan after completing a Year of Eligibility Service, which requires at least 1,000 hours of work annually. Vesting occurs after completing 5 Years of Vesting Service, ensuring full entitlement to benefits(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

In what ways can employees at Nordson Corporation access information about their pension plan benefits, and what steps should they follow if they believe their claims for benefits were denied? Knowing the appropriate channels for receiving information can help employees navigate any discrepancies with their pension benefits.

Accessing Pension Information and Claiming: Employees can access their pension plan details through John Hancock’s website or phone service. If a benefit claim is denied, employees can follow the claims procedure outlined by Nordson, which includes submitting a written request and appealing decisions(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

What options does Nordson Corporation provide for early retirement, and how can employees assess whether an early retirement is financially feasible for them? Understanding the implications of early retirement can significantly impact an employee's long-term financial security.

Early Retirement Options: Nordson Corporation offers early retirement options starting at age 55, with at least 5 years of vesting service. Benefits are reduced by 6% per year for each year that early retirement is taken before the Normal Retirement Date(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

How does Nordson Corporation's pension plan ensure that employees receive monthly benefits post-retirement, and what are the different forms of payment available to retirees? Grasping the payment structures may help employees make informed decisions regarding their retirement income.

Monthly Benefit Payments: Employees retiring from Nordson Corporation can choose various payment methods, including a Life Annuity or a 50% Joint & Survivor Annuity for married participants. Payments start after the Normal Retirement Date or early retirement, depending on the selected option(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

What rights do participants have under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) concerning their Nordson Corporation pension plan, and what should they do to enforce these rights effectively? Employees should be aware of their rights to protect themselves during the benefit claiming process.

ERISA Rights: Under ERISA, participants have the right to receive information about their benefits, file claims, and sue if benefits are denied. Plan fiduciaries must act in the best interest of employees, and participants are protected from retaliation for asserting their rights(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

How does the termination or amendment of the Nordson Corporation Salaried Employees Pension Plan affect employees' accrued benefits, and what protections are in place? Awareness of these scenarios can help employees better plan their financial futures in relation to their pensions.

Plan Termination or Amendment: If the plan is terminated or amended, accrued benefits cannot be reduced, and employees’ benefits become 100% vested. This ensures that employees retain the benefits they have earned up to the point of the change(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

In what situations might employees at Nordson Corporation lose their pension benefits, and what preventative actions can they take to ensure they remain eligible for these benefits? Understanding the risks involved in pension plans can aid employees in maintaining their retirement security.

Loss of Pension Benefits: Employees may lose pension benefits if they leave Nordson Corporation before vesting or fail to select appropriate survivor options. Keeping the Plan Administrator informed of current contact information is crucial to avoid losing benefits(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

How can employees at Nordson Corporation address questions or concerns related to their retirement planning, and what resources are available for personalized assistance? Access to proper resources is vital for employees needing guidance throughout their retirement journey.

Retirement Planning Resources: Employees can contact the Plan Administrator or use John Hancock’s automated services to address questions about retirement planning. Personalized assistance is available for any specific pension-related inquiries(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

What steps should employees take to contact Nordson Corporation or the Plan Administrator to get detailed information about their pension plan, and what should they include in their inquiries to ensure a comprehensive response? Effective communication techniques can significantly enhance employees' understanding of their benefits. These questions have been designed to help employees of Nordson Corporation navigate their pension plan and retirement effectively.

Contacting the Plan Administrator: Employees can contact Nordson Corporation or the Plan Administrator by calling the number listed in the Summary Plan Description. It’s advisable to provide detailed questions regarding benefit amounts, vesting status, or payment options to receive a thorough response(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

News: In early 2024, Nordson Corporation announced a significant restructuring plan, including a reduction of approximately 5% of its global workforce. This move was part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and improve overall efficiency. The company also updated its employee benefits package, including modifications to its pension and 401k plans. Specific changes included adjusting the company’s matching contributions and modifying pension benefit accrual rates.

Nordson Corporation (NDSN) provides stock options and RSUs to employees as part of their compensation packages. Stock options at Nordson Corporation (NDSN) are generally granted to senior executives and key employees based on performance and tenure. RSUs are also awarded to employees as a form of long-term incentive, typically vesting over a period of time.

Benefits Overview: Nordson's official site provides information on various health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance plans. Employees have access to comprehensive health coverage, which typically includes options for health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs). Recent Updates: The company has updated its benefits plans over the years. Specific changes for 2022, 2023, and 2024 can be found in their annual benefits summaries or employee communications.