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Is a Rollover into an IRA the Right Move for You as a Ashland Employee?

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Choosing an IRA rollover means that your money remains tax-advantaged and capable of growth, as in a Ashland-sponsored plan. You may also gain more investment options than what may have been available in your Ashland-sponsored plan. You may also gain oversight of managing these important retirement assets from your trusted Advisor.

If you roll your retirement plan assets over into an IRA account that you already own through your Advisor, you also receive the benefit of combined statements and holistic investment planning, making it easier to track your overall financial situation.

'Receive the benefit of combined statements and holistic investment planning, making it easier to track your overall financial situation.'

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Some of the benefits of rolling your money into an IRA include:

Tax-deferred growth potential: This generally avoids current income tax and distribution penalties when removed from a Ashland-sponsored retirement plan.

More investment choices: This allows for additional contributions, if eligible. IRAs can be combined and handled by one provider, thereby reducing trustee costs and consolidating statements. Protection from creditors in federal bankruptcy proceedings. The combined amount of your required minimum distributions (RMDs) can be taken from any of your Traditional, SEP or SIMPLE IRAs.

However, there are also some important considerations that Ashland should make before rolling over their money into an IRA, these include:

Internal management fees might be higher than in a Ashland-sponsored retirement plan.
Fees and expenses depend largely on the investments you choose.
Loans from an IRA are not allowed.
Early distributions may be subject to a 10% IRS tax penalty in addition to income tax.
RMDs begin April 1 following the year you reach 70½ and annually thereafter; leaving the money in the former Fortune-500 plan may allow RMDs to be delayed until separation from service.
IRAs are subject to state laws governing malpractice, divorce, creditors (outside of bankruptcy), and other lawsuits; leaving the money in the former Ashland-plan may provide additional protection against creditors.
Net unrealized appreciation (NUA) is the difference between what you paid for employer securities and their increased value. You lose favorable tax treatment of NUA if the funds are rolled into an IRA.

Hopefully, these insights will be helpful as you plan your retirement from Ashland.

For more information about this topic, view our e-book here: https://retirekit.theretirementgroup.com/will-your-retirement-plan-retire-with-you-e-brochure-offer

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What is the primary purpose of Ashland's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The primary purpose of Ashland's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by providing a tax-advantaged way to invest a portion of their income.

How can Ashland employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Ashland employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the employee benefits portal or contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Ashland offer a matching contribution for its 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Ashland offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What types of investment options are available in Ashland's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Ashland's 401(k) Savings Plan typically offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

At what age can Ashland employees start withdrawing from their 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties?

Ashland employees can start withdrawing from their 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties at age 59½.

Can Ashland employees take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance?

Yes, Ashland allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance, subject to certain terms and conditions.

How often can Ashland employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Ashland employees can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to plan rules.

Is there a vesting schedule for Ashland's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, Ashland has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which determines how much of the employer contributions employees are entitled to based on their years of service.

Can Ashland employees roll over funds from another retirement account into the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Ashland employees can roll over funds from other qualified retirement accounts into the Ashland 401(k) Savings Plan.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Ashland's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Ashland's 401(k) Savings Plan is set by the IRS and may change annually; employees should check the latest guidelines for the specific limit.

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

Ashland has announced a major restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. This includes significant layoffs and the consolidation of certain business units. Additionally, there are expected changes to employee benefits and pension plans.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Ashland at 50 E RiverCenter Blvd #1900 Covington, KY 41011; or by calling them at +1 859-815-3333.