This is an excellent chance to find individual satisfaction in retirement for NiSource employees if they learn to balance their wishes, family needs, and the desire to leave a legacy in the right way.
'As NiSource employees approach retirement, it is important to take time to consider what is most important to you in your personal life and in your legacy, and this can make retirement a journey of meaning and enrichment for which financial planning is a key enabler.'
Three main points of the article are described below:
1. Defining Your Retirement Goals – How to Identify an Active Role in Defining Personal and Financial Objectives for a Fulfilling Retirement.
2. Managing Finances and Lifestyle Choices – The use of budgeting, downsizing and other financial decisions that support the long term retirement plans.
3. Creating a Meaningful Retirement Experience – How personal growth, relationships and legacy planning can improve the quality of retirement.
What do you picture in your future?
Some people intend to retire and start a new profession. Some intend to travel. Others want to spend more time with their families and friends. Hence, there are few factors to consider.
What are your must-do list in retirement?
In retirement, if you could only achieve four or five things, what would they be? This may help you create a list of your life goals. While some of these goals may have nothing to do with money, the financial decisions you make may be crucial to achieving them.
What would revitalize you?
Some retirees have no particular objectives. After a period of weeks or months of rest, ambition may return. They begin to consider the pursuits and excursions that could make these years memorable. Some people have known for decades which ambitions they will pursue, but when the time comes, those dreams may take a different path than anticipated or even be replaced by new ones.
Leisure is the most valuable asset in retirement. With more free time and opportunities for introspection, you may discover that your old aspirations have been replaced by new ones.
Who you should spend your time with?
This is another important decision you must make in retirement. The quick response for many retirees to this query would be: Today, there are nuclear families, blended families, and extended families; some individuals consider their friends or coworkers to be family.
How much do you anticipate spending?
We cannot manage all retirement expenses, but we can control a portion of them. You may have considered downsizing your residence at some point. A potential benefit of downsizing is that it may result in no mortgage or a mortgage payment that is more manageable.
Is it possible to leave a legacy?
Many of us would like to give our children or grandchildren a decent start in life, but leaving an inheritance is often more difficult than many people believe. Tax laws are in a constant state of flux and strategies that were effective years ago may have diminished utility today.
It is recommended that this article only be used for informational purposes and not for any form of decision making; therefore, if you want to change any part of your overall estate plan, you should seek the counsel of a tax or legal professional.
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- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
How are you preparing for retirement?
This is the most significant topic. If you sense the need to prepare more for the future or reevaluate your current strategy in light of recent changes in your life, a retirement-savvy financial professional may be able to offer guidance.
It is from sources which are expected to provide accurate information. This material is not intended to serve as tax or legal advice. It is prohibited from being used to evade federal tax penalties. Please seek the advice of a legal or tax professional for information related to your specific situation. This content was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a potentially interesting topic. The named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm is not affiliated with FMG Suite. The opinions expressed and materials provided are for informational purposes only; they should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any security. Copyright FMG Suite.
Did you know that retirement can also be viewed as a way of learning about oneself and finding out who one is? Although this view was not described in the article, it may be interesting for NiSource employees who are planning on retiring. When you think about the future, you might want to make new friends, learn new skills, or contribute to the community in some way that is important to you. Retirement is a time of leisure, which gives one a chance to discover new and interesting aspects of oneself. Retirement: A Time to Discover and Develop New Aspects of the Self for a More Fulfilling Life. (Source: American Psychological Association, 'Retiring Minds Want to Know,' February 2018)
Analogy:
When it comes to retirement, the view from your eyes, NiSource employees, is a fresh one. Looking at retirement, you are like an artist who is about to start painting on a clean canvas. Imagine yourself as a painter, and you are standing in front of an endless void. Retirement gives you the chance to pick up the paintbrush and paint the picture you want to paint. Every choice is deliberate, whether it is attaining important goals, finding relaxation through new interests, spending time with loved ones, managing your resources, leaving a legacy, or growing as a person. Just as a painter uses colours, techniques, and brushstrokes to bring their vision to life, you can use your retirement journey as a way to intentionally design your life. Begin the retirement canvas with creativity, imagination, and the ability to produce a truly remarkable work of this chapter in your life.
Sources:
1. Helhoski, Anna. 'Retirement Planning: A 5-Step Guide for 2025.' NerdWallet , January 2025, www.nerdwallet.com/article/retirement/retirement-planning-guide .
2. Whitney, Roger. 'Retirement Planning Is More Than Financial Planning.' Forbes , December 2023, www.forbes.com/advisor/retirement/retirement-planning-more-than-financial/ .
3. 'Retirement 101: A Beginner's Guide to Retirement.' Trinity College , 2024, www.trincoll.edu/retirement-planning-guide .
4. 'Survey Reveals Growing Importance of Financial Planning for Retirement.' T. Rowe Price , January 2024, www.troweprice.com/retirement-planning-survey-2024 .
5. Whitney, Roger. 'The Most Important Rules For Retirement Planning? Yours!' Forbes , March 2024, www.forbes.com/advisor/retirement/the-most-important-rules-for-retirement-planning-yours/ .
As an employee of National Grid, what are the key eligibility criteria for participating in the Pension Plan specifically for Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation employees? How might these criteria impact your personal retirement planning and the benefits you expect to receive upon retirement from National Grid?
Eligibility Criteria for Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan: Employees of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation who are represented by Local Union 97 of the IBEW and work at least 20 hours per week or accumulate 1,000 hours in a Pension Plan year are eligible. Participation begins automatically on the first day of employment. These criteria directly impact retirement planning by determining when employees begin accruing pension benefits and how much they will receive at retirement(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).
Within the framework of the National Grid Pension Plan, how does the cash balance formula work in calculating retirement benefits, and what implications does this have for employees of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation when considering their long-term financial outlook?
Cash Balance Formula: The National Grid Pension Plan for Niagara Mohawk employees uses a cash balance formula that provides monthly pay-based credits (starting at 4% and increasing with years of service) and interest credits. These accumulate in a hypothetical account, growing until retirement, allowing employees to track their retirement benefits much like a savings account. This formula impacts financial outlook by providing predictable growth tied to service and pay(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).
For employees at National Grid, what are the specific rights and options available during the pension benefit application process? How do these rights protect the interests of individual employees and ensure they receive fair treatment under the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan?
Pension Benefit Application Process: National Grid employees must apply for their pension benefits by submitting the required forms at least 90 days before retirement. Spousal consent is required if opting for any form of payment other than the default. This ensures employees understand and select the best payment option for their circumstances, protecting their interests under the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).
Given the different types of credits that contribute to the pension benefit for employees of National Grid, how are Pay-based Credits and interest credits calculated? What strategies might Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation employees employ to maximize these credits before retirement?
Pay-based and Interest Credits Calculation: Pay-based credits are determined by years of service, starting at 4% of pay and increasing to 8% after 20 years. Interest credits are based on an annual interest rate tied to the Treasury securities and corporate bond rates. Employees can maximize these credits by continuing to work and contributing to their pension balance(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).
How do pension benefits work for Transition Group Employees specifically within National Grid's framework, and what unique provisions apply to them under the Pension Plan as compared to regular employees of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation?
Pension Benefits for Transition Group Employees: Transition Group Employees under the National Grid Pension Plan have benefits calculated using both the former final average pay formula and the cash balance formula, with the greater benefit being paid out. This differs from regular employees who only receive benefits calculated under the cash balance formula(National_Grid_2023_Niag…)(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).
What are the repercussions for National Grid employees in terms of benefit loss or limitation if they have not met the Vesting requirements under the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan? How can understanding these repercussions influence an employee's decision-making regarding their career and retirement?
Impact of Vesting Requirements: Employees must complete three years of service to become vested in the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan. If they leave before vesting, they lose all accrued pension benefits. Understanding vesting requirements is crucial for career and retirement planning, as it ensures employees retain their pension benefits if they meet the criteria(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).
As a current employee at National Grid, what does the termination of the Pension Plan imply for accrued benefits under the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan? Specifically, how do federal protections through ERISA and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation come into play for employees seeking assurance regarding their retirement funds?
Termination of Pension Plan and Federal Protections: If the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan is terminated, accrued benefits are protected by ERISA and insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). Employees can feel assured that their benefits will be secured up to the PBGC's limits in case of plan termination(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).
How does the National Grid Pension Plan accommodate the unique situations of employees during times of disability or military service, and what steps should Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation employees take to ensure their benefits continue during these periods?
Disability and Military Service: Niagara Mohawk employees receive service credits during periods of disability or military leave, ensuring continuous pension accrual. Employees should ensure their disability or military status is properly documented with the company to avoid interruptions in their pension benefits(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).
When considering the various forms of pension payments available to retirees from National Grid, what are the potential advantages and disadvantages of choosing an annuity versus a lump-sum payment for employees from Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation?
Annuity vs. Lump-Sum Payment: Retirees at National Grid have the option to choose between an annuity, providing a steady income for life, or a lump-sum payment. The annuity provides financial stability, while a lump sum offers flexibility. The choice depends on individual financial needs and retirement goals(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).
For those looking to gain further clarity on the nuances of the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan, what are the most effective ways for employees to contact National Grid for assistance? How can engaging with the Pension Service Center enhance an employee's understanding of their benefits and rights?
Contacting National Grid for Pension Assistance: Employees seeking more information about their Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan can contact the National Grid Pension Service Center or use the online pension modeler. Engaging with the Pension Service Center provides personalized guidance, helping employees understand their benefits and make informed decisions(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).