New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Charting Baxter International Retirement Success: Five Essential Reads

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Baxter International Baxter International primarily partners with a variety of global healthcare providers to ensure effective distribution and management of its medical products and services. Notable partnerships exist with organizations like the University of Chicago Medicine and various hospital systems across the United States, focusing on enhancing patient care through innovative medical technologies. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, substantial hikes in healthcare costs are anticipated, particularly within the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Reports indicate that healthcare insurance premiums could surge by over 60% in some states, driven by higher medical costs and the possible expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies. The Kaiser Family Foundation warns that nearly 22 million marketplace enrollees may face premium increases of up to 75%, exacerbating the financial challenges for many consumers. These dynamics create a precarious situation as both insurers and patients navigate escalating out-of-pocket expenses, raising concerns about access to affordable healthcare in the coming year. Click here to learn more

“By integrating disciplined market strategies, proactive healthspan practices, and a clear sense of purpose, Baxter International employees can create a retirement plan resilient enough to weather uncertainty and enrich their post-career life” – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

“Baxter International employees who blend disciplined saving approaches with proactive healthspan management are poised to achieve both financial confidence and improved well-being” – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

The challenges of market volatility, rising health care costs, and potential entitlement changes on retirement planning.
Five must-read books offering strategies on investing, longevity, benefit planning, and lifestyle alignment.
How to integrate financial discipline, healthspan management, and purposeful living for a fulfilling retirement.

For those who are saving for the future, these are uncertain times. Concerns about whether current nest egg tactics will be adequate have increased due to volatile markets, growing health care expenses, and continuous talks about possible reductions to government entitlements. Twenty-five percent of adults with retirement savings have only saved one year’s worth of their current income for the years ahead, according to research by Northwestern Mutual. ¹

The financial or lifestyle planning book is one tool that is frequently overlooked during times of market volatility. In addition to providing timeless truths, a well-chosen title can offer readers practical advice, serve as a reminder of important ideas, and present fresh approaches to decision-making. Senior advisors at Wealth Enhancement—Patrick Ray, Tyson Mavar, and Brent Wolf—have chosen the following five books to aid Baxter International professionals in navigating the current environment because of their blend of academic rigor and usefulness.

Mastering the Market Cycle by Howard Marks explores the psychological factors that influence cyclical changes in asset values. According to Marks, investor sentiment—which fluctuates between excitement and fear—often determines the timing and size of market movements, even when underlying value is important. “Fear can take over; it’s to be expected during the lifetime of any long-term investor,” says Brent Wolf. Long-term objectives can be safeguarded by knowing when and why to rebalance or de-risk a portfolio, even though market timing is still difficult to anticipate. Baxter International employees can benefit from the clear distinction this book makes between purely emotional reactions and strategic adjustments, essential for remaining disciplined when prices change.

Winning the Loser’s Game by Charles D. Ellis is sometimes written off as outdated, but it still holds valuable lessons. Tyson Mavar praises it as an “unsung classic,” highlighting how it reinforces core investing principles that have stood the test of time. Ellis promotes long-term dedication, diversification, and steering clear of expensive practices like market timing. His strongest endorsement is for passive investing with inexpensive index funds, which can shield investors from transient noise. For Baxter International staff seeking to focus on techniques that boost compounding power and lessen the drag of fees and emotional trading, this book offers a timeless roadmap.

Outlive: The Art and Science of Living a Long Life by Dr. Peter Attia and Bill Gifford reminds readers that physical health directly impacts retirement readiness. “What good is a healthy portfolio if your body can’t keep up?” asks Patrick Ray. Drawing on clinical data and epidemiological studies, the authors provide evidence-based suggestions for increasing lifespan and healthspan—strength training, mobility exercises, optimal sleep, and targeted nutrition. Actionable procedures for evaluating metabolic health, increasing muscle resilience, and reducing chronic disease risk can help Baxter International team members better match longevity forecasts with retirement funding plans and lower the likelihood of incapacitating health events.

Cookin’ Up Your Retirement Plan by Marcia MacDonald Mantell approaches Medicare and Social Security elections in a conversational, kitchen-table manner. Tyson Mavar also recommends her sequels— What’s the Deal With Women’s Social Security? and Developing Your Medicare Recipe —for anyone seeking guidance on making the most of benefits. Mantell breaks down complex regulations into manageable chunks, reducing the possibility of costly errors. While these books don’t directly address market volatility, they reinforce that successful retirement from companies like Baxter International depends on more than just investment returns; it also requires well-informed decisions and careful lifestyle alignment.

The Good Life by Dr. Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz shifts the emphasis from balance sheets to life satisfaction. Based on an 80-year Harvard study of adult development, it finds that strong connections, meaningful hobbies, and community involvement often indicate long-term happiness more powerfully than financial prosperity. According to Patrick Ray, this book serves as an essential reminder for Baxter International retirees that money is just one component of a fulfilling retirement. Cultivating purpose, social ties, and enriching interests can yield non-linear returns unmatched by any portfolio.

When combined, these five books offer complementary perspectives on investment methodology, market behavior, healthspan management, and the socioeconomic factors influencing retirement decision-making. Each title has been recommended by seasoned advisors who have guided clients through both bull and bear markets, offering Baxter International employees lessons on purpose, cost-effective investing, preventive health care, efficient benefit management, and emotional discipline.

And here's one bonus publication: With more than 1.5 million copies in circulation, Morgan Housel’s The Psychology of Money was placed #1 on BookWeb’s Indie Personal Finance Bestseller List in April 2025, reflecting growing demand for behavior-focused investment insights that supplement conventional planning techniques.

Discover five highly regarded retirement planning books that provide professional insights on market cycles, passive index fund strategies, longevity optimization, Social Security elections, and Medicare planning—equipping Baxter International pre-retirees and retirees with tried-and-true advice for long-term retirement resilience and portfolio fortitude.

Consider the process of preparing a solid ocean vessel for a long journey: understanding the market cycle gives you the compass you need to navigate choppy waters; Winning the Loser’s Game supplies the provisions and medical kit to endure the journey; Outlive strengthens the hull against health risks; Cookin’ Up Your Retirement Plan equips your lifeboats with Social Security and Medicare expertise; and The Good Life charts rewarding ports of call—helping you sail comfortably through both calm seas and storms for Baxter International professionals.

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Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1. Northwestern Mutual. Planning & Progress Study 2025 . 14 Apr. 2025, pp. 1–2.

Other Resources:

1. Baker, Brian F. “ Principles of Investing .” Marriott Alumni Magazine , BYU Marriott School, June 2025, pp. 9–10.

2. Kennedy, Robert. “ 2024 Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate .” Fidelity Investments , 8 Aug. 2024, pp. 1–2.

3. LeValley, Donna. “ Five Changes to Social Security in 2025 .” Kiplinger , 3 Jan. 2025, pp. 1–2.

What are the eligibility requirements for participating in the Baxter International Inc. Pension Plan, and how have they impacted employees who were hired after the participation closed date? Employees of Baxter International Inc. should be aware of the specific conditions that dictate eligibility to participate in the pension plan, as these factors determine the benefits they can receive upon retirement. Understanding how these age and service requirements are defined can significantly affect an employeeâ€™s retirement planning and financial security.

Eligibility Requirements for the Baxter International Inc. Pension Plan Baxter International Inc. typically defines pension plan eligibility based on factors like age, years of service, and employment status at the participation closing date. Employees hired after the plan closure would not be eligible, affecting their long-term retirement planning and necessitating alternative retirement savings strategies.

How does Baxter International Inc. calculate the final average pay for pension benefits, and what are the implications of compensation limits set by the IRS for employees nearing retirement? As employees approach retirement, knowledge about how Baxter International Inc. determines final average pay based on their earnings is crucial since it directly impacts the pension benefits they will receive. Employees must also consider the IRS limits on eligible compensation to fully understand how their eventual pension payouts will be calculated.

Calculation of Final Average Pay at Baxter International Inc. The final average pay for Baxter International Inc.’s pension benefits is likely calculated based on an employee's highest earnings years near retirement. This calculation could be subject to IRS compensation limits, which cap the earnings used in the benefit formula, potentially reducing the pension benefits for higher-earning employees as they near retirement.

What options are available for Baxter International Inc. employees when they decide to retire early, and how do these options affect their overall pension benefits? Early retirement can have significant financial implications for employees of Baxter International Inc., making it important for them to understand their choices and how each option might influence their long-term pension benefits. This includes looking at reductions in benefits and the age-related criteria that might apply.

Early Retirement Options at Baxter International Inc. Baxter International Inc. may offer options like reduced benefits or specific early retirement packages. These options could lead to lower pension payouts compared to retiring at the normal age, influenced by factors such as the number of years before normal retirement age and the actuarial reductions applied.

How has the freezing of the Baxter International Inc. pension plan in 2022 created changes for current and future participants regarding their accumulated benefits? Employees must grasp the consequences of the 2022 freeze, as it halts any additional benefit accruals and what this means in terms of vesting and distribution of benefits upon retirement. This shift may affect their retirement funding strategies and financial future.

Impact of the 2022 Pension Plan Freeze at Baxter International Inc. The freezing of the pension plan in 2022 means Baxter International Inc. ceased the accrual of benefits for participants as of that date. This affects employees' retirement planning, as no further benefits are accrued beyond the freeze, potentially requiring them to seek alternative ways to enhance their retirement savings.

What are the potential tax implications for Baxter International Inc. employees when opting for different pension payment options upon retirement? Employees should carefully evaluate the tax consequences of various distribution choices within the Baxter International Inc. pension plan to make informed decisions that optimize their financial outcomes in retirement. This requires an understanding of how taxes are applied to lump-sum payments versus annuity distributions.

Tax Implications of Pension Payment Options at Baxter International Inc. The choice between lump-sum payments and annuities at Baxter International Inc. has distinct tax implications. Lump sums could be subject to immediate taxation, potentially at higher rates, whereas annuities provide a steady income stream and may be taxed more favorably depending on individual tax situations.

How does Baxter International Inc. accommodate rehires and transfers regarding their prior pension benefits, and what policies govern these scenarios? Understanding the specific rules concerning rehires at Baxter International Inc. can help former employees plan their career strategies and assess the impact on their pension benefits. Employees need clarity on how their previously accrued benefits are handled in such situations.

Rehire and Transfer Policies Regarding Pension Benefits at Baxter International Inc. For employees rehired or transferred at Baxter International Inc., pension benefits previously accrued may be reinstated or continued, depending on the company’s specific policies on service crediting and benefit calculation for returning employees.

What rights and protections do Baxter International Inc. employees have under ERISA concerning their pension benefits, and how can they enforce these rights? Employees should be aware of their entitlements under ERISA to protect their interests in the Baxter International Inc. Pension Plan, including the procedures they can follow to challenge any denials of benefits. This knowledge empowers employees to safeguard their financial future effectively.

ERISA Rights and Protections for Employees of Baxter International Inc. Under ERISA, Baxter International Inc. employees are entitled to certain protections regarding their pension benefits, including the right to receive plan information, appeal denied claims, and sue for benefits and breaches of fiduciary duty. This legal framework ensures employees can effectively manage and protect their retirement benefits.

How does Baxter International Inc. ensure that pension benefits are secure, especially in the event of a plan termination or freezing event? Employees must comprehend the safeguards in place to protect their retirement assets in the event of potential changes to the pension plan status, which include federal agency involvement and how their vested rights are preserved.

Security of Pension Benefits at Baxter International Inc. In the event of plan termination or freezing, Baxter International Inc. must ensure that employees' pension benefits are secured, typically through insurance policies or federal agency guarantees such as those provided by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), safeguarding benefits against company insolvency or plan underfunding.

What steps should Baxter International Inc. employees take to prepare for their eventual retirement in light of the details specified in the pension plan description? Retirement preparation involves a comprehensive understanding of the elements laid out in the Baxter International Inc. Pension Plan, including benefit calculations, retirement timing, and management of resources. Employees should consider this information when planning for a successful transition into retirement.

Preparation Steps for Retirement for Employees of Baxter International Inc. Employees should familiarize themselves with the details of the pension plan, such as benefit calculation methods, the impact of early retirement, and the integration of other retirement income sources. Engaging in financial planning and consulting with pension plan administrators or financial advisors can also help ensure a well-prepared retirement.

How can employees at Baxter International Inc. contact the company for more information regarding their pension plan and available benefits? Employees who seek clarity or assistance regarding their pension plan should know the appropriate channels and contact details to engage with Baxter International Inc. effectively. Resources available, including telephone numbers and administrative contacts, are paramount for employees navigating their retirement options.

Contacting Baxter International Inc. for Information on Pension Plans Employees needing further information or assistance regarding the Baxter International Inc. pension plan should contact the company’s HR department or pension plan administrator. Contact details are typically provided in the employee handbook or directly through the company's internal HR communication channels.

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

Baxter International announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at reducing operational costs, including a reduction in workforce across several departments. Additionally, there are changes to their employee benefits program.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Baxter International at 1 Baxter Pkwy Deerfield, IL 60015; or by calling them at +1 224-948-2000.