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The 3 Types of Loans You Need to Pay Off Before Retiring from Kimberly-Clark

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And Kimberly-Clark employees should cut high-interest loans like student loans, credit card balances, and auto loans to free up cash for retirement—Tyson Mavar, of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

By paying off high-interest loans before retirement—student loans and credit card debt—Kimberly-Clark employees can prepare to retire with more of the wealth they’ve earned—Wesley Boudreaux, of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article we will discuss:

  • 1. Paying off student loans before retirement.

  • 2. High-interest debt management strategies like personal loans and credit cards.

  • 3. How to prioritize auto loans and mortgages during retirement.

Introduction:

It is a milestone in every working American's life—but especially for Kimberly-Clark employees. You need to take important financial steps now that you are approaching this stage in life. Yet too many overlook the right loans and miss out on retirement. We examine the three loans Americans must pay off before they can retire. These insights will help you make sound decisions and improve your financial future.

Tackling Student Loans:

College and university loans are often lifelong debts that remain well into retirement age. These loans may also add up if borrowed to pay for college fees for children. While federal student loans are cheap now, the payment and interest freeze the Biden administration instituted will expire soon.

A new 2019 study by New York Life estimated that it takes, on average, 18.5 years to repay student loans. Keep these loans from limiting your retirement income with a strategy similar to managing mortgage payments. Make monthly payments to repay student loan debt faster and closer to retirement.

Managing Personal Loans & Credit Card Debt:

Personal loans and credit cards typically carry high interest rates, especially credit cards—on average, 23.39% on a U.S. credit card, LendingTree reports. Often unexpected personal expenses build up on credit cards and cause major debt problems.

Paying down credit card balances now could keep your retirement savings from derailing. Redirect some money from mortgage payments to high-interest loans. This will save you interest costs while building an emergency fund equivalent to three months’ wages to cover unexpected costs.

Dealing with Auto Loans:

Auto loans have high interest rates—some with bad credit—that rival credit cards. Car loan payments, credit card debt, and other financial obligations can leave little cash for retirement.

Debt repayment versus early retirement could save you money in interest. Paying off auto loans aggressively can create a cushion and pave the way to a more comfortable retirement.

Addressing Mortgages:

Mortgages have relatively lower borrowing costs but provide tax breaks that few personal loans and credit cards offer. Homeowners also can take federal and state tax deductions on mortgage and home equity loans.

The average national mortgage rate for a 30-year fixed rate is 6.15%, so paying down your mortgage might be tempting. But if your ultimate goal is retirement security, pay off higher-interest loans first. That way you save more money in the long haul and can better contribute to your retirement fund.

Conclusion:

When you retire from Kimberly-Clark, smart financial planning is key to a stress-free retirement. Repaying high-interest loans like student loans, personal loans, and credit card debt early frees up money for your retirement. While mortgages have tax benefits, avoiding high-interest debts will put you closer to your retirement goal.

A Kimberly-Clark-focused financial adviser can help you make those decisions, tailor your investments, and make sure your money works for you. Profit from reliable platforms that match you with experienced financial advisers—so you can find the best professional for your situation.

Remember—planning and executing a financial future is a journey. By managing your debts, creating an emergency fund, and optimizing your retirement savings, you can live comfortably into your golden years.

A study by Fidelity in 2022 found that 40% of workers approaching retirement age have no concrete plan to pay off student loan debt before they retire. This startling statistic underscores the need to prioritize student loan repayment among our 60-something target audience—those in the Kimberly-Clark and poised to retire soon. Getting rid of student loan debt early could improve their financial future during their golden years.

The preparation for retirement is like building a foundation for a dream house,” she said. Like you lay down bricks and reinforce walls, you must pay off three loans before you move into retirement. Think of student loans as structural beams supporting your education and future. High-interest credit cards are stubborn weeds that must be trimmed regularly. Those auto loans, in turn, are the paved driveway to your secure retirement. Remember, your mortgage is the roof over your head from life's storms—but you need to make sure you make the right loans to get you the retirement you deserve.

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Sources:

1. Hanson, Melanie. 'Average Time to Repay Student Loans.'  Education Data Initiative , 21 July 2024,  https://educationdata.org/average-time-to-repay-student-loans .

2. Welding, Lyss. 'How Long Does It Take to Pay Off Student Loans?'  BestColleges.com , 19 Jan. 2024,  https://www.bestcolleges.com/research/how-long-to-pay-off-student-loans .

3. Bell, Chuck. 'Why You Should Think Twice About Getting That Retailer Credit Card on Black Friday.'  Consumer Reports , 15 Nov. 2024,  https://www.consumerreports.org/credit-cards/why-you-should-think-twice-about-getting-that-retailer-credit-card-on-black-friday .

4. 'Credit Card Interest.'  Wikipedia , 2 Jan. 2025,  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_card_interest .

5. 'Installment Loan vs. Payday Loan: What's the Difference?'  Investopedia , 15 Nov. 2024,  https://www.investopedia.com/installment-loan-vs-payday-loan-what-s-the-difference-8716602 .

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Kimberly-Clark?

The 401(k) plan offered by Kimberly-Clark is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

How does Kimberly-Clark match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Kimberly-Clark provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which typically matches a percentage of what employees contribute, up to a specified limit.

Can employees at Kimberly-Clark choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?

Yes, employees at Kimberly-Clark can choose from a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan to align with their retirement goals.

When can employees at Kimberly-Clark enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Kimberly-Clark can enroll in the 401(k) plan during their initial onboarding period or during designated open enrollment periods.

Is there a vesting schedule for Kimberly-Clark's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, Kimberly-Clark has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Kimberly-Clark's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Kimberly-Clark's 401(k) plan is subject to IRS regulations, which are updated annually. Employees should refer to the latest guidelines for specific limits.

Does Kimberly-Clark offer any financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k)?

Yes, Kimberly-Clark provides financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings and investments.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) savings at Kimberly-Clark?

Yes, Kimberly-Clark allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

What happens to my 401(k) if I leave Kimberly-Clark?

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

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) at Kimberly-Clark?

Employees at Kimberly-Clark can typically change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan during designated enrollment periods or as specified by 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.
Kimberly-Clark offers both a defined benefit pension plan and a defined contribution plan. The defined benefit plan provides retirement income based on years of service and compensation, with benefits frozen but payable upon reaching specific milestones. In 2015, the company transferred payment responsibilities for retirees to Prudential and MassMutual.
Restructuring and Layoffs: Kimberly-Clark announced it will lay off approximately 1,000 employees globally as part of a restructuring plan to improve operational efficiency (Source: Reuters). Cost Management: The company aims to save $500 million annually through these measures. Financial Performance: Kimberly-Clark reported a 5% increase in net sales for Q3 2023, driven by strong demand for personal care products (Source: Kimberly-Clark).
Kimberly-Clark grants RSUs that vest over time, providing shares upon meeting vesting conditions. Stock options are also part of their compensation plan, allowing employees to purchase shares at a fixed price.
Kimberly-Clark has been actively enhancing its employee healthcare benefits to adapt to the current economic, investment, tax, and political environment. In 2022, the company introduced several new healthcare initiatives aimed at improving employee well-being. These included comprehensive health insurance plans covering medical, dental, and vision care, along with mental health support through Employee Assistance Programs. The company also offered flexible work arrangements and wellness programs to help employees manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance. These enhancements reflect Kimberly-Clark's commitment to fostering a supportive and healthy workplace, which is essential for maintaining productivity and morale in a competitive market. In 2023, Kimberly-Clark continued to build on these initiatives by introducing additional benefits, such as increased access to telemedicine services and expanded support for mental health and wellness. The company's focus on employee healthcare aligns with its broader strategy to create a resilient and engaged workforce capable of navigating the complexities of the current economic landscape. These efforts are particularly important given the ongoing economic uncertainties and the increasing importance of employee well-being in driving business success. By investing in comprehensive healthcare benefits, Kimberly-Clark aims to attract and retain top talent, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Kimberly-Clark at 100 centurylink drive Monroe, LA 71203; or by calling them at 800-871-9244.

https://annualreport.stocklight.com/nyse/kmb/23601986.pdf - Page 5, https://www.kcpensions.co.uk/documents/kimberly-clark-pension-scheme-2022.pdf - Page 12, https://www.kcpensions.co.uk/documents/kimberly-clark-pension-scheme-2023.pdf - Page 15, https://www.kcpensions.co.uk/documents/kimberly-clark-pension-scheme-2024.pdf - Page 8, https://www.kimberly-clark.com/documents/benefits-guide-2023.pdf - Page 22, https://www.kimberly-clark.com/documents/benefits-guide-2024.pdf - Page 28, https://cache.hacontent.com/documents/kimberly-clark-retirement-guide-2022.pdf - Page 20, https://cache.hacontent.com/documents/kimberly-clark-retirement-guide-2023.pdf - Page 14, https://cache.hacontent.com/documents/kimberly-clark-retirement-guide-2024.pdf - Page 17, https://www.kimberly-clark.com/documents/healthcare-plan-2023.pdf - Page 23

*Please see disclaimer for more information

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