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Why Sherwin-Williams Employees Can Benefit from a Written Financial Plan

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Sherwin-Williams Sherwin-Williams provides its employees with access to comprehensive healthcare benefits through employer-sponsored health plans, which include medical, dental, and vision coverage. These plans are designed to meet the diverse needs of their workforce and are typically updated annually during the open enrollment period each October and November. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases for Sherwin-Williams in 2026 As healthcare costs continue to rise, Sherwin-Williams may face significant increases in insurances premiums for 2026. Due to anticipated record hikes in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans, some employees could see their healthcare expenses surge by over 75% if enhanced federal premium subsidies are not extended. This situation is compounded by rising medical costs, with overall healthcare costs expected to increase by approximately 8.5% for employers, meaning that Sherwin-Williams will likely need to navigate these challenges while managing employee healthcare benefits responsibly. As a proactive measure, employees might consider optimizing their healthcare choices in 2025 to mitigate potential financial impacts in the coming year. Click here to learn more

'Sherwin-Williams employees who take the time to create a written retirement plan often move from uncertainty to clarity, using a structured approach to transform savings into a foundation for long-term stability.' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Given the complex retirement decisions Sherwin-Williams employees face, having a written financial plan can provide the structure needed to effectively coordinate income, taxes, and benefits for long-term confidence.' – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

  1. The importance of having a written financial plan for retirement.

  2. Generational and demographic gaps in retirement planning.

  3. Strategies for managing taxes, risks, and income during retirement.

The Importance of a Written Financial Plan 

One of the most important life changes is retirement, but many Americans enter this phase without a clear plan. A financial plan is much more than just a set of figures; it's a strategy that can help turn savings into steady income, account for possible risks, and establish a framework to payfor both anticipated and unforeseen costs. Even careful savers at Sherwin-Williams run the risk of depleting their funds too soon, paying needless taxes, or taking rash actions that could undermine their long-term stability in the absence of such a strategy.

Yet, despite the critical role of financial planning, research from the Allianz Life 2025 Annual Retirement Study shows that 47% of Americans lack a formal financial plan. 1  Many people regularly make contributions to retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs, so this deficit is not the result of a lack of involvement in savings programs. Instead, it represents a general lack of clarity over how to turn saved money into a practical plan. The poll found that 59% of Americans admit they don't know what else they should be doing outside of making contributions to retirement accounts. 1  This uncertainty applies to Sherwin-Williams workers as well, just when a methodical approach is most needed.

What the Information Shows

The gap between generations.  Forty-two percent of Millennials lack a documented plan. As people age, the problem gets worse; 54% of Baby Boomers and 55% of Generation X say they don't have a written approach. 1  Given that Gen Xers and Boomers are either in or nearing retirement, where the lack of a plan can have serious and immediate repercussions, this is especially concerning and should form a warning for those nearing the end of their careers at Sherwin-Williams.

Racial division.  Different demographic groupings also exhibit planning gaps. Compared to 51% of Black/African American respondents, 41% of Hispanic respondents, and 56% of Asian/Asian American respondents, around 46% of White respondents do not have a documented strategy. 1  These numbers demonstrate the need for more focused financial outreach and education to help address inequalities and offer useful guidance to all.

Additionally, confidence in one's preparedness for retirement is still fragile. Just 45% of Americans say they are aware of how they will turn their retirement assets into income. Furthermore, 53% think that having a retirement account is 'enough.' 1  Many people are ill-prepared for important factors such as tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, steady income streams, and ways to handle inflation or market volatility. This misplaced confidence has clear implications for Sherwin-Williams employees considering their retirement future.

How Written Plans Help

A financial plan offers several benefits that can help strengthen long-term stability:

  • Making money from savings.  A written plan can help retirees lower the risk of outliving their resources by establishing organized withdrawal techniques that balance lifespan and income demands.

  • Risk management.  Inflation, growing medical expenses, and unforeseen market downturns can all be accounted for with holistic planning.

  • Efficiency in taxes.  Over time, coordinating withdrawals across several account types can help mitigate taxes and preserve resources.

  • Confidence and clarity.  A plan gives clarity and specific steps to reduce ambiguity, limit emotional decision-making, and build peace of mind.

These advantages are especially relevant for Sherwin-Williams employees who may have multiple retirement account options and benefits to coordinate.

A Chance for Guidance

Lack of planning is more a sign of a lack of direction than unwillingness. While many people save money, not all understand how to move from sporadic contributions to a long-term financial plan. This underscores the importance of working with financial planners who can provide guidance, assisting investors—including those from Sherwin-Williams—to navigate difficult choices regarding income, taxes, and long-term stability.

A written strategy is more than just reaching a certain financial goal. It involves creating an income route that is flexible enough to adjust to changing life situations. The existence of a written plan frequently makes the difference between doubt and confidence for people starting or already in retirement.

In Conclusion

The information is clear. The majority of Americans are still unsure of how to turn savings into steady income, and over half do not have a formal financial plan. 1  In a time when taxes, inflation, and medical expenses continue to influence financial choices, organized planning is more important than ever. Whether a strategy is committed to writing often makes the difference between long-term stability and ongoing financial concern. Sherwin-Williams retirees can better position themselves to manage risks, coordinate resources, and maintain financial independence during retirement by developing a clear, flexible plan.

In March 2025, the T. Rowe Price Retirement Savings and Spending Study also found that 62.5% of respondents with a formal written plan reported feeling more confident about their financial outlook than those without one. 2  Maintaining and updating a written financial plan on a regular basis can help enhance confidence and reduce financial stress.

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Sources:

1. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. ' How Americans feel about retirement in 2025 ,' June 2025.

2. T. Rowe Price, ' Survey reveals the rising importance of financial planning at retirement ,' March 20, 2025.

What is the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?

The Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax basis for their future retirement.

How can I enroll in the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan by accessing the company’s benefits portal or contacting the HR department for guidance on the enrollment process.

What is the employer match for the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?

Sherwin-Williams offers a competitive employer match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of employee contributions up to a certain limit.

At what age can I start contributing to the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?

Employees can start contributing to the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan as soon as they are eligible, which is generally after completing a certain period of service with the company.

Can I take a loan against my Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?

Yes, Sherwin-Williams allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) plan balance under certain conditions. Employees should review the plan’s specific loan provisions for details.

What investment options are available in the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?

The Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help employees grow their retirement savings.

How often can I change my contribution amount to the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?

Employees can change their contribution amount to the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan at designated times throughout the year, typically during open enrollment or after a qualifying life event.

Is there a vesting schedule for the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) employer match?

Yes, Sherwin-Williams has a vesting schedule for the employer match, meaning employees must work for the company for a certain period to fully own the matched contributions.

How can I check my Sherwin-Williams 401(k) balance?

Employees can check their Sherwin-Williams 401(k) balance by logging into the benefits portal or contacting the plan administrator for assistance.

What happens to my Sherwin-Williams 401(k) if I leave the company?

If you leave Sherwin-Williams, you have several options for your 401(k) balance, including rolling it over to an IRA or a new employer’s plan, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Sherwin-Williams plan if eligible.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Sherwin-Williams provides a defined contribution plan for its salaried employees, which includes a pension investment plan (PIP). This plan involves company contributions to an employee's account based on a percentage of their income, which increases with age and service. For union employees, there is a defined benefit pension plan based on years of service and specific contractual amounts. Both plans aim to provide stable retirement income for employees. Additionally, Sherwin-Williams offers a 401(k) plan with matching contributions to further support employee retirement savings.
Financial Performance and Layoffs: Sherwin-Williams reported modest sales growth of 0.5% for Q2 2024. The company is closing its Bedford Heights plant, resulting in 51 job cuts, as part of its efforts to streamline operations and reduce costs. Despite a softer macroeconomic environment, Sherwin-Williams is focusing on maintaining profitability and shareholder value through disciplined capital allocation and strategic market positioning (Sources: Sherwin-Williams, Cleveland.com).
Sherwin-Williams grants RSUs that vest over a period, providing shares upon vesting. Stock options are also available, allowing employees to purchase shares at a set price.
Sherwin-Williams has made significant updates to its employee healthcare benefits to align with the current economic, investment, tax, and political environment. In 2022, the company emphasized enhancing its occupational health and safety initiatives through the "S-W Cares" safety culture program. This program aims to reduce ergonomic injuries and workplace hazards by implementing comprehensive safety action plans and conducting monthly training sessions. These efforts reflect Sherwin-Williams' commitment to creating a safe and supportive work environment for its employees, which is crucial for maintaining productivity and morale. In 2023, Sherwin-Williams continued to build on these initiatives by launching a new data management system to improve reporting and oversight capabilities related to health and safety issues. This system includes dedicated learning and training modules designed to promote continuous improvement in workplace safety. Additionally, the company's sustainability framework highlights the integration of health and wellness programs into its overall strategy. By investing in comprehensive healthcare and safety benefits, Sherwin-Williams aims to attract and retain top talent, ensuring long-term business success and resilience amid economic uncertainties.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Sherwin-Williams at 101 w prospect ave Cleveland, OH 44115; or by calling them at 216-566-2000.

https://www.sherwin-williams.com/documents/pension-plan-2022.pdf - Page 5, https://www.sherwin-williams.com/documents/pension-plan-2023.pdf - Page 12, https://www.sherwin-williams.com/documents/pension-plan-2024.pdf - Page 15, https://www.sherwin-williams.com/documents/401k-plan-2022.pdf - Page 8, https://www.sherwin-williams.com/documents/401k-plan-2023.pdf - Page 22, https://www.sherwin-williams.com/documents/401k-plan-2024.pdf - Page 28, https://www.sherwin-williams.com/documents/rsu-plan-2022.pdf - Page 20, https://www.sherwin-williams.com/documents/rsu-plan-2023.pdf - Page 14, https://www.sherwin-williams.com/documents/rsu-plan-2024.pdf - Page 17, https://www.sherwin-williams.com/documents/healthcare-plan-2022.pdf - Page 23

*Please see disclaimer for more information

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