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

How UPS Employees Can Get 'Unstuck' and Enjoy Their Wealth

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for UPS: UPS is served by the UPS Health and Wellness Program, which provides a range of health benefits through various partnerships with healthcare providers and facilities aimed at supporting the well-being of its employees. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As 2026 approaches, healthcare costs are anticipated to surge significantly, primarily driven by the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and rising medical expenses. Many states are facing projected premium increases, with some exceeding 60%. This scenario poses a daunting challenge as over 22 million Marketplace enrollees-92% of policyholders-could experience out-of-pocket premium hikes surpassing 75%. With insurers anticipating aggressive rate hikes and a landscape already strained by increased healthcare utilization, families and individuals will need to navigate these financial pressures carefully to maintain access to necessary healthcare services. Click here to learn more

'UPS employees seeking a meaningful and balanced life should recognize that true wealth isn't just about financial stability but also embracing fulfillment in all aspects of life, including health and well-being.' – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

'Helping UPS employees achieve a fulfilling life requires more than financial strategies; it's about guiding them to live with purpose, balancing wealth with wellness to truly enjoy their success.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article, we will discuss:

The connection between happiness and money
How financial advisors can help clients get 'unstuck'
The importance of balancing financial, emotional, and physical well-being

It can be difficult for financial consultants to offer more than just a sound financial strategy. A highly influential financial counselor understands that success is based on more than just statistics, even though creating a stable future is crucial. Crafting a happy and satisfying life for clients—balancing not just their financial wellness but also their physical and mental well-being—is the key to true success. UPS employees can feel grounded and rooted in all facets of their lives, not just their finances, according to our three-pronged strategy.

The Connection Between Happiness and Money

There is a widespread misperception that having money inevitably makes one happy. Actually, I've seen a lot of people who are wealthy yet find it difficult to enjoy their prosperity. Even though they are in a position to spend comfortably, some people are inhibited by their fear of doing so. For example, one customer hesitated to book nonstop flights because he was so reluctant to spend money, despite the fact that layovers had a major negative impact on his quality of life. A different customer would routinely skip dinner due to cost rather than health issues.

However, I have also worked with people who struggle with compulsive spending, which is the opposite tendency. They continue to overindulge in the hopes that the future will correct their current financial irresponsibility, even if they have pledged to control their behaviors. Although there are benefits to the 'Carpe Diem' attitude, living extravagantly can harm a client's financial future.

The most important lesson is that the objective is to spend in a way that brings happiness and satisfaction, not to spend the least or the most. It is our responsibility as financial advisors to help clients strike that balance by advising them to engage in fulfilling experiences and endeavors rather than only attempting to reduce costs or satisfy material cravings.

Getting 'Unstuck' Clients

As a financial advisor, one of my most important responsibilities is to assist customers who are feeling 'stuck.' This can take many forms: some people are stuck in a financial mindset that keeps them from appreciating their prosperity, while others are physically ill and lack the stamina to engage in the things they used to enjoy. Many individuals experience mental loneliness or uncertainty about their life's purpose.

The objective is to assist them in being 'unstuck.' This could be advising that a client finally upgrade to first-class when they travel, or urging them to take that long-awaited family trip that they have been putting off for years. It might also entail helping them find new interests, like gardening or photography, or assisting them in getting back into exercise by getting them a personal trainer or joining a gym.

Pickleball is among the most successful activities I've recently introduced to my customers. For many, this inexpensive but incredibly captivating sport has changed their lives. It offers social interaction, which is crucial for mental health, in addition to physical exercise. After learning pickleball, clients have said they feel more motivated and excited about life. Seeing these great changes has been immensely satisfying, and the game has turned into a reason to look forward to something.

Posing Appropriate Questions

Asking the proper questions is the first step in assisting customers in becoming unstuck. I probe them with inquiries that delve deeper into their lives rather than just their portfolios. 'How are you? Are you continuing to be active? What do you most eagerly anticipate?' I can learn more about their priorities thanks to these inquiries. The truth is that relationships, health, or a lack of purpose are more common worries for many people than money.

Advisors can assist clients in identifying the aspects of their lives that they can control and letting go of the things that they cannot by interacting with them on this deeper level. When clients are based on a sense of general well-being, financial decisions become simpler. Addressing clients' emotional, physical, and financial issues enables them to make choices that are in line with their actual preferences.

Encouraging Customers to Lead the Life They Desire

Giving clients financial guidance is only one aspect of helping them become unstuck; another is enabling them to use their wealth in ways that truly bring them joy. You can tell you're having a real influence when your clients walk away from a conversation feeling lighter, more confident, and more excited about their future. In addition to helping their clients accumulate wealth, financial advisors should assist them in creating a worthwhile life.

The function of an advisor goes beyond creating financial plans; it also involves helping clients create life plans that strike a balance between fulfillment and enjoyment. These interventions lay the groundwork for long-term satisfaction, whether it's recommending a trip, fostering a new pastime, or assisting a client in making health-related investments. The goal of wealth is to improve one's life, not only accumulate it.

In summary, managing investments and portfolios is only one aspect of being a financial advisor. Understanding clients' core needs—how they want to spend their time, what brings them joy, and how they may live life to the fullest—is where the true value lies. UPS employees can feel financially confident and pleased in all other aspects of their lives when they can enjoy the wealth they have amassed. In addition to a healthy portfolio, this all-encompassing approach to financial counseling results in a happier, healthier life.

Brian Parker, CFP, managing director and co-founder of EP Wealth Advisors, works with professionals, athletes, entrepreneurs, and executives. He also participates in initiatives promoting women's programming, financial literacy, and charitable giving. Brian sits on various boards that support sports, health, wellness, and youth education.

For senior citizens, consistent physical activity has major health benefits. Even a small amount of regular exercise, like walking, has been shown to significantly lower the chance of developing chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and several types of cancer. According to a study published in Preventive Medicine, for example, walking 3,000 steps a day can reduce the chance of dying prematurely. For people over 60, the advantages are greatest when walking 7,000 to 9,000 steps a day. Strength and endurance training can also improve mobility, balance, and general physical function, leading to a better quality of life and more independence as people age.

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Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1. 'The Life-Changing Benefits of Exercise After 60.' National Council on Aging , 2021.
www.ncoa.org/article/the-life-changing-benefits-of-exercise-after-60 .

2. 'Mental health around retirement: evidence of Ashenfelter's dip.' BMC Geriatrics , 2023.
doi:10.1186/s12877-023-02999-x.

3. '4 tips for getting fit at any age, from a sports scientist who studies athletes as old as 92.' Business Insider , 2025.

4. 'Participating in Activities You Enjoy As You Age.' National Institute on Aging , 2022.
www.nia.nih.gov/news/participating-activities-you-enjoy .

5. 'Plan Your Retirement And Improve Your Mental And Physical Health.' Forbes , 9 May 2025.
www.forbes.com/sites/stevevernon/2025/05/09/plan-your-retirement .

How can employees take full advantage of the retirement benefits offered by UPS, including the pension plan enhancements implemented in 2024, and what specific eligibility criteria must they meet to secure these benefits? In your experience, how have changes in the UPS pension plan over the years, especially the recent increases to service pension benefits, impacted the financial planning of UPS employees nearing retirement?

To fully take advantage of the UPS retirement benefits, including the pension plan enhancements implemented in 2024, employees must meet specific eligibility criteria, such as length of service and retirement age, which are outlined in the company's pension plan documents. Recent increases in service pension benefits, particularly for employees nearing retirement, have allowed UPS workers to better secure their financial future, giving them a more stable foundation as they transition out of the workforce. These changes have made financial planning more predictable for those close to retirement.

What are the steps that part-time employees at UPS need to follow to transition to full-time status, and how does this transition affect their eligibility for the UPS Pension Plan? Additionally, can you outline how the accrual of Credited Service works for both part-time and full-time UPS employees under the current plan rules?

Part-time employees at UPS must follow an established process to transition to full-time status, often based on seniority, availability, and performance reviews. Once they transition to full-time, their eligibility for the UPS Pension Plan improves, allowing for faster accrual of service credits. Accrual of Credited Service for part-time employees is typically prorated based on the hours worked, while full-time employees accumulate service credits more quickly, based on a 40-hour workweek under the current plan rules.

Considering the rise in healthcare costs, what healthcare options are available to UPS employees upon retirement, and how do the TeamCare plans differ between full-time and part-time retirees? How does the retiree medical coverage through TeamCare ensure that UPS employees maintain health insurance access without significant financial burden after retirement?

UPS offers comprehensive healthcare options through TeamCare for retirees, which vary for full-time and part-time employees. Full-time retirees generally receive more extensive coverage, while part-time retirees may have more limited options. TeamCare ensures that UPS retirees have access to affordable healthcare coverage post-retirement by providing plans designed to reduce the financial burden of rising healthcare costs, helping retirees maintain health insurance with manageable out-of-pocket expenses.

How does the UPS pension plan accommodate employees who have worked in multiple states or for different employers within the Teamsters system? What provisions are in place to ensure that their service credits are recognized and valued, particularly for those who may approach retirement age with a patchwork of employment history?

The UPS pension plan accommodates employees who have worked in multiple states or for different employers within the Teamsters system by recognizing their service credits across various jurisdictions. This ensures that even employees with patchwork employment histories can count their service toward pension eligibility, helping them qualify for retirement benefits despite moving between employers or locations within the Teamsters network.

What specific provisions exist for retirees at UPS who may choose to return to part-time employment post-retirement? Can you detail how this affects their pension benefits and any other retirement-related income they might receive, alongside UPS's policies regarding reemployment for retirees?

UPS retirees who choose to return to part-time work after retirement can do so under certain conditions without affecting their pension benefits. However, there may be limits on how much they can work without reducing their pension income. UPS’s policies on reemployment allow retirees to maintain some of their retirement-related income while taking on part-time roles, ensuring financial stability alongside continued employment.

How can employees at UPS navigate the process of filing a grievance if they feel their retirement benefits have not been administered fairly? What are the resources available to them, and how does the grievance procedure relate to the overall benefits they receive under the UPS pension and welfare plans?

If employees feel their retirement benefits have been unfairly administered, they can file a grievance through the UPS grievance procedure. This process often begins with discussions between the employee and management, with the option to escalate the issue to the union for formal dispute resolution. Resources such as union representatives and detailed plan documents are available to help employees navigate these disputes under the UPS pension and welfare plans.

With the introduction of new benefit contribution rates in 2024, how do these changes reflect UPS's commitment to its employees' financial futures? In what ways are employees encouraged to participate in decision-making regarding their benefits, and how might this shift impact employee satisfaction and retention rates at UPS?

The new benefit contribution rates introduced by UPS in 2024 reflect the company’s commitment to securing the financial futures of its employees. These changes encourage employees to be more engaged in the decision-making process regarding their benefits, which can lead to greater satisfaction and retention. UPS fosters this involvement by providing clear communication about how benefits are structured and how employees can contribute to their long-term financial health.

For employees looking to enhance their retirement savings beyond the UPS Pension Plan, what additional options are available, such as 401(k) or health savings accounts, and how do these integrate with the retirement benefits provided by UPS? Additionally, how can employees get the most out of these supplemental plans during their working years at UPS?

Beyond the UPS Pension Plan, employees have additional retirement savings options, such as 401(k) plans and health savings accounts (HSAs). These plans complement the pension benefits and allow employees to further enhance their retirement savings during their working years. UPS offers matching contributions for the 401(k), and employees are encouraged to maximize these plans to ensure robust retirement savings.

How does UPS support employees facing long-term disabilities in relation to their pension plans and health care coverage? Can you explain the interaction between long-term disability benefits and retirement benefits, particularly for employees who may leave the workforce earlier than anticipated due to health issues?

For employees facing long-term disabilities, UPS provides both long-term disability benefits and continued healthcare coverage, which are integrated with their pension plans. Employees who leave the workforce early due to health issues can rely on these benefits to maintain financial stability, as the long-term disability benefits help bridge the gap until they reach retirement age and are eligible for pension payments.

For employees seeking more information on their retirement benefits and options available through UPS, what channels are best for contacting the benefits department? Are there specific representatives dedicated to assisting employees with retirement questions to ensure they understand the nuances of their benefits effectively?

UPS employees seeking more information about their retirement benefits can contact the benefits department through designated channels, such as the employee portal or direct phone lines. UPS also provides representatives who specialize in retirement benefits, ensuring employees receive personalized guidance to understand the nuances of their pension plans and other retirement options effectively.

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

UPS offers both a traditional defined benefit pension plan and a defined contribution 401(k) plan. The defined benefit plan includes a cash balance component, where benefits grow based on years of service and compensation, with interest credits added annually. The 401(k) plan offers company matching contributions and various investment options such as target-date funds and mutual funds. UPS also provides financial planning resources and tools to help employees manage their retirement savings.

UPS offers RSUs that vest over time, giving employees shares upon meeting vesting conditions. Stock options are also provided, allowing employees to purchase shares at a fixed price.