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

4 Retirement Withdrawal Strategies for Conagra Brands Employees to Help Make Your Money Last

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Conagra Brands: For Conagra Brands, the healthcare provider information is typically linked to their employment benefits and can vary based on the location and specific plans offered to employees. Generally, large companies like Conagra may partner with major insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem (Elevance Health), or Aetna to provide health insurance benefits to their employees. It is advisable for Enrolled members to refer to their HR department or employee benefit documentation for specific provider details. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As we look ahead to 2026, significant increases in healthcare costs are anticipated, largely influenced by the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Reports indicate that premium rates for ACA marketplace plans could rise by over 60% in certain states due to higher medical expenses and market adjustments. Notably, a staggering 92% of policyholders may face a potential increase in their out-of-pocket premiums by more than 75%, reflecting the compounded effect of expiring subsidies and aggressive rate hikes from leading insurers. This perfect storm may lead to many consumers being priced out of essential healthcare coverage, forcing a reevaluation of their insurance options as financial pressures mount. Click here to learn more

'Conagra Brands employees must carefully consider their retirement withdrawal strategies to maintain a sustainable income, as decisions on the timing and method of withdrawals can impact their financial health in retirement.' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'By structuring the right withdrawal strategy, Conagra Brands employees can better navigate the complexities of retirement, helping their hard-earned savings last throughout their retirement years while potentially managing the risks associated with market volatility and unforeseen expenses.' – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

Four retirement withdrawal strategies to help your savings last.
The impact of tax considerations, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and Social Security benefits on your retirement income.
The importance of planning for health care costs in retirement.

Retirement is the culmination of years of dedication, hard work, and saving. As a Conagra Brands employee, you’ve likely worked diligently to build your retirement savings. However, once you’ve accumulated your nest egg, the challenge becomes converting that sum into a sustainable income to cover what could be decades of retirement. A major concern for many retirees, including those in the oil and gas industry, is outliving their savings. It’s critical to understand how to manage your retirement funds wisely to help make them last.

Having a healthy retirement fund is essential, but it’s equally important to know how to manage that fund effectively. Your retirement well-being depends on the decisions you make about withdrawing funds from your 401k, IRA, or other accounts. If you withdraw too much too quickly, you risk depleting your savings too soon, leaving yourself financially vulnerable. Conversely, if you withdraw too little, you may not be able to live comfortably. Therefore, choosing the right withdrawal strategy is key to optimizing your savings.

Below are four strategies that Conagra Brands retirees can consider to help their savings last:

1. The 4% Rule: An Age-Old Method

One of the most widely recognized retirement withdrawal methods is the 4% rule. According to this approach, retirees withdraw 4% of their original retirement portfolio balance in the first year of retirement. Each subsequent year, the amount withdrawn increases to keep pace with inflation. For example, from a $500,000 portfolio, the first year’s withdrawal would be $20,000 (4% of $500,000). The following year, if inflation is 3%, the withdrawal would rise to $20,600. The 4% rule aims to strike a balance between making withdrawals and allowing the funds to grow over time.

That said, some financial professionals have raised concerns about whether the 4% rule is still the best strategy, particularly in light of market volatility. In tough market conditions, the 4% rule might accelerate the depletion of your assets. Some advisors recommend reducing the withdrawal rate to 2.4% in such cases to help safeguard long-term funds.

2. The Fixed-Dollar Approach: Consistency and Confidence

The fixed-dollar withdrawal method involves setting a specific amount to withdraw each year during retirement. This amount is periodically reassessed based on financial needs and investment performance. The primary benefit of this approach is stability, as you know exactly how much you will receive every year. However, one downside is that it doesn’t account for inflation. Over time, as living expenses increase, the purchasing power of your fixed withdrawal will decrease.

Furthermore, similar to the 4% rule, the fixed-dollar approach can be risky during market downturns. If your investments don’t perform as expected, you may end up withdrawing more than your portfolio can sustain. Therefore, it's important to regularly reassess your plan, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty.

3. The Strategy for Total Return: Emphasis on Growth Assets

The total return strategy focuses on keeping your portfolio predominantly invested in growth assets, such as stocks. You would only withdraw enough to meet your immediate living expenses while allowing the rest of the portfolio to grow. The goal of this approach is to balance long-term growth potential with withdrawal needs, letting your assets grow as much as possible while still providing the income you need.

This strategy may appeal to retirees who have a significant financial cushion and a higher risk tolerance. However, it does carry the risk of having to sell investments at a loss during a market downturn, which could affect long-term growth. It’s best suited for those who are comfortable with volatility and who have a deep understanding of market performance.

4. The Bucket Strategy: A Layered Approach to Risk and Reward

The bucket strategy divides your retirement assets into multiple 'buckets' based on when the funds will be needed. The first bucket holds enough cash for immediate expenses, typically within the next 6-12 months. This money is invested in low-risk, liquid assets like money market funds or high-yield savings accounts. The second bucket is for medium-term needs, typically one to three years, and might include bonds or certificates of deposit (CDs). The third bucket holds long-term growth assets, like stocks, mutual funds, or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and is meant to be used in five+ years.

This strategy aims to provide both short-term stability and long-term growth by investing in a mix of lower-risk and higher-risk assets. The short-term buckets are optimally insulated from market volatility, while the long-term buckets can ride out market fluctuations for potential growth. While this approach requires careful planning and regular rebalancing, it can offer peace of mind for retirees, allowing them to manage short-term expenses while still benefiting from the growth of their investments over time.

Other Elements That Impact How Long Your Retirement Funds Last

While choosing the right withdrawal strategy is essential, several other factors can impact the longevity of your retirement funds. For Conagra Brands employees, it's crucial to consider the following:

Tax Considerations:
Understanding the tax implications of your withdrawals is vital. Traditional retirement accounts, such as 401ks and IRAs, defer taxes on contributions and investment gains until you start taking distributions. In contrast, Roth accounts offer tax-free distributions. Planning your withdrawals to take advantage of lower tax brackets in retirement can be a smart strategy. For example, you might withdraw from tax-deferred accounts first, allowing Roth accounts to grow tax-free.
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs):
The IRS requires that you begin taking minimum distributions from your traditional retirement accounts when you turn 73. Failing to take these distributions can lead to significant penalties. Since Roth IRAs are not subject to RMDs during your lifetime, delaying withdrawals from these accounts can be advantageous.
Social Security Benefits:
For many retirees, Social Security serves as a key source of income. The decision of when to start receiving benefits is a critical part of your retirement strategy. Starting early at age 62 results in lower monthly payments, but waiting until your full retirement age or even 70 can increase your benefits by as much as 8% per year.
Health Care Costs:
Health care costs are an often-overlooked aspect of retirement planning. According to a 2023 study by Fidelity, a 65-year-old couple retiring in 2023 can expect to spend an estimated $315,000 on health care costs over the course of their retirement. ¹ Planning for these expenses and adjusting your withdrawal strategy accordingly is essential to helping your savings last.

Bottom Line

Choosing the right withdrawal strategy is a critical step in making your retirement savings last. Whether you opt for the 4% rule, the fixed-dollar method, the total return strategy, or the bucket approach, each strategy offers different benefits and risks. By also considering tax implications, RMDs, Social Security, and health care costs, you can better prepare for a comfortable retirement.

For Conagra Brands employees, planning ahead and using the right strategy can help you enjoy a stable, financially independent retirement. By understanding how your withdrawal strategy interacts with other elements of retirement planning, you can position your nest egg to last for the long haul.

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Sources:

1. Fidelity. ' Fidelity Releases 2023 Health Care Cost Estimate .' 21 June 2023.

2. Colucci, Julie. 'Retirement Withdrawal Strategies To Extend Your Savings.' Bankrate , May 2025, pp. 1–3.

3. Reichenstein, William. 'A Roth 401(k) Is a Tax Break Hiding in Plain Sight.' Barron's , May 2025, pp. 2–4.

4. London, Hali Browne. 'Diversify or Risk Running Dry: 12 Additional Income Streams For Your Retirement.' Investopedia , May 2025, pp. 5–7.

5. Bengen, Bill. 'The Guy Behind Retirement's 4% Rule Now Thinks That's Way Too Low.' MarketWatch , May 2025, pp. 3–5.

6. Allianz Life Insurance. 'Ditch the Fear: A Guide to Embracing Retirement Preparedness.' Kiplinger , May 2025, pp. 1–2.

How does Conagra Brands, Inc. ensure that employees understand their retirement benefits, particularly the nuances of the Conagra Foods Inc. Pension Plan and the historical obligations from the Beatrice Retirement Income Plan (BRIP)? Are there specific communication strategies or resources provided to employees to navigate their eligibility and benefits?

Conagra Brands has not provided consistent documentation of the Beatrice Retirement Income Plan (BRIP), as evidenced by a lost BRIP Plan document, which has created confusion among former Beatrice employees. Conagra relies on internal committees like the Conagra Brands Employee Benefits Administrative Committee to oversee the administration of the Conagra Foods Inc. Pension Plan and the historical obligations from BRIP. However, there are allegations in the class action that Conagra has failed to communicate certain benefit entitlements, particularly the age at which unreduced benefits should commence(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

In light of regulatory compliance, what measures does Conagra Brands, Inc. take to maintain the integrity and security of pension plan documents, especially considering the historical loss of the BRIP Plan document? How do the missing documents impact employee knowledge of their benefits?

The loss of the BRIP Plan document represents a significant failure in document retention and regulatory compliance. Under ERISA, Conagra is required to maintain and distribute these documents upon request. The missing BRIP documents have caused discrepancies in the administration of retirement benefits, particularly regarding the age of eligibility for unreduced benefits. Conagra has been criticized for not informing employees that these documents were lost, leading to confusion and underpayment of benefits(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

What resources does Conagra Brands, Inc. offer to its employees who have questions about their pension benefits or discrepancies that may arise from the transition from the Beatrice Retirement Income Plan to the Conagra Foods Inc. Pension Plan? How can employees best utilize these resources?

Conagra directs employees to contact the Plan service center for inquiries related to their pension benefits. However, based on the complaints filed in court, there have been issues with transparency and the accessibility of important plan documents, including the BRIP. Employees have had to appeal their benefit decisions and deal with insufficient guidance on navigating the discrepancies between the old BRIP and the Conagra Plan. Resources like benefit calculators and service centers have sometimes provided inaccurate or incomplete information(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

How does Conagra Brands, Inc. handle the potential discrepancies regarding the pension benefits related to the age eligibility for receiving unreduced benefits in the context of both the Conagra Plan and the Beatrice plan? What steps have been taken to prevent similar issues in the future?

Conagra has been handling discrepancies poorly, particularly around the age at which participants in the BRIP are entitled to receive unreduced benefits. The company's adjustment of the eligibility age from 60 to 65 without properly consulting or notifying employees has led to underpayment of benefits. The ongoing class action lawsuit seeks to address these discrepancies and prevent future issues by clarifying benefit entitlements under the terms of both plans(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

Can you elaborate on the process that Conagra Brands, Inc. utilizes to communicate with employees about plan amendments and to clarify their rights under the Conagra Foods Inc. Pension Plan? What specific improvements have been made to this communication strategy in recent years?

The communication process regarding plan amendments at Conagra has been criticized as insufficient, particularly concerning the transition from the BRIP to the Conagra Plan. Employees have filed complaints about not receiving adequate notice of important changes, such as the shift in eligibility age for unreduced benefits. Conagra has failed to provide clear documentation, leading to confusion among employees. There is no evidence of significant improvements in recent years(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

How does Conagra Brands, Inc. ensure compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), especially regarding the fiduciary duties of the Conagra Brands Employee Benefits Administrative Committee? What protocols are in place to guarantee that employeesâ€™ rights are consistently protected?

Conagra's compliance with ERISA has been challenged in court, with allegations of fiduciary breaches related to the loss of critical plan documents like the BRIP. The Conagra Brands Employee Benefits Administrative Committee is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the pension plan, but the loss of documents and failure to notify employees of their rights raise questions about the adequacy of these protocols. The lawsuit highlights a need for improved oversight and adherence to ERISA's fiduciary requirements(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

What options are currently available for former Beatrice employees and other participants in the Conagra Foods Inc. Pension Plan to claim benefits they believe they are entitled to? How does Conagra Brands, Inc. facilitate this process?

Former Beatrice employees can contact the Pension Service Center to inquire about their benefits and initiate claims. However, the process has been complicated by missing documentation and conflicting information about eligibility. Some employees have been forced to file legal claims to recover benefits owed to them, as in the case of the ongoing class action lawsuit. The lack of clear and accessible resources has made it difficult for employees to navigate the process effectively(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

In what ways does Conagra Brands, Inc. provide support or guidance for employees approaching retirement, particularly in understanding the timelines and responsibilities associated with electing benefits from the Conagra Foods Inc. Pension Plan?

Conagra provides online calculators and service center assistance for employees approaching retirement, but these tools have proven unreliable for some participants. Employees have reported being unable to calculate their benefits accurately or being told they were ineligible for benefits before age 65, despite the terms of the BRIP allowing benefits to begin at age 60. The class action complaint highlights deficiencies in the guidance provided to employees regarding their benefits(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

How can employees at Conagra Brands, Inc. contact the Employee Benefits Administrative Committee for inquiries related to their benefits? What are the most efficient avenues for addressing concerns about the Conagra Foods Inc. Pension Plan or the transitions from the Beatrice plan?

Employees can contact the Plan service center for inquiries related to their benefits, but accessing the Employee Benefits Administrative Committee directly appears to be more challenging. The lawsuit indicates that employees seeking to address discrepancies with their benefits have not received timely or effective communication from the committee, often requiring legal action to resolve their concerns(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

How does Conagra Brands, Inc. evaluate its pension plan's performance and benefits offerings in relation to industry standards? What methods are used to ensure the company remains competitive while protecting employee benefits under the Conagra Foods Inc. Pension Plan?

There is little publicly available information regarding how Conagra evaluates its pension plan's performance against industry standards. The company's handling of historical pension obligations, particularly from the Beatrice acquisition, suggests that its methods for protecting employee benefits have been insufficient. Ongoing litigation regarding underpayment of benefits and loss of critical documents indicates that the company may need to improve its evaluation methods and compliance efforts to remain competitive(Conagra_Brands_Inc_02-1…).

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

Conagra Brands announced a restructuring plan aiming to streamline operations and reduce costs. This includes layoffs impacting various departments and potential changes to employee benefits.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Conagra Brands at 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza Chicago, IL 60654; or by calling them at (312) 549-5000.