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NCR Employees: Navigating the Key Considerations for Your Retirement Journey

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The trajectory of one’s professional life often follows an ascent akin to the climbing of a mountain – from the spirited beginning, through the peaks of career highs, to the gradual approach towards the summit of retirement. For individuals who have spent decades cultivating their careers, the decision to retire is rarely straightforward. It is a pivot point that requires deep introspection, a thorough assessment of one’s financial readiness, and an understanding of the psychological impacts of such a life-changing move.

For Kathie Davis, a 67-year-old who enjoyed a flourishing career in financial services, the decision to retire was influenced by an increasing workload and the poignant reminder of life’s fragility, with the loss of friends and colleagues. As her last day approached, the severance from her professional identity was as tangible as it was emotional.

The trend towards later retirement is well-documented. A Gallup poll from 2023 indicated that the average retirement age had risen to 62, a significant increase from 57 in 1991. This shift can often be attributed to financial necessity; many NCR workers find themselves unable to comfortably cease working at the traditional retirement age. Yet, even with a substantial retirement savings, the decision to step away from one's career involves facing profound existential questions.

Louis H. Primavera, a psychology professor at Touro University with a focus on retirement studies, encapsulates the dilemma succinctly: “Work in this society defines who you are. When you’re retired, you’re a ‘was.’”

The modern reality of extended lifespans has dramatically altered retirement planning for NCR employees. The once short-lived interlude between an arduous career and life’s denouement has expanded into a potential multi-decade phase of life. This extension forces a reevaluation of both financial strategy and the psychological readiness to redefine one's identity post-career.

The answer is not found in clinging to one’s career indefinitely. Primavera advises those considering retirement to proactively seek out new pursuits and social engagements to discover alternative sources of fulfillment. This proactive approach is crucial as research indicates that an abundance of unstructured time can lead to discontentment.

Teresa Amabile, a professor at Harvard Business School, suggests a reflective exercise for those contemplating retirement: list six words that best describe you and consider how retiring might alter that self-concept. Amabile also recommends creating a “life map” to evaluate whether different aspects of your life, such as work, family, and hobbies, are in harmony or at odds with each other.

Tim Streeter, a former recruiting executive, chose early retirement after a layoff at 47. His decision underscored a broader reassessment of the value of corporate loyalty and the desire to maximize the quality of his life, even in the face of financial uncertainty and market fluctuations.

NCR retirement does not have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. Many find a middle ground through part-time work, consulting, or even sharing roles, as exemplified by Marc Freedman, the founder of a San Francisco-based nonprofit. At 65, Freedman adapted his work life to reduce stress while still engaging in meaningful work, exemplifying a growing trend among older adults. According to a survey by AARP, more than 40% of older individuals either continue working or plan to work into their retirement years.

NCR employees approach retirement should consider healthcare costs. A report from Fidelity Investments (published April 2023) suggests that a retired couple may need an estimated $315,000 after taxes to cover healthcare expenses in retirement. For seasoned professionals accustomed to employer-sponsored health plans, this underscores the importance of evaluating Medicare options and supplemental health insurance to mitigate unexpected costs, ensuring a secure and stable transition from a full-time career with NCR to retirement.

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As the conversation around NCR retirement evolves, it is essential for those nearing this transition to engage in thoughtful planning, consider how their identities will transform, and ponder the legacy they wish to leave behind. The process of deciding when to retire is deeply personal, replete with financial considerations and emotional introspection. It is a journey that ultimately leads to crafting a new chapter – one that continues to be rich with purpose and engagement beyond the sphere of professional life.

Deciding when to retire is akin to a seasoned captain navigating a well-traveled vessel toward a much-anticipated horizon. After decades of steering through the corporate seas, adjusting sails to the winds of change, and weathering economic storms, the time comes to chart a course toward the serene waters of retirement. As the captain must consider the readiness of the ship, provisions for the journey, and the activities awaiting on distant shores, so must the seasoned professional evaluate financial readiness, healthcare provisions, and meaningful pursuits post-career. Just as the wise captain knows the value of the experience and the right moment to dock the ship, the mature executive understands the significance of timing and preparation to embark on retirement's promising new voyage.

What is the NCR 401(k) plan?

The NCR 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows NCR employees to save for retirement through pre-tax contributions, which can grow tax-deferred until withdrawal.

How can I enroll in the NCR 401(k) plan?

You can enroll in the NCR 401(k) plan by visiting the employee benefits portal or contacting the HR department for assistance with the enrollment process.

What types of contributions can I make to the NCR 401(k) plan?

NCR employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and potentially catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older.

Does NCR offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?

Yes, NCR offers a company match on employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps to enhance your retirement savings.

How does the NCR company match work?

The NCR company match typically matches a percentage of your contributions up to a certain limit, which is outlined in the plan documents.

When can I start contributing to the NCR 401(k) plan?

You can start contributing to the NCR 401(k) plan after you have completed the eligibility requirements, which are detailed in the employee handbook.

Can I change my contribution amount to the NCR 401(k) plan?

Yes, NCR allows employees to change their contribution amounts at any time throughout the year, subject to plan rules.

What investment options are available in the NCR 401(k) plan?

The NCR 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, index funds, and target-date funds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.

Is there a vesting schedule for the NCR company match?

Yes, NCR has a vesting schedule for the company match, meaning you must work for NCR for a certain period before you fully own the matched contributions.

How can I access my NCR 401(k) account?

You can access your NCR 401(k) account online through the plan's designated website or mobile app, where you can view your balance and make changes.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for NCR at , ; or by calling them at .

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