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How Clorox Retirees Can Navigate Inflation: Essential Strategies

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BBB Update

Key individual tax changes from Trump's 'big beautiful' bill
Current law vs. final legislation

Current law Final legislation
Standard deduction
$15,000 single; $30,000 married filing jointly for 2025 $15,750 single; $31,500 married filing jointly for 2025
'Bonus' deduction for older adults
$1,600 for age 65 and older for 2025; $2,000 unmarried / not surviving spouse for 2025 $7,600 for age 65 and older; $8,000 for unmarried / not surviving spouse; both from 2025 through 2028
State and local tax deduction (SALT)
$10,000 limit through 2025 $40,000 limit for 2025; increases by 1% through 2029; reverts to $10,000 in 2030
Child tax credit
Max credit of $2,000 per child through 2025; refundable portion $1,700 for 2025 Max credit of $2,200 per child; refundable portion $1,700 for 2025
Estate and gift tax exemption
$13.99 million single; $27.98 million married filing jointly for 2025 $15 million single; $30 million married filing jointly for 2026
Tax on tips
N/A Deduct up to $25,000 per year from 2025 though 2028
Overtime pay
N/A Deduct up to $12,500 per taxpayer from 2025 through 2028
Auto loan interest
N/A Deduct up to $12,500 per taxpayer from 2025 through 2028
Auto loan interest
N/A Deduct up to $10,000 of annual interest on new loans from 2025 through 2028
Trump Accounts for child savings
N/A One-time $1,000 credit to account per child born between 2025 through 2028
Charitable deduction for non-itemizers
N/A after 2021 $1,000 single; $2,000 married filing jointly; permanent after 2025

Source: CNBC

The minor decrease in high inflation in April provided some respite from extended periods of expense increases. These financial patterns pose a great deal of difficulties, especially for Clorox employees who are approaching or have reached retirement age—a group heavily influenced by fixed income sources.


For many in this category, Social Security is a noteworthy safety net because it is one of the few sources of income that is adjusted for inflation. Social Security has increased payouts for the year by 3.2%. Payouts are adjusted annually to reflect increases in the cost of living.  Based on current inflation data, independent Social Security and Medicare policy expert Mary Johnson's prediction models, which project a comparable adjustment for 2025, roughly match this amount.  But the Social Security Administration will certify the final rate in October once they make their yearly adjustment announcement.  According to The Senior Citizens League, historically, the increase has averaged 2.6% over the previous 20 years.

While these changes usually reflect inflation, their actual consequences might differ greatly based on personal conditions like geography and spending habits.  'It's getting ninety percent of the way there for most households every year, which is just incredibly valuable,' says Laura Quinby, a senior research economist at the Boston College Center for Retirement Research.

Nevertheless, there have been challenges due to the increase in inflation since 2021.  Its effects have been specifically examined by the Center for Retirement Research on two demographic groups: those approaching retirement but under 62, and those who have retired and are over 62. Their ability to withstand inflation-related economic shocks depends mostly on two things: the amount of fixed-rate debt they have and the ability of their assets and income to keep up with inflation.


From a financial standpoint, stocks can perform well as long as the economy avoids going into recession, even if bonds and fixed-income assets usually see price increases. Because wealthier households have a wider range of investments, including businesses and stocks, which have an appreciation tendency, they typically do better during periods of high inflation.

Social Security or defined benefit pensions provide for a sizable amount of retirees' income. Pensions are not usually inflation-adjusted, unlike Social Security, which makes them a less desirable source of income during periods of inflation. This emphasizes how important it is to have a variety of sources of income and to invest in assets that may appreciate in value over time.

In terms of employment, near-retirees who depend on income from their jobs could suffer if salary increases do not keep up with inflation. On the other hand, Clorox employees who own businesses or have a variety of sources of income from investments can be in a better situation. In a similar vein, those who have fixed-rate mortgages profit from steady monthly payments in spite of growing expenses; this is especially advantageous for those who are getting close to retirement and may still be responsible for mortgage payments.

Inflation affects future consumption capacity in addition to present spending. In an effort to preserve their level of life, many households respond by withdrawing more money and decreasing their savings. However,  as Quinby points out , this strategy can severely reduce future wealth. Working toward retirement age individuals might be able to make adjustments and even make up for lost savings if their pay increases outpace inflation.

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Despite these difficulties, only 4% of those who are close to retirement have raised their anticipated retirement age in reaction to inflation, delaying retirement by an average of four years. This implies a reluctance to prolong working years in spite of financial constraints.

Due to their limited possibilities for income growth, Clorox retirees must search inside their financial strategy for opportunities. Reinvesting in fixed-income assets, which may give higher returns, is possible in the current economic climate with rising interest rates, offering a way to lessen the effects of persistently high inflation.

The current state of the economy emphasizes how important it is for soon-to-be and already-retired individuals to regularly assess their financial plans in light of changing market dynamics and make sure they can continue living their desired lifestyle without jeopardizing their long-term financial stability.

According to a May 2022 study by the Economic Policy Institute , retirees are disproportionately impacted by inflation because of their reliance on fixed incomes and rising medical costs relative to the overall rate of inflation. A large portion of seniors' budgets goes for medical care, which has experienced inflation at a rate that regularly exceeds that of other consumer products and services. Due to the potential for this to reduce fixed incomes' buying power, Clorox retirees must incorporate healthcare expenditures into their plans for inflation-adjusted financial planning. This is especially important considering that today's seniors have longer lifespans and consequently greater healthcare needs.

Sailing a ship through more choppy weather is akin to navigating retirement amid growing inflation. Retirees must modify their financial plans to account for the fluctuating currents of inflation, much like an experienced captain modifies sails and course to accommodate altering winds and tides. With its yearly cost-of-living adjustments, Social Security serves as a dependable compass, although things are never quite peaceful. Similar to different sails on a sail, investments can catch different economic breezes and assist sail the ship forward even when the sea of medical costs is rising faster than the tide. Like a sagacious captain who plans for every eventuality, Clorox retirees who want a smooth sail through their golden years must make extensive plans.

What is the Clorox 401(k) plan?

The Clorox 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.

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

Employees can enroll in the Clorox 401(k) plan by accessing the benefits portal or contacting the HR department for guidance on the enrollment process.

What is the employer match for the Clorox 401(k) plan?

Clorox offers a competitive employer match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan, which can significantly enhance your retirement savings.

At what age can I start contributing to the Clorox 401(k) plan?

Employees can start contributing to the Clorox 401(k) plan as soon as they are eligible, typically upon hire or after a specified waiting period.

How much can I contribute to the Clorox 401(k) plan each year?

The contribution limits for the Clorox 401(k) plan are set according to IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the latest limits for the current year.

Does Clorox offer a Roth 401(k) option?

Yes, Clorox provides a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to make after-tax contributions to their retirement savings.

Can I take a loan from my Clorox 401(k) plan?

Yes, Clorox allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions, subject to plan rules.

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

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

How often can I change my contributions to the Clorox 401(k) plan?

Employees can change their contribution amounts to the Clorox 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan’s specific guidelines.

What happens to my Clorox 401(k) if I leave the company?

If you leave Clorox, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Clorox 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.
Clorox announced a restructuring plan involving a 10% reduction in its workforce to streamline operations and reduce costs. The company also updated its pension plan to freeze accruals for employees hired after 2024 and is adjusting 401(k) matching contributions.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Clorox at 1221 Broadway Oakland, CA 94612; or by calling them at (510) 271-7000.

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