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

How NiSource Employees Can Prevent Boredom from Ruining a Happy Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: NiSource provides employees with a variety of health insurance options including PPO, HMO, and high-deductible plans with HSAs. Dental and vision coverage is available, along with FSAs for healthcare and dependent care. Life insurance equal to twice base pay is company-paid, with options to purchase additional coverage. Disability benefits, accident insurance, and paid sick leave are also included. Retirement benefits feature a 401(k) plan with matching, and employees may receive opt-out credits if they decline coverage 2. NiSource As ACA premiums rise, NiSources employer-sponsored plans and pre-tax savings accounts offer employees a more affordable and stable alternative to marketplace coverage. With insurers requesting double-digit increases and federal subsidies potentially expiring, employer-backed plans like NiSources help shield employees from steep out-of-pocket costs. Click here to learn more

Retirement is not the end of the road; it is the beginning of an open highway. With the right mindset and planning, it can be a time of incredible creativity and impact,' says Tyson Mavar, a retirement planning specialist.

Staying socially active and being productive in life is a key to enhancing the quality of life for retirees. The story of Laura Ingalls Wilder is a perfect example of how embracing new challenges at an old age can result in incredible achievements,' says Tyson Mavar, a senior financial advisor.

In this article, we will discuss:

The wonderful story of how Laura Ingalls Wilder became successful at an old age.

Strategies that NiSource retirees can employ in order to make their retirement meaningful.

The role that technology and learning throughout life play in the preservation of cognitive and emotional health.

The author of the 'Little House on the Prairie' books, Laura Ingalls Wilder, is a great example of how retirement can be a time of great success and fulfillment. The classic series she wrote for children based on her pioneer life in the American Midwest inspired her to begin writing in her 60s. Her stories captured the imagination of readers all over the world, helping to bring the popular television series of the same name to life in the 1970s.

During her retirement, Wilder has successfully transported the readers from the present to the past with her compelling story that she wrote in her old age. Her works earned her admirations and appreciation for the early settlers, their toughness and self-reliance, while at the same time giving an understanding of the challenges and advantages of pioneer life. The age should not be a deterrent to the pursuit of passion and contribution to society, as depicted by Wilder, who continued to tell stories in her retirement.

Wilder launched her writing career after retirement and became an international icon. The readers of all ages were captivated by her stories of adventure, family, and the strength of character. Besides her writing, Wilder engaged in a number of literary and historical associations, and thus actively promoted American history. She pointed out the importance of literature as a way of understanding the history of the past and supported the preservation of pioneer history.

Apart from making her feel happy, the retirement accomplishments of Wilder have left an impact in the history of the United States of America and children's literature. Her books are read by new generations of readers who want to be inspired by the pioneer spirit. Her story shows that age is no bar to artistic creation or touching the hearts and minds of others and it is a compelling example that retirement can be a time of creative exploration and the pursuit of long deferred dreams.

How to get the most out of retirement.

While not everyone can be a Franklin or a Wilder, there are several strategies that NiSource retirees can employ in their attempt to lead a fulfilling and productive retirement. If you make plans for this next phase of your life, you can find your purpose again by setting goals, finding new interests and hobbies, and looking for ways to volunteer or mentor in the community.

Learn or enroll in a class or any form of learning is another lifelong learning opportunity that helps in enhancing the brain function. Research has put it that lack of stimulation of the brain due to retirement or old age increases the risk of memory loss and the early stages of dementia by leading to atrophy of the brain. Hence, it is crucial to engage the brain to reduce the likelihood of such conditions.

It is also important that social interaction is maintained. Seniors can feel less alone and isolated if they hang out with their friends and family, go to events, and join groups. Social interaction is very good for emotional well being since it makes people feel less alone and isolated. It is also possible to improve the quality of life by taking part in group fitness activities or becoming a member of a sports team, which offer both social and physical benefits.

NiSource retirees should be aware of their emotional status and should watch for the signs of boredom that could be dangerous. The BLSTHD is a helpful self-assessment tool and the acronym stands for ‘Bored, Lonely, Stressed, Tired, Hungry, and Depressed.’ Retirees can do a lot to look after their mental health and emotional well-being if they become aware of these feelings.

In Summary

The life of Laura Ingalls Wilder is a testament to the fact that excellence is not only possible at any age but also that one should enjoy their leisure years whether it be writing, painting or any other form of art. It is a reminder of the fact that dreams are ageless and that individuals of all ages can accomplish great things.

It is a time for self-development, discovery and satisfaction. In order to ensure that their golden years are filled with happiness, well-being and endless opportunities for greatness, NiSource retirees should set goals, learn for a lifetime, stay social and take note of their emotional state.

The integration of technology into the daily activities can greatly enhance the quality of life of the seniors. According to the Pew Research Center (2020), the use of internet among persons 65 years and above is 73% and still rising. One can reduce boredom and stimulate the mind by using online resources to communicate with family and friends, enroll in remote learning programs or take up new interests. Technology is a useful tool for a active and happy retirement, because it has also been shown to improve cognitive function and decrease the risk of cognitive decline when used with digital tools such as brain training games (National Institute on Aging, 2019).

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Look at retirement as a garden. Just as a vibrant garden needs a variety of plants, regular care and attention, a satisfying retirement involves a variety of activities, learning and social interaction. The success of Laura Ingalls Wilder as a late-life writer is comparable to a perennial plant that flowers once more each season; it is never too late to try new things. There are many ways that NiSource retirees can attempt to make their retirement years as fruitful as a well-tended garden by planting the seeds of personal goals, watering them with new activities and nurturing them with social connections.

Sources:

Pew Research Center. 'Internet Use Among Older Adults Continues to Grow.' 2020.
National Institute on Aging. 'Cognitive Health and Digital Tools.' 2019.
Smith, John. The Psychology of Aging and Retirement. Oxford University Press, 2021.
Thompson, Margaret. Financial Strategies for Retirees. HarperCollins, 2022.
Carter, James. Successful Aging: Strategies for a Fulfilling Retirement. Penguin Random House, 2023.

As an employee of National Grid, what are the key eligibility criteria for participating in the Pension Plan specifically for Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation employees? How might these criteria impact your personal retirement planning and the benefits you expect to receive upon retirement from National Grid?

Eligibility Criteria for Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan: Employees of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation who are represented by Local Union 97 of the IBEW and work at least 20 hours per week or accumulate 1,000 hours in a Pension Plan year are eligible. Participation begins automatically on the first day of employment. These criteria directly impact retirement planning by determining when employees begin accruing pension benefits and how much they will receive at retirement(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

Within the framework of the National Grid Pension Plan, how does the cash balance formula work in calculating retirement benefits, and what implications does this have for employees of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation when considering their long-term financial outlook?

Cash Balance Formula: The National Grid Pension Plan for Niagara Mohawk employees uses a cash balance formula that provides monthly pay-based credits (starting at 4% and increasing with years of service) and interest credits. These accumulate in a hypothetical account, growing until retirement, allowing employees to track their retirement benefits much like a savings account. This formula impacts financial outlook by providing predictable growth tied to service and pay(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

For employees at National Grid, what are the specific rights and options available during the pension benefit application process? How do these rights protect the interests of individual employees and ensure they receive fair treatment under the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan?

Pension Benefit Application Process: National Grid employees must apply for their pension benefits by submitting the required forms at least 90 days before retirement. Spousal consent is required if opting for any form of payment other than the default. This ensures employees understand and select the best payment option for their circumstances, protecting their interests under the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

Given the different types of credits that contribute to the pension benefit for employees of National Grid, how are Pay-based Credits and interest credits calculated? What strategies might Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation employees employ to maximize these credits before retirement?

Pay-based and Interest Credits Calculation: Pay-based credits are determined by years of service, starting at 4% of pay and increasing to 8% after 20 years. Interest credits are based on an annual interest rate tied to the Treasury securities and corporate bond rates. Employees can maximize these credits by continuing to work and contributing to their pension balance(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

How do pension benefits work for Transition Group Employees specifically within National Grid's framework, and what unique provisions apply to them under the Pension Plan as compared to regular employees of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation?

Pension Benefits for Transition Group Employees: Transition Group Employees under the National Grid Pension Plan have benefits calculated using both the former final average pay formula and the cash balance formula, with the greater benefit being paid out. This differs from regular employees who only receive benefits calculated under the cash balance formula(National_Grid_2023_Niag…)(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

What are the repercussions for National Grid employees in terms of benefit loss or limitation if they have not met the Vesting requirements under the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan? How can understanding these repercussions influence an employee's decision-making regarding their career and retirement?

Impact of Vesting Requirements: Employees must complete three years of service to become vested in the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan. If they leave before vesting, they lose all accrued pension benefits. Understanding vesting requirements is crucial for career and retirement planning, as it ensures employees retain their pension benefits if they meet the criteria(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

As a current employee at National Grid, what does the termination of the Pension Plan imply for accrued benefits under the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan? Specifically, how do federal protections through ERISA and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation come into play for employees seeking assurance regarding their retirement funds?

Termination of Pension Plan and Federal Protections: If the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan is terminated, accrued benefits are protected by ERISA and insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). Employees can feel assured that their benefits will be secured up to the PBGC's limits in case of plan termination(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

How does the National Grid Pension Plan accommodate the unique situations of employees during times of disability or military service, and what steps should Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation employees take to ensure their benefits continue during these periods?

Disability and Military Service: Niagara Mohawk employees receive service credits during periods of disability or military leave, ensuring continuous pension accrual. Employees should ensure their disability or military status is properly documented with the company to avoid interruptions in their pension benefits(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

When considering the various forms of pension payments available to retirees from National Grid, what are the potential advantages and disadvantages of choosing an annuity versus a lump-sum payment for employees from Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation?

Annuity vs. Lump-Sum Payment: Retirees at National Grid have the option to choose between an annuity, providing a steady income for life, or a lump-sum payment. The annuity provides financial stability, while a lump sum offers flexibility. The choice depends on individual financial needs and retirement goals(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

For those looking to gain further clarity on the nuances of the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan, what are the most effective ways for employees to contact National Grid for assistance? How can engaging with the Pension Service Center enhance an employee's understanding of their benefits and rights?

Contacting National Grid for Pension Assistance: Employees seeking more information about their Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan can contact the National Grid Pension Service Center or use the online pension modeler. Engaging with the Pension Service Center provides personalized guidance, helping employees understand their benefits and make informed decisions(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).