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Unlocking Real Estate Opportunities for Conagra Brands Employees: A Guide to Building Wealth in Retirement

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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

If you are a Conagra Brands employee looking to buy real estate as a part of your retirement planning, then you should know that such an approach has its advantages and disadvantages,' says Michael Corgiat of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.


Brent Wolf from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group advises Conagra Brands employees who want to diversify their retirement portfolio with real estate to focus on due diligence and the local market dynamics.

In this article, we will discuss:

  • 1. Diverse Retirement Investment Strategies:  We compare the conventional stock market investments with the real estate options for retirees and emphasize the tangible benefits and the stability that comes with real estate.

  • 2. Challenges and Benefits of Real Estate Investment for Retirement:  We explore the possible drawbacks, such as problem tenants and repair costs, against the background of healthy rental yields and tax advantages.

  • 3. Real Estate Retirement Stories:  Real tales from four people over the age of 65 who have invested heavily in real estate, including their stories, approaches, and results.

  • While on Wall Street, many people save for their retirement, some of the Conagra Brands employees may decide to own real estate, which is a more tangible asset, with a better curb appeal. Having kitchens, doors, and walls around their nest egg makes retirees more comfortable. These retirement investors like the property rental income and the tax benefits that come with being a landlord even though many still rely on the stock market to fund their retirement. Some of them also derive joy from the process of property rehabilitation.

The Boston College's Center for Retirement Research, in its analysis of Federal Reserve data, reported that in 2022, 10% of American homes belonged to an individual 65 years of age or older who received rental income, while just 7% of households with an individual under 65 years of age did the same. Managing properties is a job during retirement. Tenants may not pay or may cause damage, units may stay vacant, and repairs may be immediate. In addition, the costs of property ownership such as insurance and property taxes are also rising.

Conagra Brands employees should take these into consideration when investing in real estate. Though there are such problems, there are still many retirees who believe that the advantages are greater than the disadvantages. Due to the years of increasing property values and relatively low mortgage rates, a large number of people are retiring on real estate today.

These four real estate retirees share their experiences, the expenses, the worries, and the pleasures of living off a portfolio of properties.

Josh Bottfeld: San Diego, California.

Properties: 7. Mortgage Debt: $1 million. Annual Spending: $120,000. Josh Bottfeld bought a San Diego studio apartment in 1982 using money he had taken out of his retirement account. At 29, he thought that this would provide retirement money from a portfolio. Several years later, he sold the studio and used the proceeds to buy a house in San Francisco, which he and a friend later sold for $125,000 after purchasing for $103,000.

From these earnings, a three-family home in a gentrifying neighborhood was purchased. By the year 2000, Bottfeld owned fifteen properties in Portland, Oregon, Las Vegas, and San Francisco. He was also able to take advantage of a tax loophole that deferred capital gains taxes while investing in another piece of real estate. In 1997, Bottfeld left his job in human resources to become a realtor.

In 2004, he moved to San Diego to run a real estate company and at 53 he retired after retiring from working and from investments and rentals. During the financial crisis, there was a need to return to work for a short time but in 2012, he retired for good. According to Bottfeld, real estate is a good inflation protector and therefore investment in it is better than in equities. He and his spouse, Brent Butler, currently own three rentals in a San Diego home and 14 units in seven buildings. Property managers receive between 6-10% of the rent to take care of the repair and tenant issues.

He has controlled his expenses, but his house equity is only $8 million after mortgages. His four properties are mortgaged and his fixed interest rates are about 3.5%. He has $4.8 million in equities and other interests including bridge loans that pay 8% to 15% to house flippers. He receives about $20,000 a month in rent, $8,000 a month in bridge loans, and $3,200 in Social Security. His lifestyle includes a Danube River cruise this summer at $10,000 per month in expenses.

Sarah McLane: Stowe, Vermont, and Nantucket, Massachusetts.

Properties: 2. Mortgage Debt: $0. Annual Spending: $100,000. Sarah McLane instead chose to build her fortune for retirement in historic homes in Nantucket and Stowe, Vermont while working on Wall Street. She quit her job in financial services in 2017 to become a builder in Vermont and stopped tracking the stock market. Instead, she focused on real estate, which she knew and could improve.

When McLane withdrew most of her $250,000 retirement funds in 2007 to use as a down payment and remodel an 1813 farmhouse in Stowe, she began her real estate career. She used the money for her house rather than withdraw it from her retirement account and pay the 10% early withdrawal penalty though she had to pay income tax on it. The Stowe property is worth $3 million and was purchased by McLane for $2 million. Her passion for establishing a permanent presence in an area she believes her kids would love drove her to peel off wallpaper and finish wood floors while spending her weekends. In 2018, she spent $1.6 million to purchase a historic Nantucket home and $2.5 million to renovate it to rent it out.

To rent out the Nantucket house during the busiest travel season, she intends to live in Vermont for the summer. She expects to generate $250,000 per year, which will be more than enough to cover her $100,000 in expenses. She also holds $1.3 million in bank accounts with 6% interest. During the winter, McLane plans to rent out her Stowe home and use the rental income to maintain it. She intends to live in Nantucket from fall to spring, claiming that it is the perfect place to retire and that he plans to live there. The house is ideal for her future as it is close to Boston and her grandson and has facilities nearby.

Augusta, Georgia / Bryan Haltermann.

Properties: 12 Mortgage Debt: $2 million Annual Spending: $150,000 Even two years after retiring, Haltermann still goes to the office every day to check on his holdings. The former developer of commercial real estate enjoys walking around his properties and talking to his four employees who manage his properties and responding to emails. Playing tennis on the court and having lunch with friends are his slow pace example. Four decades ago, Haltermann's business started when it paid approximately $50,000 for a 10,000 square foot facility that is currently valued at $500,000.

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He was well versed in historic properties and was able to restore them with significant tax benefits. He bought out his company partner about 15 years ago. After retirement, he invested the $5 million profit from the sale of ten buildings for about $10 million. An additional $5 million represents the value of his remaining rents, house, and vacation property, along with $2 million in low-rate mortgages. His insurance, taxes, and mortgage are all paid for by rental income.

He and his spouse, Alicia, are primarily spending on travel and are spending $150,000 a year, or $50,000 more than they did before retirement. Italy and Spain have been their recent favorite travel destinations. Due to the rising costs and interest rates, Haltermann has no plan to purchase any other real estate.

David Zach: California, Sierra Madre.

Properties: 4 Mortgage Debt: $850,000 Annual Spending: $66,000 David Zach didn't see the need for any other investments and put all of his retirement money into real estate. He preferred tangible and touchable assets. The majority of his assets are held by Zach, who is 63, and they are mostly centered on three lots in Sierra Madre: his house, a rental property nearby, and an auxiliary dwelling unit (ADU) that is currently being constructed. His current rents yield about $7,000 per month, and once the new ADU is finished, he expects to receive an additional $2,000. He is happy with his real estate investment of homes worth approximately $3.3 million and $850,000 low-rate mortgages.

Working about ten hours a month, he sells shower parts through his business and earns $84,000 a year. He spends about $5,500 a month on food, property taxes, and mortgage payments. He has invested all of his money in housing, and he has learned from the experiences. He lost a property to foreclosure 16 years ago, and he incurred $300,000 in losses.

He has kept a lean real estate portfolio, given that labor shortages and inflation have increased the cost of building an ADU to $100,000. Recently, when construction expense overruns forced him to preserve his older cars instead of ordering a new one. His two adult children will help to finance his retirement and inherit his rental properties. In his words, 'buy the worst property in the nicest neighborhood that you can afford.'

These anecdotes demonstrate that although investing in real estate is a work and risk that can produce a steady stream of income in retirement for Conagra Brands employees. Every investor's journey is unique and reflects that of his or her circumstances and preferences in the path towards retirement financial security and satisfaction. Real estate investments for retirement offer Conagra Brands retirees substantial tax benefits in addition to stable rental income.

The IRS explains that owners of rental properties may be able to lower their overall tax burden by claiming expenses such as property taxes, mortgage interest, depreciation, and repairs on their taxable income (IRS, 2023). This can be particularly helpful for people trying to reduce their tax liabilities and therefore increase their retirement wealth because it can generate a steadier and more reliable source of retirement income.

References:

1. Dalton, Michael J. Retirement Planning and Employee Benefits. 20th ed., Money Education, 2025. UCLA Extension.  www.uclaextension.edu .

2. 'Real Estate Investing for Beginners: 5 Skills of Successful Investors.' Harvard Division of Continuing Education, 2023. professional.dce.harvard.edu.

3. 'Why ASPPA Number So Low and 2012 Budget Number So High?' Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, 2023. crr.bc.edu.

4. 'Retirement Planning Today.' Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Business, 2023. business.vcu.edu.

5. Grainger, Lauren. 'Retirement Planning Today Course Details.' Virginia Commonwealth University, 2023. connect.business.vcu.edu.

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 employees’ 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.

*Please see disclaimer for more information

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