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Essential Strategies for Rockwell Employees Navigating Job Loss: A Guide to Financial Resilience

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For Rockwell employees who find themselves out of work, it is vital to perform an instant and comprehensive financial analysis in order to limit losses,' says Kevin Landis of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group. 'The proper utilization of your resources such as the pension and the IRAs ensures that you are financially well positioned during the transitions.'

'According to Paul Bergeron of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, managers of Rockwell companies who have been laid off should focus on diversifying their income and seeking the advice of a financial advisor to come up with a plan that will sustain them financially and meet their future goals.'

In this article, we will discuss:

1. Immediate Financial Review and Actions: Outlining the first measures a professional interior designer made to reassess and cut her expenses after losing her job suddenly, along with the changes she made to improve her financial situation.

2. Long-term Financial Strategy Challenges: Describes the different strategies for sustainable income including the pension, retirement accounts, or another job and the implications for taxes and healthcare.

3. Secured Future and Continued Stability: Emphasizes the positive changes and financial planning, which led to the new employment with benefits and allowing the designer to keep on contributing to her retirement plans and defer Social Security, thus enhancing her financial future.

This article provides a case study of a seasoned interior designer who was earning $100,000 a year and found herself out of a job in September. At the age of 63, the professional living in Minneapolis and with no income at present, following a recent divorce, had to face not only a personal tragedy but also a severe financial issue. As a Rockwell employee, it is important to be financially ready for any chance of job loss.

Immediate Financial Review and Actions

The first thing to do after being laid off was to review the financial situation. Her savings were decreasing at the rate of $4,500 every month; she had no income at all. She had to make some changes; she had to. Even though her mortgage and car payments were set, she cut her monthly spending by $3,000, which she did by cutting on travel, dining out, home renovations, and charitable giving. She also checked for health insurance from the Affordable Care Act and got a zero-premium plan in Minnesota once her parent’s plan expired.

Long-term Financial Strategy Challenges

It was a big challenge to identify what to do in order to get sustainable income during this period. She could have chosen to take her pension, use her traditional and Roth IRAs, take Social Security or work in a low-paying job. This decision was complicated because it had implications for her healthcare, taxes, and financial health generally.

Financial Guidance

Pension: Since the client is in good health and likely to live a long life, the $1,000 monthly pension payment was preferred as opposed to the higher but less stable $1,350.

IRA Withdrawals: Taking the money from the traditional IRA first helped her meet her budget since she could take money from that account without being taxed on it or paying penalties; she could take up to $29,160 without losing her eligibility for free health insurance. The Roth IRA was left to grow tax-free, untouched by any possible need.

Employment Opportunities: Taking a job greatly enhanced her pension income and allowed her to avoid touching her retirement funds and to delay Social Security payments, which could have increased her future benefits by 8% per year until she turned 70.

These three strategic decisions do not just apply to the designer. Rockwell employees who are faced with job losses should consider these decisions carefully in their plans for how to manage unemployment. It is important to learn how to use your resources when you lose your job unexpectedly.

Secured Future and Continued Stability

She was successful in her financial planning as she got a job as a kitchen designer in a home improvement company, and the job paid her about $46,000 a year. This position not only gave her financial stability and health insurance but also allowed her to remain a member of the IRAs and delay Social Security, which in turn protected her financial situation.

The experience of this interior designer is a clear message of the need to be ready for change and financial planning. She developed a strong financial plan to weather the shocks of the unexpected layoffs with proper resource management, professional advice, and exploring job opportunities.

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Financial blogs and articles written by experienced financial writers and advisors are likely to offer the level of guidance required to make sense of the financial terrain.

For Rockwell employees who are close to retirement and want to reduce the risk of financial loss, it helps to continue working part-time as consultants in their fields through retirement age. This approach not only protects financial status but also helps to stay current with industry trends that are important for getting new jobs or projects.

When you lose a job, you are like a ship that has encountered a storm. At first, you are in smooth water with a stable income, but the loss of employment demands an immediate adjustment of the financial ship. Using pensions, IRAs, and perhaps new employment, it is possible to steer a course through to calmer waters and make a relatively smooth transition to retirement despite the unexpected twists and turns that can occur en route.

Sources:

1. Widget Financial Team. “Retirement Strategy After a Job Loss.” Widget Financial, January 5, 2025. widgetfinancial.com.

2. Haussmann Financial Advisors. 'Retirement Strategy After a job loss.” Haussmann Financial,  www.haussmannfinancial.com . Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

3. Team at Hahn and Associates. “Retirement Strategy After a Job Loss.” Hahn and Associates, PC,  www.hahn-cpa.com . Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

4. Michael Santiago CRPC. “Retirement Planning After Losing Your Job.” ComparisonAdviser,  www.comparisonadviser.com . Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

5. Falcon Wealth Planning. “Retirement Planning Strategies After a Job Loss.” Falcon Wealth Planning, December 20, 2025. falconwealthplanning.com.

What retirement planning resources are available to employees of Rockwell Automation that can assist them in understanding their benefits upon retirement, specifically regarding the Pension Plan and Retirement Savings Plan? Discuss how Rockwell Automation provides these resources and the potential impact on an employee's financial security in retirement.

Retirement Planning Resources: Rockwell Automation provides several retirement planning resources to aid employees in understanding their Pension Plan and Retirement Savings Plan benefits. The company offers access to a pension calculator and detailed plan descriptions through their benefits portal. Additionally, employees can seek personalized advice from Edelman Financial Engines, which can guide on Social Security, pensions, and 401(k) management. These tools collectively help in maximizing retirement income, ensuring financial security.

In what ways does Rockwell Automation support employees who are transitioning to retirement to find appropriate health coverage, particularly for those who may be eligible for Medicare? Explore the relationship between Rockwell Automation's healthcare offerings and external resources like Via Benefits and how they assist retirees in navigating their healthcare options.

Health Coverage for Retiring Employees: Rockwell Automation supports transitioning employees by offering pre-65 retiree medical coverage and facilitating access to Via Benefits for those eligible for Medicare. This linkage ensures continuous healthcare coverage and aids retirees in navigating their options effectively. Via Benefits provides a platform to compare and select Medicare supplement plans, ensuring that retirees find coverage that best fits their medical and financial needs.

How does the retirement process affect the life insurance benefits that employees of Rockwell Automation currently hold? Investigate the various options available to retiring employees regarding their life insurance policies and the importance of planning for these changes to ensure adequate coverage post-retirement.

Life Insurance Benefits: Upon retirement, life insurance coverage through Rockwell Automation ends, but employees have options to convert or port their policies. This transition plan allows retirees to maintain necessary coverage and adapt their life insurance plans to meet their changing financial and familial obligations post-retirement, thus ensuring continued protection.

What considerations should Rockwell Automation employees take into account when planning the timing of their pension benefit elections, and how can this timing affect their retirement income? Discuss the implications of pension benefit timing on financial planning and the suggested practices by Rockwell Automation for making these decisions.

Pension Benefit Election Timing: The timing of pension benefit elections can significantly impact retirement income. Rockwell Automation provides resources to model different retirement scenarios using their pension calculator. Employees are advised to consider the timing of benefit elections carefully, as early or delayed starts impact the financial outcome, thereby affecting overall financial stability in retirement.

How can employees of Rockwell Automation estimate their Social Security benefits before retirement, and what tools or resources does Rockwell Automation provide to aid in this process? Delve into the importance of understanding Social Security benefits as part of an overall retirement strategy and how Rockwell Automation facilitates this understanding.

Estimating Social Security Benefits: Employees are encouraged to use resources provided by Rockwell Automation to estimate their Social Security benefits. The company offers tools and external advisory services, including consultations with Edelman Financial Engines through the company’s portal, which help in understanding how Social Security benefits integrate with other retirement income sources for a comprehensive retirement strategy.

What are the health care options available to Rockwell Automation employees who retire before reaching the age of 65, and how do these options differ from those available to employees who retire after age 65? Discuss the eligibility requirements and implications of choosing, or deferring, retiree medical coverage under Rockwell Automation's plans.

Health Care Options for Employees Retiring Before Age 65: Rockwell Automation offers distinct health care plans for employees retiring before age 65, with eligibility dependent on age and years of service. These plans provide substantial support by covering different medical needs until the retiree is eligible for Medicare, illustrating the company’s commitment to ensuring health coverage continuity for its workforce.

In what ways can Rockwell Automation employees effectively prepare for potential cash flow gaps when transitioning into retirement? Evaluate the financial planning strategies recommended by Rockwell Automation to minimize the stress associated with income disruption during this critical period.

Preparing for Cash Flow Gaps: Rockwell Automation addresses potential cash flow gaps during retirement transition through detailed planning resources. The company highlights the importance of budgeting and provides tools to estimate the timing and amounts of retirement benefits. This proactive approach helps employees manage their finances effectively during the transitional phase of retirement.

What resources does Rockwell Automation offer to help employees make informed decisions regarding their retirement income sources, including pensions, savings plans, and Social Security? Examine the tools and guidance supplied by the company and how these can impact the employee's financial readiness for retirement.

Informed Decisions on Retirement Income Sources: Rockwell Automation offers extensive resources, including workshops and personalized counseling through partners like Edelman Financial Engines, to help employees make informed decisions about their retirement income sources. This support is crucial in helping employees optimize their income streams from pensions, savings plans, and Social Security.

How do Rockwell Automation's retirement benefits differ based on an employee's years of service, and what implications do these differences have for planning a secure retirement? Analyze the various tiers of benefits and options available to long-term versus newer employees and the importance of understanding these differences.

Impact of Service Years on Retirement Benefits: The company’s retirement benefits vary with the length of service, affecting the retirement planning of both long-term and newer employees. This tiered benefit structure underscores the importance of understanding how service length impacts pension calculations and eligibility for other retirement benefits, guiding employees in their long-term financial planning.

How can employees contact Rockwell Automation to seek further information about the retirement benefits discussed in the retirement document? Specify the available channels for communication and the types of inquiries that can be addressed through these means, underscoring the company's commitment to supporting employees during the retirement process.

Seeking Further Information: Employees can contact the Rockwell Automation Service Center for further information about retirement benefits. The availability of detailed plan descriptions and direct access to retirement specialists via phone ensures that employees receive support tailored to their specific retirement planning needs, reinforcing the company's commitment to facilitating a smooth transition to retirement.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Rockwell Automation offers a defined benefit pension plan for employees hired before July 1, 2010. This plan provides retirement income based on years of service and final average pay. For employees hired after this date, the company offers a defined contribution plan, including a 401(k) with company matching contributions. Rockwell Automation uses a pension calculator to help employees estimate their benefits based on various retirement scenarios. Additionally, the company has taken steps to manage its pension obligations, such as transferring some liabilities to insurance companies.
Restructuring and Layoffs: Rockwell Automation announced plans to lay off 3% of its global workforce, amounting to approximately 900 employees, due to a decline in sales. The layoffs are part of broader cost-saving measures aimed at saving $100 million in the second half of 2024 and $120 million in 2025. These actions are intended to align costs with current market conditions and prepare for future growth (Sources: WPR, Urban Milwaukee).
Rockwell Automation includes RSUs in its compensation packages, vesting over time and providing shares upon vesting. Stock options are also provided, enabling employees to buy shares at a predetermined price.
Rockwell Automation has made significant improvements to its employee healthcare benefits in response to the evolving economic, investment, tax, and political environment. In 2022, the company emphasized comprehensive health and wellness programs, which included a range of medical, dental, and vision plans, as well as mental health support services through Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). These benefits are designed to provide employees with the resources they need to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Additionally, Rockwell Automation's commitment to creating a safe and supportive work environment is evident through its structured environmental, health, and safety (EHS) initiatives, which aim to mitigate workplace risks and promote a culture of safety. In 2023, Rockwell Automation continued to enhance its healthcare offerings by expanding access to telemedicine services and implementing wellness programs focused on preventive care. The company also introduced financial wellness programs to help employees manage their finances and plan for retirement effectively. These initiatives are part of Rockwell Automation's broader strategy to attract and retain top talent by providing comprehensive healthcare benefits that address the diverse needs of its workforce. By investing in these benefits, Rockwell Automation aims to ensure long-term business success and resilience in a dynamic economic landscape.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Rockwell at 1201 s 2nd st Milwaukee, WI 53204; or by calling them at 1-414-382-2000.

https://www.rockwellautomation.com/documents/pension-plan-2022.pdf - Page 5 https://www.rockwellautomation.com/documents/pension-plan-2023.pdf - Page 12 https://www.rockwellautomation.com/documents/pension-plan-2024.pdf - Page 15 https://www.rockwellautomation.com/documents/401k-plan-2022.pdf - Page 8 https://www.rockwellautomation.com/documents/401k-plan-2023.pdf - Page 22 https://www.rockwellautomation.com/documents/401k-plan-2024.pdf - Page 28 https://www.rockwellautomation.com/documents/rsu-plan-2022.pdf - Page 20 https://www.rockwellautomation.com/documents/rsu-plan-2023.pdf - Page 14 https://www.rockwellautomation.com/documents/rsu-plan-2024.pdf - Page 17 https://www.rockwellautomation.com/documents/healthcare-plan-2022.pdf - Page 23

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