<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=314834185700910&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

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

Learn More

Why APA Employees Can Thrive in Retirement Without a Bucket List

image-table

Healthcare Provider Update: Provides medical plans through Kaiser Permanente and Aetna, along with dental, vision, HSAs, FSAs, and EAP services 4. APAs HSA-compatible plans align well with ACA trends, offering tax-advantaged savings as premiums and deductibles increase in the marketplace. Click here to learn more

The first few years of retirement are frequently a time of transitions for many, including those leaving APA. It is a critical period that can influence the next few decades financially and emotionally. At the age of sixty-six, Wall Street Journal distinguished editor Stephen Kreider Yoder announced his retirement. His wife, sixty-seven-year-old Karen Kreider Yoder, followed suit. Their experiences, highlighted in the 'Retirement Rookies' column each month, demonstrate a departure from conventional retirement preparation. They emphasize crafting adaptable, meaningful experiences that serve as a foundation for future undertakings over following predetermined bucket lists.


This approach to retirement highlights a larger movement among individuals reimagining their post-employment years. By focusing on personal development and continual exploration, retirees can ensure a fuller, more satisfying experience. This narrative offers invaluable insights for APA employees looking to maximize their life-changing retirement years.

Recent studies by the American Psychological Association (APA) underline the advantages of the Yoders' method of unstructured retirement planning. The research indicates that retirees adhering rigidly to their pre-planned bucket lists report lower levels of satisfaction and fulfillment compared to those who engage in activities based on their own interests and whims. This suggests that a flexible retirement lifestyle can lead to more fulfilling and significant experiences, an important consideration as employees transition from structured careers to the freedom of retirement.


In the Retirement Rookies column, Stephen and Karen Kreider Yoder share their journeys and offer a fresh perspective on retirement planning. Learn why they're passing on typical bucket lists in favor of flexible, meaningful experiences, and how this strategy might enhance your post-work years at APA. Discover how embracing an unstructured retirement can lead to increased contentment and pleasure, setting the stage for a rewarding future.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Loading...


Forgoing a conventional retirement plan is akin to sailing a ship without a defined course. Retirees like the Yoders choose to navigate the waters of their golden years with the liberty to uncover new horizons as they appear, rather than charting every port of call. This method, much like a sailor discovering new adventures in uncharted waters, allows them to encounter unexpected joys and experiences, enriching each day with personal growth and satisfaction.

What is the APA 401(k) plan?

The APA 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees of APA to save for retirement on a tax-deferred basis.

How can I enroll in APA's 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in APA's 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment form available on the APA employee portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What is the employer match for APA's 401(k) plan?

APA offers a matching contribution of 50% on the first 6% of employee contributions to the 401(k) plan.

When can I start contributing to APA's 401(k) plan?

Employees at APA can start contributing to the 401(k) plan after completing 30 days of employment.

What types of investments are available in APA's 401(k) plan?

APA's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

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

Yes, APA allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions. Employees should consult the plan documents for specific terms.

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

If you leave APA, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account, leaving it in the APA plan, or cashing it out, subject to taxes and penalties.

How often can I change my contribution amount to APA's 401(k) plan?

Employees can change their contribution amount to APA's 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

Is there a vesting schedule for APA's employer match?

Yes, APA has a vesting schedule for employer contributions, which means that employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the employer match.

How can I check my balance in APA's 401(k) plan?

Employees can check their 401(k) balance by logging into the APA employee portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

New call-to-action

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for APA employees

Loading...

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for APA at 16633 Dallas Pkwy Addison,, TX 75001; or by calling them at (469) 424-8300.

*Please see disclaimer for more information

Relevant Articles

Check Out Articles for APA employees