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Why Kaiser Aluminum Employees Can Thrive in Retirement Without a Bucket List

Healthcare Provider Update: Offers health, dental, and vision insurance to employees working 30+ hours/week, along with wellness programs and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 1. With ACA premiums expected to rise by up to 75% due to subsidy expirations, Kaiser Aluminums employer-sponsored coverage provides a more stable and cost-effective alternative for eligible employees. Click here to learn more

The first few years of retirement are frequently a time of transitions for many, including those leaving Kaiser Aluminum. 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 Kaiser Aluminum 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 Kaiser Aluminum. Discover how embracing an unstructured retirement can lead to increased contentment and pleasure, setting the stage for a rewarding future.

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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 type of retirement savings plan does Kaiser Aluminum offer to its employees?

Kaiser Aluminum offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does Kaiser Aluminum provide matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Kaiser Aluminum provides matching contributions to the 401(k) plan, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Kaiser Aluminum's 401(k) plan?

Employees at Kaiser Aluminum are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, often within the first year of employment.

Can employees at Kaiser Aluminum choose how much to contribute to their 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees at Kaiser Aluminum can choose to contribute a percentage of their salary to the 401(k) plan, within IRS limits.

What investment options are available in Kaiser Aluminum's 401(k) plan?

Kaiser Aluminum's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in Kaiser Aluminum's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Kaiser Aluminum has a vesting schedule for employer matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matched funds.

How can employees at Kaiser Aluminum access their 401(k) account information?

Employees at Kaiser Aluminum can access their 401(k) account information online through the plan's designated website or by contacting the plan administrator.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Kaiser Aluminum?

If an employee leaves Kaiser Aluminum, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the Kaiser Aluminum plan, subject to certain conditions.

Are there loans available against the 401(k) plan at Kaiser Aluminum?

Yes, Kaiser Aluminum allows participants to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

Can employees at Kaiser Aluminum change their contribution levels at any time?

Yes, employees at Kaiser Aluminum can change their contribution levels at designated times throughout the year, as specified in the plan guidelines.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Name: Kaiser Aluminum Pension Plan Eligibility: Employees typically qualify based on years of service and age. The standard eligibility criteria are often 5 years of service or reaching age 55. Pension Formula: The pension formula is generally based on years of service and average salary. For Kaiser Aluminum, it is typically calculated using a defined benefit formula which considers years of service and average earnings. Name: Kaiser Aluminum 401(k) Plan Eligibility: Employees are usually eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific period of service, often 30 days of employment. 401(k) Plan Features: Includes employee contributions, employer matching contributions, and various investment options.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Kaiser Aluminum announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at optimizing its production capabilities. The company reported a reduction of 10% in its workforce across various departments. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency and adjust to shifting market demands. This news is crucial to address due to the current economic environment, which has seen many companies in the metal industry adjusting their operations in response to fluctuating demand and cost pressures.

Kaiser Aluminum issued stock options and RSUs to executives and key employees. Options had a four-year vesting period with annual vesting, while RSUs aimed to align interests with long-term shareholder value. [Source: Kaiser Aluminum 2022 Annual Report, Page 34]

Health Benefits Overview: The company provides a comprehensive health benefits package to its employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They also offer wellness programs and resources for mental health support. Recent Changes: For 2023, Kaiser Aluminum made adjustments to its health insurance plans, including increased premiums and a shift towards high-deductible health plans (HDHPs).

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Kaiser Aluminum at , ; or by calling them at .

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