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Why Northwestern Mutual Employees Can Thrive in Retirement Without a Bucket List

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The first few years of retirement are frequently a time of transitions for many, including those leaving Northwestern Mutual. 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 Northwestern Mutual 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 Northwestern Mutual. 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 Northwestern Mutual offer to its employees?

Northwestern Mutual offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does Northwestern Mutual match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Northwestern Mutual provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the Northwestern Mutual 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the Northwestern Mutual 401(k) plan is in line with IRS guidelines, which can change annually.

Can employees at Northwestern Mutual choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?

Yes, employees at Northwestern Mutual can choose from a variety of investment options for their 401(k) contributions.

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

Yes, Northwestern Mutual has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matched funds.

Can Northwestern Mutual employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Northwestern Mutual allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Northwestern Mutual?

If you leave Northwestern Mutual, you can either roll over your 401(k) savings to another retirement account, leave it in the Northwestern Mutual plan, or withdraw it, subject to tax implications.

Does Northwestern Mutual offer financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plans?

Yes, Northwestern Mutual provides financial education resources to help employees understand and manage their 401(k) plans effectively.

How often can Northwestern Mutual employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Northwestern Mutual employees can typically change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to plan rules.

Are there any fees associated with the Northwestern Mutual 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the Northwestern Mutual 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

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

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