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Why Valvoline 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 Valvoline. 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 Valvoline 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 Valvoline. 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 is the 401(k) plan offered by Valvoline?

Valvoline offers a 401(k) plan that allows employees to save for retirement with pre-tax contributions, helping them build a nest egg for their future.

How can employees enroll in Valvoline's 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in Valvoline's 401(k) plan by accessing the enrollment portal through the company's HR website or contacting the HR department for assistance.

What types of contributions can employees make to Valvoline's 401(k) plan?

Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and may also have the option for catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older.

Does Valvoline offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Valvoline offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for Valvoline's 401(k) company match?

The vesting schedule for Valvoline's 401(k) company match typically follows a graded schedule, meaning employees become vested in the company match over a period of time.

Can employees change their contribution amounts to Valvoline's 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution amounts to Valvoline's 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's rules and guidelines.

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

Valvoline's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

Is there a loan option available in Valvoline's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Valvoline's 401(k) plan may allow employees to take loans against their account balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

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

If an employee leaves Valvoline, they have several options for their 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to an IRA or a new employer's plan, or cashing it out (subject to taxes and penalties).

How often can employees access their 401(k) statements from Valvoline?

Employees can access their 401(k) statements from Valvoline on a quarterly basis, and they can also view their account online at any time.