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Balancing Social Security and Investments: A Comprehensive Retirement Guide for Nordson Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Nordson offers a comprehensive benefits package to its U.S. employees, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage. The company supports employee wellness through HSAs, FSAs, and a wellbeing program. Retirement benefits include both traditional and Roth 401(k) options, life insurance, and disability coverage. Nordson also provides paid time off, adoption reimbursement, and tuition assistance5. Healthcare costs in the United States are projected to continue rising through 2026, with insurers proposing significant premium increases for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. A recent analysis found that ACA insurers are seeking a median premium increase of 15% for 2026, marking the largest hike since 2018. This surge is attributed to factors such as the anticipated expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, rising medical costsincluding expensive medications and increased hospital staysand a shift in the risk pool towards higher-cost enrollees. Without the renewal of enhanced subsidies, out-of-pocket premiums for ACA marketplace enrollees could increase by more than 75% on average. Click here to learn more

In the realm of retirement planning, Nordson employees face numerous dimensions that go beyond mere tax calculations, highlighting a blend of financial and non-financial considerations essential for a holistic approach. Christine Benz, in her latest work 'How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful and Wealthy Retirement,' together with Social Security professional Mary Beth Franklin, explores the implications of filing for Social Security early and the potential of investing those funds in the market.

Christine Benz, a noted retirement strategy professional, emphasizes the importance of recognizing that retirement planning is more than a series of calculations; it is a deep dive into the next phase of life. Her discussions with Mary Beth Franklin offer subtle insights into strategic considerations, including the possibility of early Social Security benefits claims to leverage in the investment market.

Exploring Early Social Security Claims Through an Investor's Lens

The debate on early Social Security claims is characterized by the possibility of outpacing the benefits of deferred claims through savvy investments. Mary Beth Franklin highlights the inherent diversity in this method: investment returns can vary significantly, leading to substantial gains or losses. The stability of a risk-free investment like a Certificate of Deposit (CD) contrasts sharply with the potential volatility of the stock market. Historical data shows that over the past decade, CDs and similar vehicles have offered minimal returns, while deferring Social Security could result in an 8% annual increase in benefits for Nordson employees.

Considering Social Security's Cost of Living Adjustments

Since 1975, Social Security benefits have been adjusted for inflation, ensuring that retirees' purchasing power does not diminish over time. This adjustment, tied to the Consumer Price Index, has seen fluctuations, with a significant increase of 8.7% in 2023, the largest in over 40 years, followed by a 3.2% increase in 2024 . These adjustments claim that even before claiming Social Security, any inflation-related increases are factored into future benefits, reinforcing the program's role in maintaining financial stability amid inflationary pressures for Nordson retirees.

Breakeven Analysis: A Tool to Anticipate Social Security Claims

Breakeven analysis is critical for deciding when to claim Social Security benefits. This analytical method determines how long it takes to financially benefit from delaying Social Security claims. For instance, claiming reduced benefits at 62 versus waiting until 70 can result in significant lifetime financial differences, with breakeven points varying based on individual circumstances. Notably, a person living beyond the age of 78 would benefit from more lifetime benefits if they delay claiming until full retirement age or later, a strategic decision for Nordson employees.

Marital Considerations in Claiming Strategies

The implications of Social Security decisions extend beyond individual circumstances, particularly concerning married couples. When one spouse passes before claiming their benefits, the surviving spouse is entitled to survivor benefits, which can be a significant financial resource. In cases where one spouse outlives the other by many years, these benefits can provide substantial financial support, highlighting the importance of strategic planning to optimize Social Security benefits at Nordson.

Psychological and Strategic Consequences of Early Claiming

Mary Beth Franklin underscores the psychological factors that motivate early claims, such as concerns about the program's solvency and the desire to 'take the money and run.' However, this strategy can lead to significant financial reductions, akin to selling assets in a declining market. These decisions result in financial losses, emphasizing the importance of making choices based on sound legal and financial advice rather than fear or speculation.

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In conclusion, strategic considerations regarding when and how to claim Social Security are complex and depend on a variety of factors such as market conditions, personal health, and marital status. Retirement professionals emphasize the importance of viewing Social Security claims through an investment lens, considering potential market returns versus increases from deferred benefits.

As we continue to face this decision, it is clear that adopting a comprehensive approach, which carefully balances the guaranteed benefits of delayed Social Security against potential gains from other investment sources, is of paramount importance. This perspective not only aids in a more stable financial situation but also closely aligns with the realities of age and longevity in our current society.

According to research, it is crucial for individuals approaching retirement to diversify their income sources. A study by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) in August 2024 shows that retirees who supplement their Social Security with diverse income sources, such as IRAs, 401(k)s, and personal investments, report a 20% higher post-retirement financial satisfaction. This method reduces dependence on Social Security alone and provides a shield against market volatility, suggesting a strategic mix of delayed Social Security claims and targeted investments to optimize retirees' financial outcomes, especially valuable for those at Nordson planning for a stable and successful retirement.

How does the Nordson Corporation Salaried Employees Pension Plan calculate an employee's Accrued Benefit, and what factors need to be considered to ensure accurate pension benefits at retirement? Understanding the components that contribute to the calculation is crucial for employees planning their retirement through Nordson Corporation.

Accrued Benefit Calculation: Nordson Corporation calculates an employee’s Accrued Benefit based on the Final Average Monthly Pay, the number of Years of Benefit Service, and an estimate of the employee’s Social Security benefit. The formula used includes a reduction if an employee has less than 30 Years of Benefit Service(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

What are the eligibility criteria for joining the Nordson Corporation Salaried Employees Pension Plan, and how can employees determine their vesting status as they approach retirement? It is essential for employees to be aware of the timelines and requirements necessary to fully benefit from the retirement plan offered by Nordson Corporation.

Eligibility Criteria: Employees become eligible for the Nordson Corporation Salaried Employees Pension Plan after completing a Year of Eligibility Service, which requires at least 1,000 hours of work annually. Vesting occurs after completing 5 Years of Vesting Service, ensuring full entitlement to benefits(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

In what ways can employees at Nordson Corporation access information about their pension plan benefits, and what steps should they follow if they believe their claims for benefits were denied? Knowing the appropriate channels for receiving information can help employees navigate any discrepancies with their pension benefits.

Accessing Pension Information and Claiming: Employees can access their pension plan details through John Hancock’s website or phone service. If a benefit claim is denied, employees can follow the claims procedure outlined by Nordson, which includes submitting a written request and appealing decisions(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

What options does Nordson Corporation provide for early retirement, and how can employees assess whether an early retirement is financially feasible for them? Understanding the implications of early retirement can significantly impact an employee's long-term financial security.

Early Retirement Options: Nordson Corporation offers early retirement options starting at age 55, with at least 5 years of vesting service. Benefits are reduced by 6% per year for each year that early retirement is taken before the Normal Retirement Date(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

How does Nordson Corporation's pension plan ensure that employees receive monthly benefits post-retirement, and what are the different forms of payment available to retirees? Grasping the payment structures may help employees make informed decisions regarding their retirement income.

Monthly Benefit Payments: Employees retiring from Nordson Corporation can choose various payment methods, including a Life Annuity or a 50% Joint & Survivor Annuity for married participants. Payments start after the Normal Retirement Date or early retirement, depending on the selected option(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

What rights do participants have under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) concerning their Nordson Corporation pension plan, and what should they do to enforce these rights effectively? Employees should be aware of their rights to protect themselves during the benefit claiming process.

ERISA Rights: Under ERISA, participants have the right to receive information about their benefits, file claims, and sue if benefits are denied. Plan fiduciaries must act in the best interest of employees, and participants are protected from retaliation for asserting their rights(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

How does the termination or amendment of the Nordson Corporation Salaried Employees Pension Plan affect employees' accrued benefits, and what protections are in place? Awareness of these scenarios can help employees better plan their financial futures in relation to their pensions.

Plan Termination or Amendment: If the plan is terminated or amended, accrued benefits cannot be reduced, and employees’ benefits become 100% vested. This ensures that employees retain the benefits they have earned up to the point of the change(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

In what situations might employees at Nordson Corporation lose their pension benefits, and what preventative actions can they take to ensure they remain eligible for these benefits? Understanding the risks involved in pension plans can aid employees in maintaining their retirement security.

Loss of Pension Benefits: Employees may lose pension benefits if they leave Nordson Corporation before vesting or fail to select appropriate survivor options. Keeping the Plan Administrator informed of current contact information is crucial to avoid losing benefits(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

How can employees at Nordson Corporation address questions or concerns related to their retirement planning, and what resources are available for personalized assistance? Access to proper resources is vital for employees needing guidance throughout their retirement journey.

Retirement Planning Resources: Employees can contact the Plan Administrator or use John Hancock’s automated services to address questions about retirement planning. Personalized assistance is available for any specific pension-related inquiries(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

What steps should employees take to contact Nordson Corporation or the Plan Administrator to get detailed information about their pension plan, and what should they include in their inquiries to ensure a comprehensive response? Effective communication techniques can significantly enhance employees' understanding of their benefits. These questions have been designed to help employees of Nordson Corporation navigate their pension plan and retirement effectively.

Contacting the Plan Administrator: Employees can contact Nordson Corporation or the Plan Administrator by calling the number listed in the Summary Plan Description. It’s advisable to provide detailed questions regarding benefit amounts, vesting status, or payment options to receive a thorough response(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

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

Pension Plan Name: Nordson Corporation Retirement Plan Qualification Criteria: Years of Service: Generally requires a minimum of 5 years. Age Qualification: Typically eligible at age 65. Pension Formula: Formula is based on a percentage of final average salary and years of service. 401(k) Plan Name: Nordson Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan Qualification Criteria: Employees are eligible to participate after completing 30 days of service. Company Contribution: Nordson matches employee contributions up to a certain percentage.

News: In early 2024, Nordson Corporation announced a significant restructuring plan, including a reduction of approximately 5% of its global workforce. This move was part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and improve overall efficiency. The company also updated its employee benefits package, including modifications to its pension and 401k plans. Specific changes included adjusting the company’s matching contributions and modifying pension benefit accrual rates.

Nordson Corporation (NDSN) provides stock options and RSUs to employees as part of their compensation packages. Stock options at Nordson Corporation (NDSN) are generally granted to senior executives and key employees based on performance and tenure. RSUs are also awarded to employees as a form of long-term incentive, typically vesting over a period of time.

Benefits Overview: Nordson's official site provides information on various health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance plans. Employees have access to comprehensive health coverage, which typically includes options for health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs). Recent Updates: The company has updated its benefits plans over the years. Specific changes for 2022, 2023, and 2024 can be found in their annual benefits summaries or employee communications.