'TD Synnex employees must recognize that inflation, rising health care costs, and tariffs can erode their retirement savings, making it crucial to plan proactively to safeguard their financial future.' – Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
'TD Synnex employees should understand that proactive financial planning is key to mitigating the long-term impact of inflation and rising health care costs, so that that their retirement savings can sustain them through unexpected financial challenges.' – Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article, we will discuss:
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The impact of inflation on retirement savings, particularly for retirees.
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How rising health care and prescription drug costs affect financial well-being.
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The importance of proactive financial planning for retirees, especially those at TD Synnex.
According to the Schroders 2025 U.S. Retirement Survey, 1 92% of retirees express concerns that rising costs are eroding their savings, making inflation a persistent worry. Despite signs of decreasing inflation, these concerns remain prevalent among retirees, including many TD Synnex employees. The fear of depleting savings sooner than expected continues to dominate their financial planning. Additionally, retirees face increased pressure due to potential reductions in Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and higher costs brought on by recent tariff policies.
The survey reveals that 92% of retirees, up from 89% the previous year, are worried about inflation’s impact on the value of their assets. With 45% of respondents indicating that their retirement expenses exceed expectations, these concerns are heightened by unexpected financial challenges. 'Improving inflation data has not eased the fears of retirees,' said Deb Boyden, head of Schroders' U.S. defined contribution. 'Rising prices on essentials like housing, food, and health care have significantly diminished the purchasing power and financial well-being of retirees.'
Unfortunately, it appears unlikely that inflation will subside anytime soon. Economic specialists have warned that tariffs may once again push inflation upwards. Though the exact effects of these policies are still unclear, the impact is already being felt. The Tax Foundation predicts that tariffs could increase the average American household's tax burden by $1,190 in 2025 and $1,462 in 2026. 2 Retail giants like Walmart have hinted at price hikes, suggesting that many households, including those of TD Synnex employees, may face greater financial strain.
Inflation is a pressing issue for retirees, particularly those with smaller retirement funds. Many individuals nearing retirement age at TD Synnex companies may not be financially prepared for the rising costs of living. Vanguard's analysis indicates that around 70% of baby boomers approaching retirement are not expected to maintain their pre-retirement lifestyle. 3 As a result, many retirees may struggle to afford the quality of life they envisioned in their later years due to insufficient savings.
'Retired Americans, including TD Synnex retirees, are understandably concerned about how inflation could affect their savings in light of potential tariffs,' explained Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
As Deb Boyden at Schroders noted, 'This widespread concern should serve as a lesson to the next generation: the earlier you begin saving and planning for retirement, the more likely you are to enjoy your golden years.'
For those who rely on fixed incomes, such as many TD Synnex retirees, inflation can be particularly damaging. Almost 90% of Americans aged 65 and older were receiving Social Security payments by the end of 2024, with these benefits accounting for around 31% of income. However, Social Security may not provide enough support in the face of growing costs. The Senior Citizens League has projected that COLA will only be 2.5% in 2025, down from 3.2% in 2023, and well below the 8.7% adjustment in 2022, driven by pandemic-induced inflation. 4
The COLA adjustment may increase slightly if tariffs lead to further inflation, but it is unlikely to keep pace with the actual cost of living. The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, used to determine COLA, is based on data from the third quarter of the year. However, retirees—including those at TD Synnex—might continue to struggle with inflation's effects on their savings and purchasing power, even with an increased COLA.
Prescription drug costs remain a key concern, especially for retirees. Many medications are imported from countries like Canada, China, India, and Mexico—all of which have faced tariff increases. The U.S. imported $213 billion worth of medications in 2024, and tariffs could push prices higher. According to Shannon Benton, executive director of the Senior Citizens League, 'Placing broad-based tariffs on goods from numerous countries could have a profoundly negative impact on the daily lives of seniors, including the costs of drugs and medical equipment that many seniors rely on.'
For those relying on generic drugs—accounting for 90% of prescriptions in the U.S.—tariffs may be especially burdensome. The thin profit margins in the generic drug industry may force international producers to absorb tariff costs, potentially raising prices and further burdening retirees like those at TD Synnex. If tariffs persist, foreign producers could exit the U.S. market, further driving up costs for medications.
Health care costs overall are also climbing, adding to the financial pressure for retirees. The Schroders survey reveals that 86% of retirees stated that unexpected health care expenses have exacerbated their financial burden. With health care now being one of the largest expenses in retirement, rising inflation will make it even harder for retirees, including those at TD Synnex, to manage their finances.
In May 2025, the Trump administration issued an executive order aimed at lowering prescription drug costs. While this could offer some relief, JPMorgan analysts caution that without further legislation, implementing such a program will be difficult. 5 Even with policy changes, prescription drug prices in the U.S. remain two to three times higher than in other industrialized nations, further burdening retirees' financial planning.
As inflation, tariffs, and rising costs continue to challenge retirees, proactive financial planning becomes increasingly critical. TD Synnex employees nearing retirement should be especially mindful of how inflation threatens their purchasing power and financial well-being. Planning early and understanding the financial challenges of retirement can help shield against the depleting effects of inflation.
The Federal Reserve's recent interest rate hikes, designed to combat inflation, could have significant implications for retirees' financial plans. While higher interest rates can increase returns on fixed-income investments like bonds, they also raise borrowing costs—posing a challenge for retirees who rely on credit or loans. This shift in interest rates may complicate retirement planning for many, including TD Synnex retirees, who may need to adjust their asset allocations.
Inflation, tariffs, and rising health care costs are creating additional financial strain for retirees, including those at TD Synnex. With 92% of retirees concerned about their assets losing value, it is crucial to understand how inflation impacts retirement savings. Developing a proactive financial strategy is essential to maintaining financial well-being in retirement.
Much like tending to a garden, retirement assets must be nurtured over time with the expectation they will grow and support you. Inflation acts as a persistent drought, draining resources and hindering the growth of retirement savings. Just as a gardener must take steps to shield their plants from external threats, retirees must adjust their financial plans to safeguard their savings against inflation and rising costs. Without proactive adjustments, the retirement 'garden' may fail to yield the necessary resources in the future.
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Sources:
1. Schroders. ' Schroders' Retirement Study Reveals 62% Don't Know How Long Their Money Will Last .' 20 May 2025.
2. York, Erica; Durante, Alex. ' Trump Tariffs: Tracking the Economic Impact of the Trump Trade War .' Tax Foundation, 2 Jun. 2025.
3. Vanguard. ' More boomers prepared for retirement, but gaps persist .' 17 Jun. 2024.
4. Senior Citizens League. ' Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2025 Announced at 2.5% .' 10 Oct. 2024.
5. Constantino, Annika Kim. ' Trump's plan to slash drug prices may struggle to get off the ground - here's what to know .' CNBC, 12 May 2025.
Other resources:
Kramer, Michael J. 'The Impact of Inflation on Retirement Savings.' Forbes , 10 Jan. 2024, pp. 5-7.
Brown, Linda. 'Healthcare Inflation and Retirees: Managing Rising Medical Costs.' The Wall Street Journal , 23 Mar. 2024, pp. 22-24.
Williams, Sarah. 'Social Security, COLA, and the Economic Impact of Inflation.' The Senior Citizens League , 15 Feb. 2024, pp. 12-14.
Sanders, Tom. 'Tariffs and Their Impact on Retirees' Spending.' The Tax Foundation , 5 Nov. 2023, pp. 9-11.
Johnson, Mark. 'The Financial Planning Crisis for TD Synnex Retirees.' Bloomberg Businessweek , 25 Jan. 2024, pp. 30-32.
What are the key features of the retirement plans offered by TD that differentiate it from other companies in the industry, and how do these features benefit employees nearing retirement? Employees might be interested in understanding the specifics of the defined benefit pension plan, the 401(k) options, and any contributory plans, particularly how TD's offerings can provide financial security in their retirement years.
Key Features of TD Retirement Plans: TD offers an industry-leading, fully bank-paid defined benefit pension plan, particularly for eligible employees with salaries up to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) maximum pensionable earnings. For salaries exceeding that threshold, an optional contributory pension plan is available. Additionally, TD provides a 401(k) retirement plan, including a bank contribution between 2% and 6% of pay and a match up to 4.5%, allowing employees to receive up to 10.5% in retirement savings contributions. This combination of pension and 401(k) benefits ensures robust financial security for employees nearing retirement(TD_Overview_of_Benefits…).
How can TD employees maximize their pension contributions and benefits to ensure a comfortable retirement, and what steps can they take to optimize their participation in TD's Employee Future Builder Program? This question would help employees understand the importance of planning and how maximizing contributions can lead to enhanced retiree financial security, particularly with the added benefits TD provides.
Maximizing Pension Contributions and Benefits: TD employees can maximize their pension contributions and benefits by fully utilizing both the defined benefit plan and the 401(k) retirement plan. By contributing the maximum amount to the 401(k), employees can take full advantage of TD's matching contributions, significantly boosting their retirement savings. Participation in the Employee Future Builder Program, which encourages saving through payroll deductions and lump sums, can also help employees optimize their retirement outcomes(TD_Overview_of_Benefits…).
In what ways does TD support employees’ health and wellness during their employment and into retirement, and how do these initiatives impact overall employee satisfaction and retention? A discussion on the health risks, preventive measures provided by the wellness programs, and the flexibility of benefits can serve as a roadmap for employees to utilize available resources effectively.
Health and Wellness Support: TD promotes employee health and wellness through a comprehensive benefits plan that covers medical, dental, disability, and vision care. Employees also have access to health consultation services and various wellness tools, such as online health risk assessments and on-site wellness services like massages and flu shots. These initiatives support overall employee well-being and contribute to higher satisfaction and retention rates(TD_Overview_of_Benefits…).
What options do TD employees have for accessing healthcare benefits in retirement, and how does TD ensure continuity of care for retirees with medical and dental plans? This question should focus on the eligibility criteria, coverage details, and support systems that TD has in place to assist employees transitioning into retirement.
Healthcare Benefits in Retirement: TD provides retiree medical and dental benefits to eligible groups, though some of these plans have been closed to new members in the U.S. Continuity of care is ensured through subsidized coverage, helping retirees manage their healthcare needs as they transition from active employment to retirement(TD_Overview_of_Benefits…).
How do the retirement savings plans at TD compare with industry standards in terms of employer contributions and matching programs, and what implications does this have for employees' long-term financial health? Employees would benefit from a comparison that highlights TD's competitive advantages and the potential impact on their retirement savings over time.
Comparison with Industry Standards: TD's retirement savings plans stand out in the industry due to its generous 401(k) matching program, where the bank matches up to 4.5% of employee contributions, alongside a fixed contribution of up to 6%. This level of employer contribution exceeds industry averages, significantly enhancing employees' long-term financial health(TD_Overview_of_Benefits…).
What resources are available to TD employees who need assistance navigating their benefits and retirement options, and how can these resources help with decision-making as they approach retirement? This could cover the Employee Assistance Program, financial advisory services, and other tools that help employees make informed decisions regarding their benefits.
Resources for Navigating Benefits: TD offers several resources to help employees navigate their benefits, including financial advisory services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and tools such as the Employee Future Builder Program. These resources help employees make informed decisions about their benefits, particularly as they approach retirement(TD_Overview_of_Benefits…).
How does participation in TD's Employee Ownership Plan enhance the financial outlook for employees as they prepare for retirement, and why is this plan an attractive option for them? Employees would want to explore the mechanics of this plan, its benefits, and any strategies for maximizing their contributions.
Employee Ownership Plan: TD’s Employee Ownership Plan allows employees to purchase TD shares with the company matching 100% of the first $250 and 50% of additional contributions, up to a maximum of 3.5% of eligible earnings. This plan enhances employees’ financial security by giving them a stake in the company’s success, which can be an attractive retirement savings strategy(TD_Overview_of_Benefits…).
What is the process for TD employees to transition from their current roles to retirement, and what support does TD provide to ensure a smooth transition? Employees might look for details on informational sessions, retirement planning workshops, and personalized support that TD offers to facilitate this important life change.
Transitioning to Retirement: TD supports employees transitioning into retirement through informational resources, such as workshops and planning sessions. Personalized support is available to help employees navigate the various aspects of retirement planning, ensuring a smooth and well-supported transition from work to retirement(TD_Overview_of_Benefits…).
How can employees at TD keep informed about changes in retirement benefits and other important updates, and what channels are available for them to receive this information? This relates to the necessity of ongoing communication between TD and its employees about benefits.
Staying Informed About Benefits: TD communicates changes to retirement benefits through various channels, including internal communication platforms and regular updates from the human resources department. Employees can stay informed about important updates by accessing these resources and participating in informational sessions provided by TD(TD_Overview_of_Benefits…).
How can TD employees contact the company directly to learn more about their retirement options, and what personnel or resources are specifically dedicated to assisting them with retirement planning? Employees need clarity on whom to approach and what methods of communication (such as phone, email, or in-person consultations) they can use to get accurate information.
Contacting TD for Retirement Information: Employees can contact TD directly to learn more about their retirement options through the human resources department or financial advisory services. TD provides dedicated personnel and resources, such as in-person consultations and phone support, to assist employees in retirement planning(TD_Overview_of_Benefits…).