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CHS Employees Take on the World: Exploring the Best Overseas Retirement Spots for 2025

'CHS employees exploring international retirement can enhance their lifestyle by planning carefully around healthcare, tax considerations, and residency requirements abroad.' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

'CHS employees nearing retirement should view overseas living as a strategic lifestyle choice that combines financial efficiency with rich cultural experiences—when approached with thoughtful planning.' – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article, we will discuss:

The growing trend of retiring abroad and its increasing allure among Americans.
Top international retirement destinations and their unique attractions, as highlighted in the 2025 Retirement Overseas Index.
Key considerations for transitioning to an overseas lifestyle, including residency visas, tax benefits, and healthcare options.

For CHS employees seeking a meaningful vacation or a permanent change of scenery after retirement, the idea of retiring abroad might be enticing. Recent trends show more Americans interested in international living. According to a Gallup poll, interest grew to 21% by 2024 from 10% in 2011. Improved global connectivity and broader social acceptance globally are contributing to this rising curiosity.

The 2025 Retirement Overseas Index by Live & Invest Overseas shows why people move abroad. This index rates retirement destinations on cost of living, healthcare quality, local regulations, tax considerations, and proximity to beaches, museums, and nature trails. Such factors are essential for retirement security.

The index considers some cities as good retirement spots. Valencia in Spain has an expat community and a Mediterranean climate for leisure and culture. And Medellin, Colombia, meanwhile, is an active urban area with a varied culinary and cultural scene for retirees looking for a dynamic lifestyle.

Transitioning to an overseas lifestyle takes planning. From choosing the right travel insurance to learning from current expats, CHS retirees can prepare for life abroad. Those efforts enable informed decision-making and realistic expectations for those prepared to live internationally.

Understanding residency is also important for retirees moving. For example, Portugal offers the D7 retirement visa, which has accessible income requirements and offers great healthcare and tax advantages. The historical richness, relaxed lifestyle, and beautiful landscape of Portugal are highlighted in the 2025 Retirement Overseas Index.

Find out where to retire abroad in 2025. Explore top options like Valencia and Medellin - both known for their cultural vibrancy, quality healthcare, affordability, and friendly environments. Taxes, residency visas, and leisure tips for retiring Americans abroad. Ideal for CHS workers looking for a beachy experience after work.

From Valencia's old-world charm to Medellin's cultural capital, each destination offers something different - like picking a wine for retirement. So, whether it's the soft familiarity of Valencia or the wild energy of Medellin, retirees can choose where to retire by weighing costs of living, healthcare, and local community - like choosing a wine by vineyard, vintage, and flavor profile.

Retiring abroad offers lower cost of living, affordable healthcare, and exposure to other cultures. The five sources that support these points are listed below with brief explanations of how they benefit retirees and strengthen the case for international retirement.

Articles you may find interesting:

Source:

1. Investopedia Staff. 'Is Retiring Abroad Right for You? Key Factors to Consider Now.' Investopedia , Nov. 2024, www.investopedia.com/is-retiring-abroad-right-for-you-key-factors-to-consider-now-8415232 .

2. Tubongbanua, Rachelle. 'Retiring Abroad: Financial Factors to Consider.' U.S. Bank , Oct. 2024, www.usbank.com/financialiq/inspire/retirement/retiring-abroad-financial-factors-to-consider.html .

3. Ingrim, Alex. 'The Pros and Cons of Retiring Abroad.' Kiplinger , July 2023, www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retiring-abroad/the-pros-and-cons-of-retiring-abroad .

4. U.S. News Staff. 'Best Places to Retire Overseas in 2025.' U.S. News & World Report , Jan. 2025, www.usnews.com/money/retirement/articles/best-places-to-retire-overseas-in-2025 .

5. Investopedia Staff. 'Retirees Flock to These Countries for Unmatched Benefits—Is Yours on the List?' Investopedia , Oct. 2024, www.investopedia.com/retirees-flock-to-these-countries-for-unmatched-benefits-8421893 .

What are the specific criteria that determine eligibility for the various contributions within the CHS 401(k) plan, and how do these contributions affect an employeeâ€™s retirement savings over time at CHS? Understanding these criteria can help employees maximize their contributions to ensure they are making the most of the benefits offered by CHS.

Eligibility for 401(k) Contributions: CHS employees can contribute up to 75% of their eligible compensation to their 401(k), with an IRS limit of $18,000 (in 2017) plus an additional $6,000 for those aged 50 and older. CHS also provides a basic contribution of 2% and a performance-based contribution, which increases based on years of service(CHS_12_31_2017_Retireme…). Understanding these contributions can help maximize retirement savings.

How does the CHS Pension Plan work, particularly regarding the differences between the traditional account and the cash balance account? Employees might want to delve into how their choices and years of service will impact their retirement payout from either account.

CHS Pension Plan Structure: CHS offers a pension plan with both traditional and cash balance accounts. The traditional account is based on average pay and years of service, while the cash balance account accrues pay credits based on service. After December 31, 2017, pay credits ceased, but interest credits continue(CHS_12_31_2017_Retireme…). Employees should understand how these accounts affect their retirement benefits.

In what ways does the vesting schedule of CHS employer contributions influence an employee's retirement strategy? Employees at CHS need to understand how vesting affects their overall benefits and what steps they must take to ensure they are fully vested in time for retirement.

Vesting Schedule Impact: CHS has a three-year vesting schedule for its basic 401(k) contributions, while match and performance-based contributions are immediately vested(CHS_12_31_2017_Retireme…). Knowing the vesting rules is crucial for employees planning their retirement strategy, ensuring full benefits are realized.

Can you explain what "frozen" benefits mean for employees nearing retirement at CHS, and how this affects the calculations of future pension benefits? It's critical for employees to grasp the implications of a frozen pension account on their retirement plans.

Frozen Benefits: CHS employees with frozen benefits in the pension plan will not receive further pay credits after December 31, 2017, but interest credits will continue(CHS_12_31_2017_Retireme…). Understanding this freeze is essential for planning retirement payouts.

How can employees at CHS plan for their retirement withdrawals post-employment, particularly focusing on the pension distribution options that are available to them? Employees may find it beneficial to understand the long-term effects of these options on their financial health during retirement.

Retirement Withdrawals: CHS employees have the option to withdraw retirement savings via lump-sum payments or monthly annuities(CHS_12_31_2017_Retireme…). Choosing the right distribution option can significantly impact long-term financial health in retirement.

What actions should employees take if they want to change their contribution elections or investment strategies within CHS retirement plans? Knowledge of the processes for making changes can empower employees to take proactive steps in managing their retirement savings.

Changing Contribution Elections: Employees can change their contribution and investment elections online via the Empower Retirement portal or by calling Empower Retirement(CHS_12_31_2017_Retireme…). This flexibility allows for proactive management of retirement savings.

How does the ability to access and review pension benefits online through the Empower Retirement website enhance the retirement planning process for employees at CHS? This question can lead to discussions about the importance of staying informed about one's financial future.

Access to Pension Benefits Online: Employees can access their pension benefits through Empower Retirement’s website(CHS_12_31_2017_Retireme…). Regularly reviewing these accounts is crucial for staying informed about retirement planning.

What are the implications for CHS employees who are not 100% vested in the Pension Plan before the freeze date, and what alternative options do they have for their retirement savings? Understanding this will help employees make informed choices regarding their benefits.

Not Fully Vested Before Freeze: If employees were not fully vested in the pension plan before the freeze date, they are still eligible to receive vested benefits(CHS_12_31_2017_Retireme…). Exploring alternative retirement savings options is important for those affected.

How do fluctuations in national interest rates impact the retirement plans of employees at CHS, particularly in the context of cash balance accounts? Employees should consider how external economic factors can affect their financial future.

Interest Rate Impact: The interest rate used to calculate cash balance account credits is the 10-year Treasury constant maturity rate plus 2%. These rates fluctuate annually(CHS_12_31_2017_Retireme…). Employees should be aware of how changes in interest rates affect their pension growth.

How should employees contact CHS for more information regarding their retirement benefits, and what resources are particularly useful for navigating the complexities of the pension and 401(k) plans? Contacting the right departments or utilizing specific resources can be crucial for maximizing retirement benefits at CHS. These questions are designed to provide depth and complexity, enabling employees to better understand their retirement benefits and the policies at CHS.

Contacting CHS for Retirement Information: Employees can contact Empower Retirement for pension and 401(k) inquiries via the Empower Retirement website or by phone(CHS_12_31_2017_Retireme…). Utilizing these resources can help navigate complex retirement options.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for CHS at 5500 Cenex Dr Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077; or by calling them at (651) 355-6000.