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Navigating Retirement at Resolute Forest Products: A Guide to Helping Increase Your Benefits in 2025

'Resolute Forest Products employees must remain vigilant in adapting to ongoing changes in retirement benefits, from COLA adjustments to TSP contributions, to ensure they are maximizing their retirement options and securing their financial future.' – Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

'Resolute Forest Products employees should take advantage of retirement tools like catch-up contributions and Medicare strategies to optimize their benefits, ensuring a smooth transition into retirement with comprehensive coverage and financial security.' – Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article, we will discuss:

Key Updates on Retirement Benefits— Changes in annuities, cost-of-living adjustments, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions.
Essential Insurance and Healthcare Considerations— Medicare enrollment strategies, FEGLI policy adjustments, and FEDVIP premium updates.
Financial and Estate Planning for a Comprehensive Future— Long-term care options, estate planning, and managing post-retirement benefits.

As 2025 unfolds, more options and considerations for Resolute Forest Products employees and retirees are emerging in the retirement landscape. You will find this guide useful for making the transition to retirement.

Updates on Annuities & Cost of Living Adjustments.

Here are a few tools and services from Resolute Forest Products to help you manage your annuity benefits. Annuity payments for retirees were adjusted in January 2025 for the 2024 cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), effective December 1, 2024. The COLA is 2.0% for Federal Employees Retirement System recipients and 2.5% for Civil Service Retirement System recipients. Social Security and military retirement payments also rise 2.5%. [Source needed]

Insurance Considerations

In retirement planning, insurance is an essential purchase. Regular reviews of your Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) policy are recommended as retirement approaches. Remember, FEGLI premiums increase every five years starting at age 50 - this can squeeze your budget. You can also enroll in Medicare Part A when you reach 65 to avoid penalties if you haven't claimed Social Security benefits yet.

Thrift Savings Plan Insights

Contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) must increase. Those over 50 can contribute an additional USD 7,500 in 2025. To receive the full benefit of matching contributions, a minimum contribution of 5% per pay period is advised.

Medicare Enrollment Strategies

Crucial decisions regarding Medicare enrollment include when to enroll in parts A, B, C, and D. Combining your FEHB and TRICARE for Life with Medicare Parts A and B can lower your out-of-pocket costs.

The Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) is administered by the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).

Participants in FEDVIP should know that 2025 premium changes could impact benefits. Update your enrollment details after a major life event or relocation for coverage continuity.

Long-Term Care & Retirement Planning.

Understand long-term care insurance and how it fits into your retirement planning. Check out the terms of your policy and how it fits in with other benefits you may be able to receive.

Estate Planning & Beneficiary Designations.

Estate planning and current beneficiary designations are critical to your assets. Regularly review and update these designations based on your personal situation.

Retirement Training and Resources

People nearing retirement can get training and tools. They include webinars and seminars on topics as simple as retirement planning to more complex issues like long-term care and Medicare options.

TSP Withdrawals and Regulations

New legislation affecting required minimum distributions (RMDs) and TSP withdrawals will help you manage your TSP account in retirement.

Retention of Personal Documents

Retaining copies of important documents, such as your proof of insurance and Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50s), is helpful when you retire to verify eligibility and service estimates.

Post-Retirement Federal Benefits Management

Staying connected with the Office of Personnel Management and other relevant agencies helps with benefit administration after retirement. Continuous management is needed for Medicare coordination, insurance coverage maintenance, and annuity adjustment.

So, in conclusion, 2025 brought many updates and revisions to retirement planning at Resolute Forest Products. Staying proactive in managing your retirement plans, understanding policy impacts, and making informed decisions will enhance your retirement outcomes for a full and fulfilling retirement.

Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1. The Thrift Savings Plan. 2025 TSP Contribution Limits . 13 Nov. 2024, www.tsp.gov .

2. Friedman, Drew. 2025 COLA Will Be 2.5%, but Some Federal Retirees Get a Smaller Percentage . Federal News Network , 10 Oct. 2024, www.federalnewsnetwork.com .

3. Internal Revenue Service. 401(k) Limit Increases to $23,500 for 2025, IRA Limit Remains $7,000 . 1 Nov. 2024, www.irs.gov .

4. Serving Those Who Serve Editorial Team. 2025 Social Security COLA Increase . Serving Those Who Serve , Oct. 2024, www.stwserve.com .

5. The Thrift Savings Plan. SECURE Act 2.0, Section 109: Higher Catch-Up Limit to Apply at Age 60, 61, 62, and 63 . Jan. 2025, www.tsp.gov .

How does the Pulp and Paper Industry Pension Plan interact with other retirement savings options that employees may have? Employees at the Pulp and Paper Industry are encouraged to understand the implications of their pension benefits when considering their overall retirement strategy. Given the complexity of retirement planning, how should one factor in the Pulp and Paper Industry Pension Plan alongside personal savings, employer-matched contributions, and other investment accounts?

Pension Plan Interaction with Other Retirement Savings: Employees in the Pulp and Paper Industry should consider the Pension Plan as a foundational part of their overall retirement strategy. When planning for retirement, it's crucial to balance the pension benefits alongside personal savings, employer-matched contributions, and other investment accounts such as RRSPs or TFSAs. The Pension Plan, contributing a stable retirement income, can complement more flexible savings vehicles that provide additional liquidity and growth potential, especially considering tax implications and withdrawal strategies for an efficient retirement portfolio.

What are the key factors that determine the monthly pension payment upon retirement for employees in the Pulp and Paper Industry? Understanding the formula that calculates the pension benefits based on earnings, years of service, and the applicable rates is crucial for employees planning their retirement. Can you elaborate on how these elements work together to produce an individual's retirement income?

Key Factors Determining Pension Payments: The monthly pension payment for employees in the Pulp and Paper Industry is primarily calculated based on credited service, eligible earnings, and the applicable pension benefit rate. The formula integrates years of service with the employee's average earnings and the benefit accrual rate of 1.55%. This means the longer the employee's service and the higher their eligible earnings, the larger the pension payout. The calculation is also influenced by early retirement reductions or post-65 service, ensuring that employees' retirement income reflects their contribution history(Pulp_and_Paper_Industry…).

In what circumstances can employees of the Pulp and Paper Industry expect a reduction in their pension benefits, and what specific actions can be taken to mitigate this reduction? An in-depth examination of early retirement options, the choices available at different ages, and the financial implications is vital for long-term planning. What steps should an employee take before deciding to retire early?

Circumstances Affecting Pension Reductions: Employees of the Pulp and Paper Industry may face pension reductions if they retire before the age of 65. Early retirement between 55 and 65 incurs a reduction in pension benefits, ranging from 3% to 18%, depending on the age of retirement. To mitigate this reduction, employees can consider working longer or maximizing other retirement savings before electing early retirement. It's essential to review the pension reduction tables and consult the Plan Administrator to understand the financial implications of early retirement(Pulp_and_Paper_Industry…).

How are employee contributions structured under the Pulp and Paper Industry Pension Plan, and what is the impact of these contributions on overall retirement savings? Employees need to understand how their contributions, along with the employer's match, affect their future pension benefits. Could you detail the contribution rates and how they relate to the final pension payout?

Employee Contributions and Pension Benefits: Employees contribute 8% of their earnings to the Plan, while employers contribute 10%. These contributions directly impact the pension benefits, with higher contributions resulting in more substantial retirement payouts. Contributions stop once 2080 hours are paid within a plan year. Understanding how both employee and employer contributions accumulate is crucial for estimating future benefits and integrating them into overall retirement savings(Pulp_and_Paper_Industry…).

What is the process for employees of the Pulp and Paper Industry who experience a significant life event, such as marriage breakdown or disability, to adjust their pension plan? Employees need to be aware of the rights and options available to adjust their benefits in light of personal circumstances. What documentation is needed, and how does the process work?

Adjusting Pension Plan for Life Events: Significant life events such as marriage breakdown or disability allow employees to adjust their pension benefits. In the event of a marriage breakdown, 50% of the pension earned during the marriage may be split with the spouse, and specific forms and legal agreements are required for this process. Disability provisions may allow the employee to continue earning credited service without contributing. Employees should submit medical evidence or legal documents as necessary to the Plan Administrator to process adjustments(Pulp_and_Paper_Industry…).

How can employees in the Pulp and Paper Industry ensure that their personal information remains secure while accessing their pension benefits? Given the sensitive nature of financial information, it is crucial for employees to understand the privacy measures in place. What steps are taken to protect personal data, and what should employees do if they have concerns regarding their privacy?

Securing Personal Information: The Pulp and Paper Industry Pension Plan takes employee privacy seriously by using appropriate safeguards to protect personal information. Data is only shared with pension professionals for plan administration purposes. Employees can access their personal information and correct inaccuracies by contacting the Plan Administrator. If employees have concerns about data security, they should report them immediately to ensure their privacy is maintained(Pulp_and_Paper_Industry…).

What resources are available for employees of the Pulp and Paper Industry to access more detailed information about their pension benefit calculations and options? Seeking information through the right channels is essential for making informed decisions about retirement planning. Can you provide an overview of the tools and resources available to employees for understanding their benefit entitlements?

Resources for Pension Information: Employees have access to a variety of resources to help them understand their pension benefits. These include the Plan’s official web portal, personalized pension statements, and direct assistance from the Plan Administrator. For more detailed information, employees can consult their collective agreement and Plan documents, or they may contact the Administrator for personalized pension projections and guidance(Pulp_and_Paper_Industry…).

In terms of the Pulp and Paper Industry's collective agreements with the Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC) or Unifor, how do those agreements affect pension benefits? Understanding these agreements is critical for employees as they directly influence the terms of the pension plan. Can you explain how these agreements shape the benefits structure and payout options?

Impact of Collective Agreements: Collective agreements between the Pulp and Paper Industry and unions like PPWC or Unifor directly influence pension plan provisions. These agreements determine contribution rates, eligibility, and benefit structures. Changes in collective agreements may lead to adjustments in pension benefits, so employees should stay informed about any updates to their collective agreement terms(Pulp_and_Paper_Industry…).

What implications does the Pulp and Paper Industry Pension Plan have for employeesâ€™ beneficiaries, and what should employees know about designating a beneficiary? It is imperative for individuals to understand the importance of beneficiary designations. What processes should employees follow to ensure that their beneficiaries are appropriately designated and informed?

Pension Plan for Beneficiaries: Employees must ensure they appropriately designate a beneficiary for their pension benefits. In the event of death before retirement, the spouse or designated beneficiary will receive the pension benefits. If no beneficiary is designated, benefits are paid to the estate. Employees should complete and update their beneficiary designation form regularly to reflect their wishes and avoid legal complications(Pulp_and_Paper_Industry…).

How can an employee in the Pulp and Paper Industry contact the Plan Administrator for assistance regarding their pension benefits? Knowing the proper contact information and support channels is essential for employees navigating their retirement benefits. What are the best ways to reach out for help, and what types of inquiries can the Plan Administrator assist with?

Contacting the Plan Administrator: Employees can contact the Plan Administrator, LifeWorks, for assistance with their pension benefits. They can reach out by phone, email, or mail for inquiries about retirement estimates, pension adjustments, or general benefit calculations. The Administrator provides essential support for processing retirement, termination, and death benefits(Pulp_and_Paper_Industry…).