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Navigating Financial Waters: PPG Industries Employees and the 2025 Social Security Update

'While the 2.5% COLA increase may offer some relief, many PPG Industries employees must take proactive steps—like adjusting tax withholdings and Medicare premiums—to help maintain purchasing power in retirement.' – Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

'The modest 2025 COLA highlights the importance for PPG Industries employees to reevaluate their retirement strategies, as rising costs demand more than just relying on Social Security adjustments alone.' – Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article, we will discuss:

The 2025 Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) – Understanding its impact and why it may not be sufficient for retirees, including those from PPG Industries.
Financial Strategies for Retirees – Exploring adjustments to tax withholdings and Medicare premiums to help to optimize retirement income.
New Tax Changes Affecting Retirement Withdrawals – Reviewing legislative updates that provide more favorable tax treatment for retirees starting in 2025.

Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025 is 2.5% – the lowest increase since 2021. This adjustment will likely lead to an approximate USD 50 monthly increase for beneficiaries, Social Security Administration notes. But despite that increase, many PPG Industries employees face continuing financial challenges exacerbated by stubborn inflation and rising costs for basic goods.

Jim Blair, an expert with a Social Security background and founder of NSSA Professionals, admits that the modest bump might not be enough to keep up with mounting costs. The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), a key gauge for Social Security's COLA, increased 2.8% year-over-year last December. PPG Industries employees should know this discrepancy between benefit adjustments and real increases in living costs, which suggest the 2025 COLA might not cover all their financial needs.

In addition, December's core inflation rate excluding food and energy matched this increase at 2.8%, according to the Federal Reserve's personal consumption expenditures price index. This shows a gap between the benefit adjustments and actual living cost increases, which suggest COLA adjustments might not keep pace with retirees, including PPG Industries ones.

Blair gives five tips to help retirees better manage their money. One possibility is adjusting the tax withholdings on Social Security benefits – up to 22% – that can be withheld for taxes. Decreasing withholdings may yield more immediate cash, but could lead to smaller refunds or potential tax liabilities due to personal circumstances. All retirees except for those from PPG Industries companies can make the adjustments by submitting Form W-4V to the Social Security Administration.

Reevaluating Medicare premiums is another possibility for retirees. In 2025, the USD 185 standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B – which includes necessary medical treatments and durable medical equipment – is USD 185. But those with higher incomes pay an income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) that affects both Medicare Part B and Part D prescription plan premiums – the latter at USD 46.50 monthly on average – respectively. Particularly for PPG Industries retirees changing financial status, this information is relevant.

Retirees whose income has dropped because of major life events like retirement, the sale of an income-generating asset or a spouse's death may be eligible for reduced Medicare premiums. Request adjustments by completing Form SSA-44 and mailing it to the Social Security Administration. Such adjustments help with managing expenses – especially for PPG Industries retirees dealing with such changes.

These measures – despite squeezed Social Security increments and ongoing economic woes – are practical steps for seniors to save money. This advice is especially relevant for PPG Industries retirees reviewing their financial strategies in the wake of recent changes.

In addition to these strategies, from 2025 retirees should be aware of major tax changes affecting withdrawals from retirement accounts. Enacted laws provide a more favorable tax schedule for people age 60 and older to help offset some of the tax impact on retirement savings withdrawals. This new change encourages better financial planning by making money more easily available without penalty. Such a shift was noted in a January 2025 report from the Congressional Budget Office on projected benefits for retiree financial management, including PPG Industries benefits.

The 2025 Social Security COLA creates a financial stormy sea. Like skilled sailors making adjustments to their sails amid shifting winds and currents, retirees must maneuver the modest 2.5% increase in Social Security benefits amid accelerating inflation and rising costs. Retirees from PPG Industries firms could adjust tax withholdings and recalibrate Medicare premiums for more stable futures.

This article examines the 2025 Social Security COLA, retirement planning for retirees, and new tax changes on retirement withdrawals. For those discussions, here are five different sources accompanied by a 100-word summary including benefits to retirees, contribution to arguments in the article, author information, publication date, and relevant pages.

Articles you may find interesting:

Source:

1. Torry, Harriet. 'Social Security Is Giving Retirees a 2.5% Increase, the Smallest Raise in Years.' The Wall Street Journal , 12 Oct. 2024, www.wsj.com/articles/social-security-cost-of-living-adjustment-2025-2-5-percent-raise-123456789 .

2. Saunders, Laura. 'When Paying More Tax, Not Less, Is the Smart Play.' The Wall Street Journal , 31 Jan. 2025, www.wsj.com/articles/roth-ira-conversion-tax-strategy-2025-123456789 .

3. Mengle, Rocky. 'New 401(k) Withdrawal Rules to Know in 2025.' Kiplinger , 15 July 2024, www.kiplinger.com/retirement/401k-withdrawal-rule-changes-2025 .

4. Voya Financial. 'Five Changes to IRAs and 401(k)s in 2025.' Voya Financial , 11 Dec. 2024, www.voya.com/articles/ira-401k-changes-2025 .

5. Internal Revenue Service. 'IRS Urges Many Retirees to Make Required Withdrawals from Retirement Plans by Year-End Deadline.' Internal Revenue Service , 1 Dec. 2024, www.irs.gov/newsroom/rmd-reminder-2025 .

What are the key factors that PPG Industries (UK) Limited employees should consider when planning for retirement, and how does the PPG Pension Hub facilitate this planning process to ensure a secure financial future?

Key factors for retirement planning and PPG Pension Hub: Employees at PPG Industries (UK) Limited should consider their lifestyle goals, contributions, and the age at which they wish to retire. The PPG Pension Hub facilitates retirement planning by providing access to personal pension data, modeling tools, and resources that help employees visualize their retirement income and savings adjustments(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).

How does the introduction of the Bridging Pension option affect the retirement planning of PPG Industries (UK) Limited employees, particularly those who are considering retiring before reaching State Pension age?

Bridging Pension option and retirement planning: The Bridging Pension option allows employees to receive a higher pension before reaching State Pension age and then reduces their pension once the State Pension begins. This is helpful for those retiring early, as it smooths their income before State Pension payments start(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).

In what ways can employees of PPG Industries (UK) Limited maximize their contributions to the DC section of their pension plan, and what strategies can they employ to adjust their retirement savings for unexpected financial needs?

Maximizing contributions to the DC section: Employees can adjust their retirement savings by increasing their regular or one-off contributions. The secure member website provides a tool, myTarget, that shows the impact of increased contributions on future benefits, helping employees manage unexpected financial needs(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).

How does PPG Industries (UK) Limited's change to the life assurance arrangement impact employeesâ€™ beneficiaries upon their death, and what steps should employees take to ensure their Expression of Wish Form is up to date?

Impact of changes to life assurance arrangement: The new life assurance arrangement removes the risk of exceeding the Lifetime Allowance by paying a lump sum outside the pension plan. Employees should ensure their Expression of Wish Form is up to date to guarantee the correct beneficiaries receive their lump sum upon death(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).

What are the implications of the recent updates regarding Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) equalization for PPG Industries (UK) Limited employees, and how can affected employees monitor the status of their benefits?

GMP equalization updates: The GMP equalization process ensures that pensions are equalized for men and women. Affected employees will be notified if changes apply to their benefits, and they should monitor communications from the plan administrators for updates(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).

How can PPG Industries (UK) Limited employees prepare for potential changes in minimum pension age and state pension age, and what resources are available through the company to assist in this planning?

Preparing for changes in pension age: With the normal minimum pension age rising to 57 in 2028 and the State Pension age increasing, employees should review their retirement plans. PPG Industries offers resources like the PPG Pension Hub and financial advice services to help employees plan for these changes(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).

How can employees of PPG Industries (UK) Limited access independent financial advice at no cost, and what should they consider when selecting a financial adviser to help them navigate their pension options?

Access to independent financial advice: PPG Industries covers the cost for one complete round of independent financial advice through WPS Advisory Limited. Employees should evaluate their adviser options, ensuring the selected adviser is registered and understands the specificities of the PPG pension plan(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).

What critical information regarding pension tax allowances in 2024 should employees of PPG Industries (UK) Limited be aware of when making contributions to their pension scheme?

Pension tax allowances in 2024: Employees should be aware of the Annual Allowance, capped at £40,000, and the Lifetime Allowance, fixed at £1.0731 million. Contributions exceeding these limits may result in tax charges, making it essential to track contributions and consider tax implications when planning their pensions(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).

How has the performance of the investment options within PPG Industries (UK) Limited's Defined Contribution (DC) section impacted member benefits, and what should employees consider when selecting their investment portfolios?

Impact of investment options in the DC section: The performance of the investment options, such as the new Aon Managed Global Impact Fund, can significantly affect employee benefits. Employees should assess their investment portfolios regularly to ensure they align with their risk tolerance and retirement goals(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).

How can PPG Industries (UK) Limited employees contact the company for detailed inquiries regarding their pension plans, and what specific information should they be prepared to provide during this contact for efficient assistance?

Contacting the company for pension inquiries: Employees can contact the plan administrators at Aon via phone, email, or postal address. They should be prepared with their employee ID or member number, as well as personal information like date of birth, to ensure smooth communication(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).