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NiSource Employees: Is Timing the Market Worth the Risk?

NiSource employees navigating volatile markets should remember that staying disciplined with a long-term financial plan can often lead to more favorable outcomes than reacting emotionally to short-term headlines. – Kevin Landis, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

NiSource employees should remember that emotional decisions and market timing can derail years of disciplined planning—staying the course with a tailored strategy is often the most effective path to long-term success. – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

Why market timing can carry significant risk—even when headlines seem clear.
How emotional decisions may influence long-term investment outcomes.
The value of sticking to a customized financial plan.

Unforeseen events can significantly influence investor outcomes, as recent market activity has demonstrated. Amid ongoing volatility, the markets have been experiencing unpredictable ups and downs. NiSource employees who exited the market before recent spikes may have missed out on potential returns. Similarly, selling into a down market may crystalize losses, impacting the long-term performance of a portfolio.

Tyson Mavar, a wealth manager and financial advisor at Wealth Enhancement, states, “This is precisely why we advise clients not to attempt to time the market.” Trying to forecast what happens next can often lead to subpar results, especially for NiSource employees focused on retirement goals.

Mavar highlighted that reacting to fear during market turbulence can throw long-term planning off track. Investors who follow a disciplined, strategic framework often experience more favorable results over time—particularly important for NiSource professionals preparing for retirement with significant pensions and savings.

At Wealth Enhancement, the emphasis is on consistent planning rather than reacting to daily headlines. Their methodology is designed to adapt through fluctuations, anchored in long-term objectives. “We help clients focus on what’s within their control—such as investment planning, portfolio structure, and saving behaviors,” Mavar noted—guidance that NiSource employees may find helpful when facing market ups and downs.

Historical data shows that maintaining investment positions during market disruptions tends to result in better outcomes. Trying to exit and reenter markets at precisely the right time rarely works—and can often lead to missed opportunities during major rebounds. For NiSource employees nearing retirement, staying consistent may yield better outcomes than trying to chase timing strategies.

The central message for anyone at NiSource rethinking their portfolio or hesitant about reentering the market: have a thoughtful financial plan in place before markets fluctuate. Results often stem from consistency and preparation, not from spur-of-the-moment decisions.

A recent DALBAR study (2023) found that the average equity fund investor earned just 6.81% annually over a 30-year period—substantially lower than the S&P 500’s 10.12% annualized return. This gap was largely attributed to emotional investment behavior, such as exiting during downturns and reentering too late. For NiSource employees, this data emphasizes the potential value of consistent investment strategies during job transitions and retirement planning.

Want to know how missing the right moment can impact your financial future? This article highlights the risks of reactive investing, offers time-tested strategies, and illustrates how aligning with a structured retirement-focused plan can help navigate unpredictable markets—particularly for NiSource employees in transition.

Trying to time the market is like attempting to hop onto a moving train in the dark. It might work occasionally, but more often, it leads to missteps. Markets can change course quickly based on unexpected developments. Long-term investors—like NiSource retirees with a structured approach—often benefit from staying the course, much like a traveler who follows a steady itinerary rather than chasing every departing train. According to DALBAR (2023), those who remain consistent tend to outperform those making frequent timing decisions.

Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1. DALBAR, Inc. 30th Annual Quantitative Analysis of Investor Behavior (QAIB) Report . 2024, pp. 1–3.

2. Benz, Christine. A Down-Market Survival Guide for Retirees. Morningstar , Sept. 2022.

3. Financial Strategies Group . Emotional Investing Part 2: The Costs of Investing Emotionally. 2024.

4. The Wall Street Journal Staff. How to Make Major Money Decisions Right Now: A WSJ Guide. The Wall Street Journal , Apr. 2025.

5. Morningstar Research Team . Does Tolerance for Risk Change in Retirement? Morningstar , Nov. 2024.

As an employee of National Grid, what are the key eligibility criteria for participating in the Pension Plan specifically for Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation employees? How might these criteria impact your personal retirement planning and the benefits you expect to receive upon retirement from National Grid?

Eligibility Criteria for Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan: Employees of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation who are represented by Local Union 97 of the IBEW and work at least 20 hours per week or accumulate 1,000 hours in a Pension Plan year are eligible. Participation begins automatically on the first day of employment. These criteria directly impact retirement planning by determining when employees begin accruing pension benefits and how much they will receive at retirement(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

Within the framework of the National Grid Pension Plan, how does the cash balance formula work in calculating retirement benefits, and what implications does this have for employees of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation when considering their long-term financial outlook?

Cash Balance Formula: The National Grid Pension Plan for Niagara Mohawk employees uses a cash balance formula that provides monthly pay-based credits (starting at 4% and increasing with years of service) and interest credits. These accumulate in a hypothetical account, growing until retirement, allowing employees to track their retirement benefits much like a savings account. This formula impacts financial outlook by providing predictable growth tied to service and pay(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

For employees at National Grid, what are the specific rights and options available during the pension benefit application process? How do these rights protect the interests of individual employees and ensure they receive fair treatment under the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan?

Pension Benefit Application Process: National Grid employees must apply for their pension benefits by submitting the required forms at least 90 days before retirement. Spousal consent is required if opting for any form of payment other than the default. This ensures employees understand and select the best payment option for their circumstances, protecting their interests under the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

Given the different types of credits that contribute to the pension benefit for employees of National Grid, how are Pay-based Credits and interest credits calculated? What strategies might Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation employees employ to maximize these credits before retirement?

Pay-based and Interest Credits Calculation: Pay-based credits are determined by years of service, starting at 4% of pay and increasing to 8% after 20 years. Interest credits are based on an annual interest rate tied to the Treasury securities and corporate bond rates. Employees can maximize these credits by continuing to work and contributing to their pension balance(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

How do pension benefits work for Transition Group Employees specifically within National Grid's framework, and what unique provisions apply to them under the Pension Plan as compared to regular employees of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation?

Pension Benefits for Transition Group Employees: Transition Group Employees under the National Grid Pension Plan have benefits calculated using both the former final average pay formula and the cash balance formula, with the greater benefit being paid out. This differs from regular employees who only receive benefits calculated under the cash balance formula(National_Grid_2023_Niag…)(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

What are the repercussions for National Grid employees in terms of benefit loss or limitation if they have not met the Vesting requirements under the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan? How can understanding these repercussions influence an employee's decision-making regarding their career and retirement?

Impact of Vesting Requirements: Employees must complete three years of service to become vested in the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan. If they leave before vesting, they lose all accrued pension benefits. Understanding vesting requirements is crucial for career and retirement planning, as it ensures employees retain their pension benefits if they meet the criteria(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

As a current employee at National Grid, what does the termination of the Pension Plan imply for accrued benefits under the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan? Specifically, how do federal protections through ERISA and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation come into play for employees seeking assurance regarding their retirement funds?

Termination of Pension Plan and Federal Protections: If the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan is terminated, accrued benefits are protected by ERISA and insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). Employees can feel assured that their benefits will be secured up to the PBGC's limits in case of plan termination(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

How does the National Grid Pension Plan accommodate the unique situations of employees during times of disability or military service, and what steps should Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation employees take to ensure their benefits continue during these periods?

Disability and Military Service: Niagara Mohawk employees receive service credits during periods of disability or military leave, ensuring continuous pension accrual. Employees should ensure their disability or military status is properly documented with the company to avoid interruptions in their pension benefits(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

When considering the various forms of pension payments available to retirees from National Grid, what are the potential advantages and disadvantages of choosing an annuity versus a lump-sum payment for employees from Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation?

Annuity vs. Lump-Sum Payment: Retirees at National Grid have the option to choose between an annuity, providing a steady income for life, or a lump-sum payment. The annuity provides financial stability, while a lump sum offers flexibility. The choice depends on individual financial needs and retirement goals(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

For those looking to gain further clarity on the nuances of the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan, what are the most effective ways for employees to contact National Grid for assistance? How can engaging with the Pension Service Center enhance an employee's understanding of their benefits and rights?

Contacting National Grid for Pension Assistance: Employees seeking more information about their Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan can contact the National Grid Pension Service Center or use the online pension modeler. Engaging with the Pension Service Center provides personalized guidance, helping employees understand their benefits and make informed decisions(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).