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Creating Peace of Mind Through Family Planning Conversations at FedEx

“FedEx employees who foster open-ended family dialogues and co-create a shared vision around their estate plans can replace lingering uncertainty with genuine confidence—and for personalized guidance, consult a legal, financial, or tax advisor” – Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

“By inviting open, curiosity-driven discussions around estate planning, FedEx employees can transform documents into a living blueprint for family unity. Yet, for tailored advice, it’s best to consult a legal, financial, or tax advisor” – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

The role of meaningful, informed conversations in finding genuine peace of mind.
Three intentional steps to engage FedEx families in collaborative estate planning.
Practical strategies for aligning legal documents with family values and long-term goals.

Arthur has made financial services his life’s work, thoughtfully preparing for every aspect of his family’s future. He's provided his wife Estelle and their three adult children with contact information for his lawyer, Sam, who works closely with Arthur’s financial advisor. Whenever the subject of estate planning arises, Arthur calmly reassures them, “You honestly have nothing to worry about—just call Sam.” While well-intentioned, this approach overlooks a key truth: real peace of mind comes not from handing over a name, but from meaningful, informed conversations—something that may resonate deeply with many FedEx employees and their families.

Insights from the Generations Project's℠ Later-in-Life Conversations Study, conducted by the Fidelity Center for Family Engagement, reveal that peace of mind is among the top two goals in later-life planning discussions for baby boomers, Gen Xers, and millennials. ¹ Despite this, it remains one of the least addressed subjects. A surprising 66% of parents admit they are hesitant to discuss this with their children. ¹ When family members lack clarity, uncertainty—and anxiety—can quickly grow.

Notably, peace of mind appears to stem from open dialogue about long-term goals, setting clear expectations, and providing family members with easy access to trusted information. This includes decisions about beneficiary designations, executors, health care proxies, wills, trusts, and dependent care insurance. Without such clarity, family members may experience what Dr. Timothy Habbershon of the Fidelity Center for Family Engagement calls “wondering anxiety”—uncertainty about long-term financial needs, health incidents, or how estate plans may affect them.

Dr. Habbershon contrasts this with the clarity gained from openness and thoughtful conversation. Transparency is the remedy to the discomfort caused by unasked questions. By speaking candidly and exchanging ideas, families—FedEx employees included—can replace lingering anxieties with productive dialogue rooted in trust and understanding.

Those who realize that documents alone are insufficient should take one step further: encouraging active participation. To foster true peace of mind and deeper family bonds, consider these three intentional steps:

1. Ask What Questions Family Members May Have

Effective planning begins with curiosity. Instead of explaining or defending existing plans, start by listening. Arthur could begin the conversation with Estelle and their children by asking:

- “What part of our planning feels unclear to you?”

- “How does our current approach impact your sense of comfort?”

- “What else would you want to know to feel more confident about our future?”

By resisting the urge to justify decisions, Arthur uncovers the uncertainties behind their concerns. Posing follow-up questions like “Can you expand on that?” or “What would make this clearer for you?” invites deeper dialogue and mutual respect.

2. Invite Input on the Planning Process

For Wealth Enhancement advisor Michael Corgiat, a guiding principle is to enroll adult children in the planning process now, when you can have informed discussions. Too often, even well-meaning planners take a “we know what’s best” approach. By clarifying your intentions in advance, and in your own words, you can help strengthen connections—something FedEx families may find especially valuable.

Arthur might ask:

- “How does this process feel from your perspective?”

- “Do you feel you’ve had enough input?”

- “What changes might help you feel more included?”

These questions focus less on legal language and more on collaborative engagement. Giving family members a role in the process builds confidence and reduces anxiety around future changes.

3. Co-Create a Vision for Later Life

Planning is not just about future legal steps—it’s about present-day relationships. Encouraging family members to think together about how they want to spend time, support one another, and adapt to change brings emotional and practical priorities into alignment for FedEx households.

Arthur might ask:

- “What shared experiences should we prioritize in the coming year?”

- “Which conversations or activities would feel most meaningful?”

- “How should we navigate shifts in care, housing, and health needs?”

These discussions allow families to align financial and legal tools with their personal values. By bringing everyone into the conversation, Arthur reinforces not only clarity, but also family unity.

Bringing It All Together

Estate planning documents are important, but they’re only part of the story. The conversations that surround them create the true emotional foundation for peace of mind. Families that engage in open, participatory planning are more likely to feel greater confidence and less uncertainty about the future. In contrast, the 66% of parents who shy away from these conversations risk leaving loved ones confused and concerned.

FedEx employees can take three practical steps to shift from good intentions to meaningful family engagement:

1. Use curiosity-driven, open-ended questions to draw out concerns.

2. Seek feedback about the process, not just the outcomes.

3. Build a shared vision that blends daily life with legal planning.

This inclusive approach helps transform vague concerns into actionable clarity. Discussions about wills, trusts, proxies, and beneficiaries become shared efforts, illuminating financial, legal, and emotional priorities. The result is an environment of mutual trust, support, and understanding—a space where true peace of mind can grow.

According to Fidelity’s State of Wealth Mobility study, 56% of adults never had discussions about money management with their parents, yet among families that do, two-thirds actively engage in estate and retirement planning—with a significant boost in confidence as a result. ²

Just as an orchestra needs each musician to understand their role, estate plans resonate most when everyone involved hears the same tune, contributes their part, and works in harmony to carry forward a shared vision.

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Sources:

1. Fidelity Center for Family Engagement. ' The Generations Project ^SM : Findings from the Later-in-Life Conversations Study .' 2024.

2. Fidelity Investments. “ Americans Ready to Break the Cycle of Avoiding Family Discussions on Finances ,” 19 Nov. 2024.

Other Resources:

1. Barron's. “ Northern Trust Reveals ‘Secrets of Enterprising Families’ ,” by Abby Schultz. 9 April 2024.

2. Investopedia. “ How to Have 'The Talk' With Your Parents: The Financial Discussion You Can't Avoid Forever ,' by Lucy Lazarony. 7 July 2025.

3. Kiplinger. “ Six Ways to Make Talking With Family About Estate Planning Easier ,” by Jacob Wolinsky. 9 Apr. 2025.

What are the implications of the Funding Target Attainment Percentage for FedEx Corporation employees, and how does it impact the security of the pension benefits offered by FedEx Corporation? This question seeks to explore the nuances of the funding target attainment percentage as reported in the annual funding notice, examining how this metric not only reflects the financial health of FedEx Corporation's pension plan but also how it affects employee confidence in future benefit payments and retirement planning.

Funding Target Attainment Percentage: The Funding Target Attainment Percentage for FedEx Corporation indicates the degree to which the pension plan is funded. A percentage of 101.33% for 2022 suggests that the plan has sufficient assets to cover its liabilities, providing security for employees' pension benefits. This high percentage likely increases employee confidence in the stability and reliability of their future pension payouts, essential for long-term retirement planning.

How does the merger of the FedEx Freight Pension Plan into the FedEx Corporate Employeesâ€™ Pension Plan influence the benefits currently available to FedEx Corporation employees? This question aims to delve into the practical changes that may arise due to this merger, assessing whether it aligns with employee expectations regarding their pension benefits and how the transition process is managed by FedEx Corporation.

Merger of Pension Plans: The merger of the FedEx Freight Pension Plan into the FedEx Corporate Employees’ Pension Plan appears to have been strategically managed to maintain benefit stability. Despite increasing liabilities by 5.3%, the merger was structured to ensure no negative impact on the benefit amounts payable to participants from either plan, preserving the expected pension benefits for all affected FedEx Corporation employees.

In terms of investment strategies, what measures does FedEx Corporation implement to ensure that its pension plan investments align with the long-term liabilities expected to be paid out to retirees? This question encourages an exploration of the investment policies in place, examining the asset allocations and risk management strategies that FedEx Corporation employs to ensure sustainable funding for its pension obligations, which could potentially include detailed analyses of stocks, debts, and alternative investments.

Investment Strategies: FedEx Corporation employs a diversified investment strategy across equities, fixed income, and alternative investments, aiming to meet long-term pension liabilities. This approach, which includes both active management strategies and the limited use of derivatives, is designed to generate returns that exceed market indices, thus ensuring adequate funding of pension obligations.

What options do employees of FedEx Corporation have for accessing their pension plan statements, and how frequently are these statements generated? The focus here is to understand the communication strategies employed by FedEx Corporation regarding pension benefit statements, including technological access points and the importance of these documents for employee financial planning.

Pension Plan Statements: FedEx Corporation provides annual pension plan statements through their Retirement Service Center, available electronically each fall. Employees can access their statements online or request them if notifications are not received, ensuring transparency and aiding in personal financial planning.

How are contributions to the FedEx Corporation Employeesâ€™ Pension Plan determined, and what role do excess contributions play in the plan's overall funding strategy? This question aims to educate employees about how the company balances mandatory contribution levels with potential excess contributions, exploring how these factors interact to influence the plan's solvency and employee benefits.

Contributions to the Pension Plan: Contributions to the FedEx Corporation Employees' Pension Plan are calculated to meet at least the minimum legal requirement and potentially include voluntary excess contributions. These excess contributions can help manage the plan's funding level and ensure its solvency, benefiting overall pension security for employees.

What types of benefits are guaranteed under the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) for FedEx Corporation employees, and what limitations exist that employees should be aware of? By focusing on the guaranteed benefits, this question prompts a discussion on the security of specific benefits provided by FedEx Corporation and highlights limitations, allowing employees to understand their rights fully.

PBGC Guarantee: The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation guarantees certain types of benefits for FedEx Corporation employees, such as pension benefits at normal retirement age and most early retirement benefits. However, there are limitations, such as exclusions for benefits without vested rights and recently increased benefits, which employees should be aware of to fully understand their pension security.

In what ways does the FedEx Corporation plan to adjust its pension funding strategy in light of changing federal laws that impact pension obligations? Employees are encouraged to consider how legislative changes influence corporate policies surrounding retirement benefits and the proactive strategies FedEx Corporation might take to remain compliant while ensuring the security of employee pensions.

Adjustments to Funding Strategy: FedEx Corporation is likely to adjust its pension funding strategy in response to legislative changes affecting pension obligations, such as those introduced by recent acts adjusting how pension liabilities are calculated. This proactive approach aims to ensure compliance with new laws while continuing to secure the financial health of the pension plan.

What are the steps that FedEx Corporation employees must take if they are considering retirement, particularly in how to navigate the pension plan and gain access to their benefits? This question aims to provide clarity on the retirement process, ensuring that employees are equipped with the necessary information regarding required documentation, timelines, and points of contact within FedEx Corporation.

Steps for Retirement Planning: Employees considering retirement should contact the FedEx Retirement Service Center to navigate their pension plan benefits. This process involves understanding necessary documentation, timelines, and available support, facilitating a smooth transition into retirement.

How does FedEx Corporation plan to manage potential funding shortfalls in the pension plan, and what mechanisms are in place for notifying plan participants should such an event occur? Employees would need to understand the proactive measures put in place by FedEx Corporation to address funding-related challenges while also knowing what this means for their benefits.

Managing Funding Shortfalls: In the event of potential funding shortfalls, FedEx Corporation has policies in place to manage such situations, including strategic contributions to mitigate shortfalls. The company maintains transparency with plan participants about funding levels and any significant changes affecting the pension plan.

For those seeking more information about their pensions and retirement options, how can FedEx Corporation employees contact relevant departments, and what resources are available for assistance? This question provides an opportunity for employees to familiarize themselves with contact points such as the FedEx Retirement Service Center, emphasizing the importance of open communication channels for addressing inquiries related to their pensions. Feel free to consult the provided document for more in-depth exploration of these topics.

Contacting for Pension Information: FedEx Corporation employees seeking more information about their pensions or retirement options can contact the FedEx Retirement Service Center. This center provides essential resources and support, ensuring employees have access to all necessary information regarding their retirement planning.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for FedEx at 942 south shady grove rd Memphis, TN 38120; or by calling them at 901-818-7500.