Retirement Planning at Any Age
Updated 1/10/24
Our union is dedicated to fighting for your right to retire. A few of the ways we do this are with contract language, special benefits, and exclusive training that UFCW 227 members both new and existing can take advantage of to make sure their retirement plans are on track.
Are you already feeling like this article isn’t for you because retirement is too big and too far away? Know that you could benefit the most from this information because the earlier you save, even if you are saving less, the bigger the return on your investment will be. Take a look at this example showing the impact of compound interest.
The secret to a good retirement is to set money aside out of each paycheck, before it is taxed, during your working years. And you might get a boost in those savings! Check your union contract to see if your employer also contributes money to your 401K or a pension. It’s important to let the power of time and compounding interest work to help your retirement nest egg grow. With your union contract in hand you will know that you aren’t leaving money on the table and you will be able to take full advantage of your union member benefits. Talk to your union representative or union stewards today about retirement benefits in your contract.
If you are closer to your retirement there are a few other benefits that will help you. Union Plus benefits are a huge perk of union membership and for retired union members! Retirees get to keep access to exclusive benefits, discounts, and programs just like active members. Not only do you keep those perks but there are a few specifically to help retirees. For instance, AFL-CIO Medicare Advantage plans are available exclusively to retired union members and their spouses/partners and cannot be found or bought on the open Medicare market. Exclusive benefits include:
Brand-name prescription drug and Rx gap (or “donut hole”) coverage
Telehealth and other virtual care options
The same benefits in and out of the plan’s network
Hearing and vision coverage
Nationwide access to providers and care
Value-added resources like SilverSneakers®: gym memberships
Click here to learn more today!
To add one more tool to your retirement toolbox, our union has started regular zoom meetings with our UFCW 227 Retirement expert, Aaron Cary from Financial Freedom House. Aaron will go over some Do's and Don'ts when preparing for retirement. You can ask questions during the meeting and follow up with Aaron after if you need more help. Join us for a retirement planning meeting, you can register for it by clicking here. If you work at Kroger we have separate meetings to go over contract specific retirement planning, you can register for those on the Upcoming Events section of our website.
We hope this information is helpful at any stage of retirement planning. If you need a copy of your contract you can request one here. To talk to your Union Representative or Union Steward you can find their contact information on your union bulletin board, or visit our directory to message your union representative.
