The opportunity to learn about your I.B.E.W. Local 697-sponsored retirement plans is fast approaching. Specifically, it’s fifty-two days away as of this writing. If you are not already retired and have not done so previously, reserve your spot by calling the Fund Office at 219-940-6181.
Of course, spouses are welcome to attend along with the member. Alternate payees, and you know who you are, as do we, are also welcome to attend.
Needless to say, understanding these plans is crucial to your future financial well-being, so don't underestimate either the value or importance of this seminar. In other words, no matter where you are in your retirement planning journey, attending this seminar is in your best interest. You’ll gain clarity on eligibility requirements, available options, payout timelines, and more, thus allowing you to make informed decisions about your future retirement financial well-being.
With that said, we recognize that not every topic resonates with all participants, as seen with last year’s Health and Benefit Plan seminar. Boy, we could not have been more wrong in thinking participants wanted to learn about how to maximize those benefits, or why that Plan is designed in the manner it is or hear about upcoming developments.
But I digress.
Sort of.
Much like any other issue or event in life, where engagement and interest dictate its importance and execution, the matters of significance and/or concern to the overall population of each Plan drives what gets discussed, reviewed, communicated and taught.
With that said, we may be wrong here as well. Meaning; perhaps understanding the Local 697 retirement plans and how they will impact the financial future of each participant is not of significant consequence for everyone. Therefore, if just a few spots are reserved by April 30th, 2025, the Fund will assume this topic isn’t a priority for participants and will shift focus to other matters future forward. As a result, the seminar will more than likely be canceled, and no additional sessions on this topic will be scheduled.
As stated in previous communications, who would we be if we didn’t try? But hey, that’s just us and it’s the way we chose to be. But this is not about us, it’s about you. So, ask yourself this, who would you be if you didn’t try? Where will you be if you don't take the time to understand what directly impacts your future? We all know the adage about “a ship with no rudder” or for that matter being “asleep at the wheel.”
The reality is, without understanding these plans, you could find yourself adrift—uncertain about your future and unable to navigate the financial storms that may come your way. Without this knowledge, you might end up in a place you never intended, and that harbor may be unable to protect you from any financial storms, should they occur.
Don’t go forward, being unprepared for the challenges ahead. If you have been paying attention to recent political events, both domestically and internationally, it looks like we are heading into some serious headwinds and stormy seas.
Lastly, a special shout out to the three-hundred and sixty (360) participants who have chosen never to register their Empower account – please read the preceding three paragraphs again.