Kimberly-Clark? How to Navigate Pension Changes

Kimberly-Clark offers both a defined benefit pension plan and a defined contribution plan. The defined benefit plan provides retirement income based on years of service and compensation, with benefits frozen but payable upon reaching specific milestones. In 2015, the company transferred payment responsibilities for retirees to Prudential and MassMutual.

Interest rates have increased rapidly over the course of 2022, and it is possible that if Kimberly-Clark offers you a pension which could be taken as a lump sum that these interest rates would impact that payment. Traditionally, when interest rates rise by 1% the amount in a lump-sum will drop by 8 - 12% (Again this would only apply if Kimberly-Clark offers you a lump sum pension option). Over the course of the last year the IRS segment rates have increased by 2.1% in the second segment (which is the most impactful). A change of this magnitude, in such a short amount of time, could potentially cause a large pension drop.

It is crucial for those considering retirement in the next few years to be aware of how changing interest rates might affect their pension payments. Depending on the plan rate increases could help your pension, so it is important to know the details of your plan (if Kimberly-Clark offers you a pension). An increase in interest rates could lead to a substantial loss in the lump sum payment, which may impact the decision to continue working or retire. The opportunity cost of staying with a company also depends on the potential interest that could be earned if the lump sum were invested immediately upon leaving the company.

Life expectancy is another factor to consider when evaluating the value of a pension lump sum. Companies determine lump-sum payments based on interest rates and the individual's life expectancy. The longer an employee stays with the company, the older they become, and the lump sum's value may decrease even if interest rates remain the same. This decrease could be an additional percentage point or more per year.

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Many people choose to leave their current company and take on a part-time job with a more relaxed work schedule upon retirement. This additional income should be factored into the opportunity cost of remaining with a company. In some cases, leaving a company and working part-time could lead to greater overall earnings compared to staying with the current employer.

Choosing the right retirement date can be a crucial decision in one's retirement journey. Despite rising interest rates, there may still be time to avoid pension losses. It is advisable to consult with a company-focused financial advisor to understand when new interest rates will take effect and how to potentially reduce pension losses.

You should contact Kimberly-Clark to see if you receive a pension benefit. If you do, the calculation may take into account factors such as hours of service, years of vesting service, and compensation. The resulting pension may include a lump-sum option, adjusted compensation based on years worked, and a Final Average Pay (FAP) calculation that considers the employee's highest years of compensation and the company's current interest rate.

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Kimberly-Clark?

The 401(k) plan offered by Kimberly-Clark is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

How does Kimberly-Clark match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Kimberly-Clark provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which typically matches a percentage of what employees contribute, up to a specified limit.

Can employees at Kimberly-Clark choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?

Yes, employees at Kimberly-Clark can choose from a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan to align with their retirement goals.

When can employees at Kimberly-Clark enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Kimberly-Clark can enroll in the 401(k) plan during their initial onboarding period or during designated open enrollment periods.

Is there a vesting schedule for Kimberly-Clark's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, Kimberly-Clark has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Kimberly-Clark's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Kimberly-Clark's 401(k) plan is subject to IRS regulations, which are updated annually. Employees should refer to the latest guidelines for specific limits.

Does Kimberly-Clark offer any financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k)?

Yes, Kimberly-Clark provides financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings and investments.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) savings at Kimberly-Clark?

Yes, Kimberly-Clark allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

What happens to my 401(k) if I leave Kimberly-Clark?

If you leave Kimberly-Clark, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Kimberly-Clark plan if allowed.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) at Kimberly-Clark?

Employees at Kimberly-Clark can typically change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan during designated enrollment periods or as specified by the plan guidelines.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Restructuring and Layoffs: Kimberly-Clark announced it will lay off approximately 1,000 employees globally as part of a restructuring plan to improve operational efficiency (Source: Reuters). Cost Management: The company aims to save $500 million annually through these measures. Financial Performance: Kimberly-Clark reported a 5% increase in net sales for Q3 2023, driven by strong demand for personal care products (Source: Kimberly-Clark).
Kimberly-Clark grants RSUs that vest over time, providing shares upon meeting vesting conditions. Stock options are also part of their compensation plan, allowing employees to purchase shares at a fixed price.
Kimberly-Clark has been actively enhancing its employee healthcare benefits to adapt to the current economic, investment, tax, and political environment. In 2022, the company introduced several new healthcare initiatives aimed at improving employee well-being. These included comprehensive health insurance plans covering medical, dental, and vision care, along with mental health support through Employee Assistance Programs. The company also offered flexible work arrangements and wellness programs to help employees manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance. These enhancements reflect Kimberly-Clark's commitment to fostering a supportive and healthy workplace, which is essential for maintaining productivity and morale in a competitive market. In 2023, Kimberly-Clark continued to build on these initiatives by introducing additional benefits, such as increased access to telemedicine services and expanded support for mental health and wellness. The company's focus on employee healthcare aligns with its broader strategy to create a resilient and engaged workforce capable of navigating the complexities of the current economic landscape. These efforts are particularly important given the ongoing economic uncertainties and the increasing importance of employee well-being in driving business success. By investing in comprehensive healthcare benefits, Kimberly-Clark aims to attract and retain top talent, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.