Russ’ story (based on actual events)**
Russ was an employee at Calgary Co-op in the 1980s. After contributing to the Plan for just over seven years, Russ left his employment in the summer of 1988. He withdrew his non-locked-in pension funds and left about $20,500 behind in the Plan. As the years went by, the sum was slowly forgotten and we lost touch with Russ. Statements were sent (and returned) and many phone calls were made to no avail; eventually Russ was added to our “missing members” list.
Nearly 30 years went by before we were able to find Russ again (in July 2017) after receiving a lead on his whereabouts. Our administrator, Joanne Anderson, was able to connect with him over the phone and asked Russ if he was curious about how much pension funds he had in the CSS Pension Plan today. Russ got all choked-up when Joanne told him his $20,500 had grown to over $244,000 in the Plan in 29 years.
With Russ turning 60 this fall, we are confident that the extra funds he did not realize he had will make a definite difference to his retirement plans.
On a side note, had Russ not withdrawn his non-locked-in funds, he’d have about $390,000 in the Plan today.
While every member’s story is different, Russ’ is one we tend to hear frequently. It goes to show the importance of keeping your contact information up-to-date – and the benefits of being a long-term saver in the CSS Pension Plan!**
*The member’s name has been changed to protect his identity.
**Keep in mind that every member’s story is different, and that past performance does not guarantee future results.
Share your story
Has the CSS Pension Plan made a positive difference in your life? Share your story with us for a chance to have it published in our official communications! Simply email your story to communications@csspen.com.
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