Planning to Retire

Wells Fargo Freezes Pension Plan

By Emily Brandon

Posted: May 6, 2009

Wells Fargo, a company that announced record earnings of $3.05 billion in April, is freezing its traditional pension plan for employees. Current participants in both the Wells Fargo and Wachovia cash balance plans will retain their accrued benefits and account balances, but will not receive any more retirement compensation in the plan after July 1, 2009.

“We must manage expenses prudently to help Wells Fargo continue our long track record of profitable growth,” wrote a company spokesperson in an e-mail to U.S. News. “These decisions were difficult and we are confident that we're taking the right steps to ensure the long-term strength of our company.” The company will maintain its 401(k) retirement savings plan with a dollar-for-dollar match up to 6 percent of pay.

At least 13 other large companies have frozen their traditional pension plans so far this year, according to the Pension Rights Center, including Anheuser-Busch, Talbots, and Kimberly-Clark.

Smells Fargo

Retired from Norwest /Wells 3 years ago. Spouse and I were paying $635.00 a month for health/dental in 2009 with subsidy. So I get the 2010 enrollment and I see $988.00 for the same. Over 50% ??? Why not just tell me I no longer get a subsidy? Who's kidding who? Wells suspends pension/cash balance contributions, slashes dividends and reports record earnings. Well good for Dick and John. I sure they're patting themselves on the back. These companies are in bed together, getting rich on us and what can you do about it........we're doomed people.

G. of MN @ Nov 12, 2009 17:06:41 PM

Insurance costs waaaay up!!!

I retired 5 years ago after 30yrs at Wells. After my insurance subsidy in 2009 I paid $112 a month for the Gold plan for my wife and I. Just recieved 2010 rate of $441 a mo. I got nowhere talking to HR. Active employee cost for same plan only went up $50 mo.

Seems they're sticking it to pre-mdicare retirees. Has anyone more insight?

John of IA @ Nov 06, 2009 09:09:47 AM

Insurance cost up 57% for retirees in 2010!!!!

I too worked for Norwest/ Wells Fargo for 28 years. I retired 2 years ago , Wells Fargo is "self insured" in that they hire the insurance co to provide a service and Wells can charge what ever they like! I will be paying more with there so called subsidy of $305.per month than I could buy it right from the provider!!!! WHAST A JOKE!!!! Getting screwed by Wells Fargo again, and again! Must make their customers happy to know they are not the only ones Wells Fargo screws over to make there millions!!!!

Pamela Gruber of MN @ Nov 04, 2009 11:10:30 AM

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Planning to Retire

Planning to Retire

Reporter Emily Brandon tells you how to get ready financially for retirement and to make your golden years the best they can be.

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