Hot coffee and pumpkin spiced lattes? Here's what you need to know to keep yourself warm and financially cozy for all of fall...
In this edition:
You asked, we listened: Introducing a new, optional savings account with CAAT
Did you hear our big news? GROWTHplus is finally here! Now you can grow your savings together with the secure lifetime pension that you already have with CAAT.
Want to know even more about how CAAT’s new member-focused offering can help build your savings?
We thought so! Keep reading:
What is GROWTHplus?
GROWTHplus is an optional savings account for CAAT Pension Plan members to grow their tax-sheltered savings and benefit from CAAT’s investment returns. With GROWTHplus, you can build your savings alongside the secure lifetime pension you already have with CAAT. This new offering does not replace or change the pension you’re earning or receiving from the Plan.
How will I benefit from GROWTHplus?
- Benefit from CAAT’s investment returns: You can
leave the investment decisions to CAAT’s professionals and benefit from the Plan’s scale and asset mix, including private equity, infrastructure and real estate.
- Grow your savings with a trusted organization:
Consolidate your tax-sheltered retirement savings with an organization that focuses on long-term investment performance.
- Continue participating throughout your lifetime:
You can contribute to GROWTHplus for as long as you have your pension with us.
GROWTHplus is available for eligible active, deferred and retired members of the CAAT Plan. You can initiate deposits to GROWTHplus up until the end of the year you turn 70 as long as you are a resident of Canada for income tax purposes.
Got even more questions? Join our exclusive GROWTHplus webinar next Wednesday, October 9 at 11 am. We will be live and will take you through everything you need to know.
Register now
Can’t make it on October 9? Not to worry! Our Fall Series is fast approaching and will include full and detailed information on GROWTHplus. Cheers to that.
It’s only fall, but we’re gearing up for the new year with our plan changes
The countdown is on! January 1, 2025 is a big day for our CAAT members. Your plan changes will take effect at the stroke of midnight!
So while you’re brewing your first pot of coffee on New Year’s Day, you can take comfort in the fact that your defined benefit (DB) pension is about to get even better.
Here’s what’s changing
DBprime: Your contribution rate is going down. This means that you will be paying less while continuing to earn the same valuable benefit.
DBplus: Your annual pension factor is going up. This means that your pension will grow faster.
For full details about the plan changes, check out the FAQ section on the website.
And speaking of your strong cup of morning brew...
Thanks to its prudent, long-term approach to managing funding, CAAT is in a strong position at 124% funded as of January 1, 2024. That’s like your strong cup of morning coffee with plenty of cream and sugar added. How’s that for a warm hug!
CAAT’s strong financial position has allowed the Plan’s Governors to make these notable changes to both DBplus and DBprime, starting January 1, 2025.
Not sure which plan design you belong to? Now may be a good time to log into your My Pension account.
Those who joined CAAT as the result of a merger have a DBplus pension and won’t have a portal account. Visit About your merged plan for details about your merged plan.
Learn more
Meet Steve Hyland, CAAT’s pension education leader
What better way to enjoy a steamy pumpkin spice latte this fall than by learning more about how you can make your pension work for you?
This fall, join Steve Hyland to learn more about everything your CAAT pension has to offer.
Steve has been the face of pension education here at CAAT since 2019, and is your guide to better understanding your defined benefit (DB) pension – no matter what stage of your career you’re in. And no, you don’t even need to be anywhere near retirement to attend his Fall Webinar Series.
We sat down with Steve to learn more about why he loves his job, the most common question he hears, and why he thinks learning about retirement is so important – especially for young people.
Watch the full interview
Our interactive member learning webinars are free and open to everyone. Find the time that’s right for you:
- Tuesday, October 15, at 12 p.m. EST.
- Wednesday, October 23 at 4 p.m. EST.
Register now
Extra things you need to know
Retire online, now available
Ready to retire? Congratulations!
With a CAAT pension, you can retire when the time is right for you. In fact, you have a range of retirement dates to choose from - you may be able to retire from as early as age 50, or any time up to the year you turn 71.
And now retiring has never been easier with My Pension.
Learn more about how to retire online.
Want to increase your pension? Make a purchase!
Even though your pension is calculated using a fixed formula, there is a way to increase the amount of pension you receive by making a purchase. Eligible periods that can be purchased include:
- An unpaid leave of absence or statutory leave
- A period where you contributed to a registered pension plan with a previous employer
- If you worked for your current employer before you joined the Plan
Want to know more? Here are five reasons a purchase may be right for you.
Discover the Planner Blog
CAAT’s member blog is your go-to resource where you can find the latest information and resources that relate to important chapters in your life – not just your pension! ICYMI: Here’s some of the latest: