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April
2010
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Getting Engaged in
Planning for Your Retirement
One characteristic that distinguishes
human beings from other species is their ability to think ahead… and
plan ahead. Since the average human being will spend more than one
quarter of his/her life in retirement, it seems very appropriate to
use this unique planning ability to prepare for the period of life
when he/she is no longer bringing home a paycheck.
Fortunately, there are helpful planning
tools on the AHRP website designed to assist with developing a
retirement plan… which will enhance your likelihood of being
financially secure during retirement. But, these tools aren’t helpful
unless you become ENGAGED in the planning process…and then further
ENGAGED in implementing this plan through your working years.
If you haven’t yet started planning and
saving for retirement or if you haven’t yet accessed your AHRP account
– what follows is some helpful information. Get started! Then you can
tell your friends and family – YOU’RE ENGAGED!
When first enrolling in the AHRP, your
contribution rate and investment elections are established by
completing the AHRP Signature Authorization / Enrollment Form.
(available at your Benefits department.) This form may also be used to
make subsequent changes to your elections. However, reallocations of
your account balances, arranging for a loan or distribution, or
monitoring and managing your account may be accomplished through the
following portals:
 AHRP Website
Once you have accessed the home page of the AHRP
website, click on “Your Account” to access the AHRP recordkeeping
system. You will be asked to provide your User ID along with your
Password. After completing the security screen, you will be
connected to “Your Benefits Resources” which will allow you to
review your account, make various elections, and access
information and tools that will assist in managing your retirement
account. (If you have not yet established
a User ID and Password, you may establish one at this time by
following the instructions. If you have forgotten or misplaced
your Password you may elect to have a new password sent to your
mailing address, or, if you have previously provided an e-mail
address, a new Password can be sent promptly to your e-mail
address. When the Password arrives, you will then be able to
follow the steps above to access your account.)
Distributions from the AHRP are not available
through the Web site. You must call the AHRP Retirement Center at
the number below to make these arrangements.
AHRP Retirement Center
(800) 730-2477
After dialing this toll-free number, you will
be asked to input the last four digits of your Social Security
number and your birth date, followed by your Password. Once you
have cleared this security screen you will be provided a variety
of options from which to choose. If you would like to speak
directly with an AHRP Retirement Representative, you may bypass
these options by selecting “*” followed by “0”. Retirement Center
Representatives are available between the hours of 8:00 a.m.
through 5:00 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday.
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