Reflections from Simone Reitzes, Managing Director, Medicus Pension Plan
Change is a part of life. Sometimes it’s exciting – like starting a new chapter in retirement – and sometimes it’s challenging. But through it all, resilience is what helps us adapt, grow and move forward. At Medicus, we believe that resilience isn’t just a personal trait – it’s something we can help support through thoughtful planning.
A life of grace and strength
This month, my husband’s grandmother is celebrating her 105th birthday. Yes, 105! She’s lived through wars, economic shifts, global pandemics and more technological change than most of us can imagine. And through it all, she’s remained one of the most graceful, grounded people I know. Mamie Renée, or Grande-Mamie, as her great-grandkids call her, lives independently in her apartment in downtown Paris, still walks to the market to buy her daily croissant, and is never far from her iPad, which she uses to FaceTime her eight grandchildren and more than 20 great-grandchildren around the world!
One of the reasons she’s been able to age with such dignity is the stability of her pension (and she’ll tell you just the right amount of red wine with dinner had something to do with it too!). Financial stability has allowed her to live independently for many years, make choices that suit her lifestyle, and never feel like she’s had to compromise on her well-being. Watching her navigate life’s changes with such calm and confidence has been a powerful reminder of how important financial security is – especially as we age.
Inflation: a change we can prepare for
One of the biggest financial changes we all face during both our working and retired years is inflation. Prices rise – groceries, housing, health care – and that can quietly erode your purchasing power.
Just last week, the Medicus Pension Plan announced 100% inflation protection for all of our active and retired members for each of the last three years, including a notable 4% adjustment for 2024.
These inflation adjustments reflect the plan’s strong funded status and help our members’ retirement income maintain its value relative to the cost of living. This plan feature allows our plan members to feel confident that their income will continue to support their lifestyle, even as prices change.
It’s one of the ways we help our members stay resilient in the face of change.
We’re with you for the long haul
Your pension isn’t just a number – it’s your future. And while inflation protection may feel like a small detail when you’re planning for retirement, it makes a big difference. Because when you know your pension is designed to grow with inflation, you can focus on enjoying retirement – not worrying about it.
At Medicus, we’re here to help you plan for the future with confidence, and inflation protection is just one of the ways we’re working to help you increase your financial resilience, and helping you prepare for whatever comes next.
Change is inevitable – but with the right support, you can meet it with resilience, just like Mamie Renée.
Joyeux 105e anniversaire Grand-Mamie – Happy Birthday!
