If you’ve been lucky enough to cross paths with Shawn Adair, you’ve likely noticed his contagious smile and welcoming nature. And his face lights up even more talking about the value of being a member of the CSS Pension Plan.

Since 2022, Shawn has been the general manager at the Central Plains Co-op based in Rosetown, SK. He and his wife, Lisa, have two adult children.

Their eldest child, Milo, works in the Central Plains Co-op grocery store. Milo joined the CSS Pension Plan this past January and soon after, transferred funds from another pension plan into their CSS account. Shawn proudly notes that Milo is now the third generation in his family to be part of the Plan.

Their younger son, Alexander, has just finished his first year at the University of Saskatchewan and is completing a work term at Prairie Co-op in Melville, SK. Shawn hopes that one day, Alexander can join the Plan too.

As you read Shawn’s story, you may recognize parts of your own life in it. He began his Co-op career in his early twenties. From there, he got married, became a father and built his career. Over the past three decades, one constant has been his commitment to growing his retirement savings with the help of the CSS Pension Plan. Shawn is open to sharing his story and reflecting on his journey with CSS.

Shawn knows these are stressful times. Today, less than 40% of Canadian workers belong to a registered pension plan according to Statistics Canada. Shawn knows how lucky he and all CSS members are to be part of this Plan. Like Shawn, it means you’re already saving for your retirement and have one less financial stress to worry about.

Shawn’s story highlights valuable financial lessons he has learned along the way. No matter what stage of life you’re in, taking an active role in your pension account today can make a meaningful difference in your future.

Shawn’s 30-year journey

Few of us follow directly in our father’s footsteps. Shawn Adair is one of those exceptions.

Like his dad, Shawn began working at the Co-op in his hometown of Meadow Lake, SK in 1995. Since then, he’s worked for the Co-op in nine communities throughout Alberta and here in his home province.

Shawn speaks with pride about his father’s legacy. Peter Adair worked in the co-operative retailing system for 32 years and was also a CSS Pension Plan member.

“Growing up, my dad openly talked about his pension fund and how it would support his retirement. After he passed, CSS transferred his pension balance to my mom, so it is helping support her as well,” he says.

After completing the one-year waiting period, Shawn joined the CSS Pension Plan. Thanks to his dad, he understood the value of a pension and what it could mean for his future, even in his early twenties.

Early on, Shawn went to an in-person CSS pension seminar. He asked questions and took time to learn about the Plan. Shawn left knowing he had time on his side. Over the coming decades, his CSS account balance would benefit from compound growth, meaning the returns on his earlier contributions would generate more returns over time.

One of the most valuable tips Shawn’s dad, Peter, shared with him was to maximize his additional voluntary contributions (AVCs).

“Whenever I had a little extra money, I’d increase my voluntary contributions,” he says.

AVCs can strengthen pension growth while also offering tax advantages. They may also help you – as a CSS member – retire earlier or retire with a stronger account balance.

Shawn is grateful for how easy it has been to grow his retirement savings. His employer automatically deducts his pension contribution from each pay cheque and matches it. As Shawn puts it, “This happens with zero effort or thought.”

In recent years, Shawn has adjusted his CSS investment fund allocation. After investing in the CSS Balanced Fund for years, he recently added the CSS Equity Fund. He also changed how his contributions were distributed between the two funds.

He also uses myCSSPEN – the member portal – to keep an eye on his account balance and transactions, while accessing the retirement planning tools and calculator.

Thirty years later, Shawn’s CSS pension account has grown into a healthy nest egg. That growth didn’t happen by chance. Understanding the Plan and using CSS tools and options were key to supporting his goals. That effort has paid off.

Looking ahead to retirement

Now in his early fifties, Shawn and Lisa are envisioning their retirement. They see it more as a lifestyle transition rather than a financial milestone. Shawn has peace of mind knowing his retirement income will be there when he and Lisa need it.

To prepare, Shawn and Lisa have been working with their financial planner to reduce debt while maximizing their savings. As a CSS member, Shawn has also attended a Retirement Income Options (RIO) session and used the planning tools available through myCSSPEN. He also connected with the CSS Advisory Team to learn how to turn his pension savings into retirement income.

When asked how he hopes to spend his retirement, Shawn’s smile grows even wider. He has no shortage of plans to keep him busy. He and Lisa would love to spend winters exploring warmer places in their RV. He also looks forward to spending time at their cottage on Emma Lake and handing out treats to the neighbours’ dogs. Shawn enjoys working on old cars and says enthusiastically, “I want to build a Shelby Cobra replica kit car.” One thing is clear: Shawn’s retirement will be active and full – and you won’t find him sitting on a beach.