The Hershey Company
401(k) Retirement Plan
Your 401(k) Perks
Employer Match
100% on first 1%, then 70% on next 5% deferred
Get a 100% match on your first 1% deferred, plus 70% on the next 5% — effectively $2,850 on a $50k salary contributing 6%. Eligible hourly employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement at West Hershey and Hazleton plants instead get 75% on their first 6% deferred. Certain salaried and hourly employees also receive a separate annual Core Retirement Contribution (CRC) of 3% of pay (minimum $500–$1,500), plus some legacy employees may get a Supplemental Retirement Contribution (SRC).
Vesting Schedule
3-Year Cliff (pre-2009 hires) / 2-Year Cliff (hired 2009+)
Your own contributions are always immediately 100% vested. Company matching, CRC, and SRC contributions vest after three years of service — but if you're not covered by a collective bargaining agreement and were hired on or after January 1, 2009, you instead vest after just two years. You're also fully vested upon retirement, death, disability, reaching age 65, or Plan termination.
Suggested Allocation *
Use the dropdown to explore different risk strategies - Super Conservative, Conservative, Moderate, Growth, and Super Growth - and see how each one changes your portfolio allocation
SELECT A STRATEGY
Projected Fees Saved
Fees Saved
$0
Allocation Strategy
Proposed Portfolio
* This suggested allocation is based on recent data and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not investment advice, does not consider your individual circumstances, and does not guarantee future results. Plootus, a Registered Investment Adviser, is not acting as your fiduciary. Please consult your own financial or tax advisor before making investment decisions.
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Retirement Intelligence
Why Optimizing Your Plan Matters
Small adjustments to your retirement fund allocation can have an outsized impact over your career.
Hidden Fees Compound Over Decades
Even a 0.5% difference in expense ratios can cost tens of thousands of dollars over a long career. Plootus identifies low-cost alternatives within your plan's lineup to keep more of your money working for you.
Assumes $100,000 starting balance, 7% annual return, and a 30-year investment horizon. Actual results will vary.
Default Funds May Underperform
Many employees remain in auto-enrolled default funds without reviewing whether they're the best option. A more tailored allocation — matched to your age and risk tolerance — may deliver better long-term outcomes.
Catch-Up Contributions Matter After 50
In 2026, employees aged 50+ can contribute an extra $8,000 beyond the $24,500 standard limit (total: $32,500). Employees aged 60–63 may contribute up to $11,250 extra under the SECURE 2.0 Act (total: $35,750) — a critical accelerator in the final years before retirement.
AI Makes Optimization Effortless
Plootus analyzes your plan's complete fund lineup — performance, fees, and risk — and recommends a personalized allocation strategy in minutes. No financial jargon, no advisor fees, and no Social Security number required.
Common Questions
Retirement Plan FAQs
General guidance on IRS contribution limits, tax treatment, and how Plootus helps you.
What is the IRS contribution limit for 2026?
For 2026, the IRS elective deferral limit for 401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans is $24,500 (up from $23,500 in 2025). Employees age 50 or older may contribute an additional $8,000 catch-up contribution, bringing the total to $32,500.
What is the enhanced catch-up limit for employees aged 60–63?
Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, employees aged 60, 61, 62, or 63 may make an enhanced "super" catch-up contribution of $11,250 in 2026 — rather than the standard $8,000 — for a total possible deferral of $35,750.
What is the new Roth catch-up rule for high earners in 2026?
Starting January 1, 2026, employees who earned more than $150,000 in FICA wages in the prior year must make all age-based catch-up contributions as Roth (after-tax) contributions.
Are my retirement plan contributions tax-deductible?
Traditional pre-tax contributions reduce your taxable income in the year of contribution. Roth contributions are made with after-tax dollars and grow tax-free.
What is an expense ratio and why does it matter?
An expense ratio is the annual fee a mutual fund charges. Small differences compound significantly over decades. Reducing fees by 0.5% could save over $70,000 over 30 years.
What is a target-date fund and should I use one?
A target-date fund automatically shifts its allocation as you approach retirement. They are convenient but not always the most cost-effective choice.
How does Plootus work and is it really free?
Yes — Plootus is free to use. Search for your employer plan, select a risk strategy, and get an optimized fund allocation. We generate revenue through partnerships.
