The downturn that has affected America's stock markets and the economy in recent weeks has many people across the U.S. questioning the security of their pensions and retirements savings. Kellogg employees and retirees are no exception.

Our People Services Center (PSC) has reported an increase in the number of phone calls and e-mails it's receiving about the Kellogg Savings & Investment (S&I) Plan accounts and Kellogg Pension Plan benefits, given the volatile conditions in the current stock market.

Here are the two most commonly posed questions - with answers straight from those who manage our company's financial benefits:

Question - With all the troubling news that I'm hearing about the state of our economy, should I be concerned about my S&I Plan?

Answer - While the assets in the plan are subject to the volatile market forces, by law the existence of the plan and its trust are protected. Kellogg's S&I Plan accounts are covered by the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Under this law, all plan assets are held in a trust and can be used only for the benefit of participants in the plan. The trust pays all benefits in accordance with the terms of the plan. Plan assets held in the trust are secured from access by any creditors or other financial obligations of the company.

Question - What about my Kellogg Pension Plan benefits? Are they also covered by ERISA?

Answer - Yes, our Pension Plan is covered by ERISA as well. And just like with our S&I Plan accounts, all Pension Plan assets are held in a trust and can be used only for the benefit of participants in the plan. The trust pays all benefits in accordance with the terms of the plan. Plan assets held in the trust are secured from access by any creditors or other financial obligations of the company.

In addition, Pension Plan benefits are insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. (PBGC), a federal insurance agency. More information about the PBGC can be found in your Summary Plan Description.