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New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

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Lumen Employees: 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Lumen Lumen Technologies offers healthcare benefits through various providers, with a significant partnership with Cigna Healthcare for their employee health plans. Cigna provides a range of coverage options including medical, dental, and vision care, tailored to meet the diverse needs of Lumen's workforce. Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, healthcare costs are projected to experience significant increases, largely driven by the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). As insurers anticipate premium hikes of around 20% on average, many states are reporting increases of over 60% in some plans. This perfect storm of rising medical expenses, coupled with increased demand for services and labor shortages, could push out-of-pocket premiums for 92% of ACA enrollees up by more than 75%. Consequently, individuals may face considerable financial barriers to accessing adequate healthcare coverage moving forward. Click here to learn more

Table of Contents

What Will Be Your Sources of Retirement Income?

 

 

About The Retirement Group

 

Sources

Introduction

From working with a large amount of Lumen clients, we have developed a good understanding as to what it takes for a Lumen employee or retiree to achieve a successful retirement. Below are some questions to ask yourself that we feel are important in building towards a successful retirement.

When Do You Want to Retire?

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  • If you are married, when will your spouse retire?

  • When will you start receiving Social Security benefits?

Where Will You Live?

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  • Will you have one home or multiple? Downsizing or upsizing?

  • Consider housing cost based on type (house, condo, retirement community)

  • Family & social network considerations

  • State income, real estate & estate tax implications

How Will You Spend Your Time in Retirement?

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  • Make a bucket list

  • Volunteering opportunities?

  • 2nd career or part-time work?

  • Business interests

  • Hobbies & travel

  • Estimate costs and resources

  • Be sure to prioritize

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Do You Want to Leave a Financial Legacy to Your Family or a Charity?

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  • Are there loved ones you need to take care of financially?

  • Are there charities you are passionate about?

  • Do you have a will and/or trust in place?

What Will You Do to Stay Healthy?

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  • Exercise plan

  • Socialize

  • Prioritize mental health

  • Longevity expectations

  • Do you have health care directives in place?

What Will Be Your Sources of Retirement Income?

probability-of-success-driven-guardrails-with-short-term-expectations-management-1
  • Will you continue to work?

  • Do you expect an inheritance?

  • Itemize your income-generating assets

  • How will you draw down your investment assets?

  • When will you start collecting Social Security?

 What Expenses Will You Need to Cover in Retirement?

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  • Are there items you expect will cost more than your current expense level?

  • Are there costs you will eliminate in retirement?

  • Evaluate post-retirement insurance needs

  • Are there any celebrations you want to finance?

  • What will your transportation needs be in retirement?

  • Do you have funds to cover an emergency?

  • Have you paid off any debt or have a plan to pay it off?

  • Will you have a mortgage to pay?

  • The average amount of savings required to retire comfortably in the United States is $904,452 [6]

Do You Own a Business?

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  • Will you stay involved?

  • What’s your transition plan?

  • Will you sell your company to fund your retirement?

  • Business income? Business sale proceeds?

  • Appraise the future value of your business

How Will You Cover Medical Expenses?

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  • Will you purchase a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan?

  • What’s your plan for financing long-term care?

  • The average retiree should save about $295,000 to cover medical expenses in retirement [7]

Have You Considered Tax Strategies To Improve Retirement Cash Flow?

probability-of-success-driven-guardrails-with-short-term-expectations-management-1
  • Compare state tax rates

  • Roth conversion strategies

  • Tax efficient charitable giving

  • Planned gifts to family

  • Asset location of investments

Do You Have a Relative or Friend That You Trust to Provide Financial or Health Advice?

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  • Who can you talk to about medical issues?

  • Who do you trust with financial decisions?

  • Have you established medical and property POAs?

About The Retirement Group    

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The Retirement Group is a nation-wide group of financial advisors who work together as a team.

 

We focus entirely on retirement planning and the design of retirement portfolios for transitioning corporate employees. Each representative of the group has been hand selected by The Retirement Group in select cities of the United States. Each advisor was selected based on their pension expertise, experience in financial planning, and portfolio construction knowledge.

TRG takes a teamwork approach in providing the best possible solutions for our clients’ concerns. The Team has a conservative investment philosophy and diversifies client portfolios with laddered bonds, CDs, mutual funds, ETFs, Annuities, Stocks and other investments to help achieve their goals. The team addresses Retirement, Pension, Tax, Asset Allocation, Estate, and Elder Care issues. This document utilizes various research tools and techniques. A variety of assumptions and judgmental elements are inevitably inherent in any attempt to estimate future results and, consequently, such results should be viewed as tentative estimations. Changes in the law, investment climate, interest rates, and personal circumstances will have profound effects on both the accuracy of our estimations and the suitability of our recommendations. The need for ongoing sensitivity to change and for constant re-examination and alteration of the plan is thus apparent.

Therefore, we encourage you to have your plan updated a few months before your potential retirement date as well as an annual review. It should be emphasized that neither The Retirement Group, LLC nor any of its employees can engage in the practice of law or accounting and that nothing in this document should be taken as an effort to do so. We look forward to working with tax and/or legal professionals you may select to discuss the relevant ramifications of our recommendations.

Throughout your retirement years we will continue to update you on issues affecting your retirement through our complimentary and proprietary newsletters, workshops and regular updates. You may always reach us at (800) 900-5867.

Sources

(Ebook)-2
  1. What to do with an Early Retirement Ebook

  2. Social Security Ebook

  3. Lump Sum vs. Annuity Ebook

  4. 401(k) Rollover Strategies Ebook

  5. Closing the Retirement Gap Ebook

  6. Average Retirement Income By State.' World Population Review, 2021

  7. Powell, Robert. 'How to pay for healthcare costs in retirement.' MarketWatch, April 10, 2021

What specific retirement benefits does Lumen Technologies, Inc. offer to employees who have dedicated many years of service to the company? In what ways do these benefits reflect Lumen's commitment to taking care of its employees post-retirement, and how do they align with the company's overall values regarding employee welfare and support?

Retirement Benefits: Lumen Technologies offers its employees retirement benefits that include 401(k) plans and pension options, reflecting its commitment to post-retirement welfare. These benefits are aligned with Lumen’s values of providing security and care for its employees after years of dedicated service. They are designed to ensure long-term financial stability for retirees, aligning with Lumen's mission of enhancing employee well-being​(Lumen Technologies Inc_…).

As an employee of Lumen Technologies, Inc., how can you effectively plan for your retirement to maximize your benefits? What factors should you consider, and what resources does Lumen provide to help employees navigate the complexities of retirement planning to ensure a secure financial future?

Retirement Planning: As an employee of Lumen Technologies, you should consider factors like years of service, retirement plan contributions, and projected retirement age to maximize your benefits. Lumen provides resources such as retirement calculators and financial planning tools to help employees navigate these complexities and secure their financial future post-retirement​(Lumen Technologies Inc_…).

How do Lumen Technologies, Inc.'s retirement plans compare with the industry standards? In which areas can Lumen improve its offerings to remain competitive and retain top talent while ensuring the financial security of its employees in their retirement years?

Comparison with Industry Standards: Lumen’s retirement plans are competitive within the industry, but improvements could be made in areas such as enhanced pension offerings or matching contributions in the 401(k) plans to attract and retain top talent. This would ensure financial security for employees in their retirement years while keeping Lumen competitive in the market​(Lumen Technologies Inc_…).

Can you explain the role of the HRCC (Human Resources and Compensation Committee) at Lumen Technologies, Inc. in overseeing employee retirement plans? What measures does this committee take to ensure that retirement benefits remain aligned with the organization’s goals and employee expectations?

HRCC Role in Retirement Plans: The Human Resources and Compensation Committee (HRCC) at Lumen oversees retirement benefits to ensure they align with the company’s goals and employee expectations. The committee reviews and updates the plans regularly, ensuring they remain relevant and meet both the company’s financial objectives and the needs of its employees​(Lumen Technologies Inc_…).

What changes to federal regulations or IRS limits in 2024 could potentially impact Lumen Technologies, Inc.'s retirement plans? How should employees prepare for these potential changes to ensure they are fully utilizing their benefits?

Federal Regulation Changes in 2024: Changes to IRS limits or federal regulations, such as adjustments to contribution caps or tax deductions, could impact Lumen’s retirement plans. Employees should stay informed about these changes to fully utilize their benefits, and Lumen’s HR team provides updates and resources to assist in navigating these regulatory adjustments​(Lumen Technologies Inc_…).

How does Lumen Technologies, Inc. ensure that all employees are aware of their retirement options? What communication strategies does the company employ to make sure employees understand the specifics of their retirement benefits and the necessary steps for enrollment or participation?

Employee Awareness of Retirement Options: Lumen employs a variety of communication strategies, including workshops, online resources, and HR consultations, to ensure that employees are aware of their retirement options. Regular updates and easy access to information help employees understand the steps needed for enrollment or participation​(Lumen Technologies Inc_…).

In the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as death or disability, how does Lumen Technologies, Inc. protect the retirement benefits of its employees and their families? What provisions are specifically designed to support employees and their loved ones during these challenging times?

Protection of Retirement Benefits: In cases of death or disability, Lumen has provisions to protect retirement benefits for employees and their families. Survivor benefits and disability accommodations are designed to provide continued financial security for employees and their loved ones during challenging times​(Lumen Technologies Inc_…).

For employees nearing retirement at Lumen Technologies, Inc., what strategies should they adopt to ensure they transition smoothly out of the workforce? What resources or programs does Lumen offer to assist employees during this significant life change?

Transitioning to Retirement: Employees nearing retirement at Lumen can benefit from financial planning tools and transition programs offered by the company. These resources help ensure a smooth exit from the workforce and provide the necessary support for this significant life change​(Lumen Technologies Inc_…).

How is Lumen Technologies, Inc. addressing the challenges of an aging workforce regarding retirement readiness? What initiatives or programs are in place to help older employees prepare for retirement and to facilitate knowledge transfer to younger employees?

Addressing an Aging Workforce: Lumen is addressing retirement readiness through programs that help older employees prepare for their transition into retirement. These initiatives include financial education, retirement planning resources, and mentorship programs to facilitate knowledge transfer to younger employees​(Lumen Technologies Inc_…).

For employees who wish to learn more about the retirement benefits and planning processes offered by Lumen Technologies, Inc., what contact methods are available? How can employees reach out to the appropriate department for detailed inquiries and assistance regarding their retirement options?

Contact Methods for Retirement Inquiries: Employees wishing to learn more about Lumen’s retirement benefits can reach out to the HR department via phone, email, or the company’s internal benefits portal. Lumen’s HR team provides detailed assistance regarding retirement options and planning​(Lumen Technologies Inc_…).

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Lumen Technologies offers both a traditional defined benefit pension plan and a defined contribution 401(k) plan. The defined benefit plan provides retirement income based on years of service and final average pay. The 401(k) plan features company matching contributions and various investment options, including target-date funds and mutual funds. Lumen provides financial planning resources and tools to help employees manage their retirement savings.
Restructuring and Layoffs: Lumen Technologies is implementing a restructuring plan that includes laying off approximately 2,500 employees to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency (Source: Wall Street Journal). Strategic Focus: The company is shifting its focus towards higher-margin services like cloud computing and cybersecurity. Financial Performance: Lumen reported a 4% increase in net income for Q2 2023, reflecting the success of its strategic initiatives (Source: Lumen).
Lumen Technologies grants RSUs that vest over time, converting into shares upon vesting. Stock options are also available, allowing employees to purchase shares at a fixed price.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Lumen at 2500 w utopia rd Phoenix, AZ 85027-4129; or by calling them at 623-582-7000.

https://www.lumen.com/documents/pension-plan-2022.pdf - Page 5, https://www.lumen.com/documents/pension-plan-2023.pdf - Page 12, https://www.lumen.com/documents/pension-plan-2024.pdf - Page 15, https://www.lumen.com/documents/401k-plan-2022.pdf - Page 8, https://www.lumen.com/documents/401k-plan-2023.pdf - Page 22, https://www.lumen.com/documents/401k-plan-2024.pdf - Page 28, https://www.lumen.com/documents/rsu-plan-2022.pdf - Page 20, https://www.lumen.com/documents/rsu-plan-2023.pdf - Page 14, https://www.lumen.com/documents/rsu-plan-2024.pdf - Page 17, https://www.lumen.com/documents/healthcare-plan-2022.pdf - Page 23

*Please see disclaimer for more information

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