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And Merck employees should consider life insurance as part of their retirement planning - to protect loved ones, pay off debts and leave a legacy - to give them financial security in their absence - says Tyson Mavar, representative of the Retirement Group, part of Wealth Enhancement Group.
Life insurance can give you peace of mind in retirement - protecting your family and your wealth from the unexpected - Wesley Boudreaux, of the Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.
In this article, we will discuss:
1. Life insurance for retirees - especially Merck types.
2. Financial dependents, outstanding debt and savings are key factors determining life insurance needs.
3. The role of life insurance in securing a financial future and leaving a legacy for loved ones.
More than 60% of Americans who feel confident they understand life insurance are insured. Nonetheless, life insurance covers less than 20% of those who do not know about life insurance. See if life insurance is a good asset for retirees if you work for Merck and are considering retiring. Life insurance buyers can get free price quotes from their preferred insurers before making a commitment. But, despite the variety and ease of getting coverage, more than two out of every three Americans say they lack adequate life insurance. Merck employees must consider whether life insurance is necessary for retirement.
Financial Dependents:
Merck employees with financial dependents must secure them at any age or position. A retiree with a spouse and children who depend on their retirement income might profit from an active life insurance policy. A full four in five (44%) American households would be broke within six months if the primary wage earner were to lose his or her job. More than a quarter (28%) would go broke in a month. The insured's dependents would not be left broke if they died; they would keep their income. 75% of Americans with life insurance say they would still feel financially secure if their main wage earner died. But only about half of uninsured Americans say they would be financially safe in such circumstances. And even though life insurance is commonplace, just owning a policy does not necessarily provide adequate protection.
More than 100 million Americans are underinsured or uninsured, according to estimates. Taken together, Merck employees then need to determine how much life insurance they need. That depends on your standard of living, monthly contribution, overall financial position, and situation. Ideally, you would have enough life insurance to replace lost income on death. Even so, Merck employees know that buying insurance beyond this scenario is possible - and it is your job to determine what coverage meets their needs.
Outstanding Debt:
Merck employees with outstanding debt that passes to beneficiaries upon death should buy life insurance now. Around forty percent will leave a financial burden to a loved one. Life insurance would relieve your beneficiaries of financial responsibility should you die unexpectedly. For instance, you should buy a policy that lets you repay a mortgage loan. Should you be unable to pay off your mortgage on your own with your income, you may want to buy coverage at least equal to that amount. This way, Merck employees can lock in the mortgage balance should they die.
Savings:
Merck employees who have not left a substantial inheritance for their beneficiaries can buy life insurance as a supplement. As savings aren't restricted to cash account balances either, the prospect of buying a policy for hundreds of thousands of dollars for less than USD 100 a month might be tempting. Merck employees should research insurance benefits, limits, and price ranges before purchasing to avoid overspending and understating.
A study by research and consulting firm LIMRA found that life insurance ownership among Americans age 55 and older has steadily increased over the past decade. In 2011, only 63% of this age group had life insurance coverage - by 2021, it was 70%. That shows more Merck retirees realize life insurance can protect their heirs financially. The study also noted that reasons for getting life insurance in this age group included replacing lost income, paying for funeral expenses and leaving an inheritance.
Whether Merck employees need insurance depends on their situation. If you have dependents and beneficiaries, life insurance could give them income when you die. Your buying life insurance could spare your family obligations that would have been passed down if you were in debt. A life insurance policy could be an alternative if you cannot save a large nest egg for your heirs. Merck employees uncertain whether to buy coverage should seek professional financial advice. Get a free cash flow analysis when you contact The Retirement Group to see which option best fits your needs.
Now picture your retirement as a garden that you have grown over time. You've sodded the seeds of financial security and watched them grow into wealth. As a garden needs protection so does your retirement - and life insurance can put a fence around your financial legacy.
Consider life insurance like the evergreen hedges that preserve your garden. Like hedges protect your garden from outside dangers, life insurance covers your family from financial strain should you die. That way, your labors will continue to feed your family - giving them a source of income and paying off any debts you may have left behind.
As each plant in your garden has a purpose, so does life insurance in retirement. It may replace lost income, pay down outstanding debts such as a mortgage, or provide a substantial cushion for your beneficiaries. Sow in your financial garden and bolster it with the right life insurance coverage - and you plant a seed that will bear fruit in your absence.
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- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
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Also, as you consider retirement, plant a garden of financial security with life insurance. A well-tended garden brings joy and security, too - and so will life insurance - the assurance that your family and your legacy will thrive long after you retire from work.
Sources:
1. Rodeck, David. 'Do You Need Life Insurance in Retirement?' Investopedia , 22 June 2023, https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/010716/do-you-need-life-insurance-after-you-retire.asp .
2. 'Life Insurance Statistics in 2025.' The Zebra , March 2024, https://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/life-insurance-statistics/?utm_source=chatgpt.com .
3. 'What is a Life Insurance Retirement Plan (LIRP)?' Aflac , 24 Aug. 2023, https://www.aflac.com/resources/life-insurance/life-insurance-retirement-plans-lirp.aspx .
4. 'Life Insurance Benefits for Retired Workers.' Bureau of Labor Statistics , Sept. 1990, https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/1990/09/Art2full.pdf .
5. '10 Reasons Why You Need Life Insurance in Retirement.' GBS Life , 15 June 2016, https://www.gbslife.com/media/28501/10-reasons-retirement.pdf .
How does Merck's new retirement benefits program support long-term financial security for employees, particularly regarding the changes to the pension and savings plans introduced in 2013? Can you elaborate on how Merck's commitment to these plans is designed to help employees plan for retirement effectively?
Merck's New Retirement Benefits Program: Starting in 2013, Merck introduced a comprehensive retirement benefits program aimed at providing all eligible employees, irrespective of their legacy company, uniform benefits. This initiative supports Merck's commitment to financial security by integrating pension plans, savings plans, and retiree medical coverage. This approach not only aims to help employees plan effectively for retirement but also aligns with Merck’s post-merger goal of standardizing benefits across the board.
What are the key differences between the legacy pension benefits offered by Merck before 2013 and the new cash balance formula implemented in the current retirement program? In what ways do these changes reflect Merck's broader goal of harmonizing benefits across various employee groups?
Differences in Pension Formulas: Before 2013, Merck calculated pensions using a final average pay formula which typically favored longer-term, older employees. The new scheme introduced a cash balance formula, reflecting a shift towards a more uniform accumulation of retirement benefits throughout an employee's career. This change was part of Merck's broader strategy to harmonize benefits across various employee groups, making it easier for employees to understand and track their pension growth.
In terms of eligibility, how have Merck's pension and savings plans adjusted for years of service and age of retirement since the introduction of the new program? Can you explain how these adjustments might affect employees nearing retirement age compared to newer employees at Merck?
Adjustments in Eligibility: The new retirement program revised eligibility criteria for pension and savings plans to accommodate a wider range of employees. Notably, the pension benefits under the new program are designed to be at least equal to the prior benefits for services rendered until the end of 2019, provided employees contribute a minimum of 6% to the savings plan. This adjustment aids both long-term employees and those newer to the company by offering equitable benefits.
Can you describe the transition provisions that apply to legacy Merck employees hired before January 1, 2013? How does Merck plan to ensure that these provisions protect employees from potential reductions in retirement benefits during the transition period?
Transition Provisions for Legacy Employees: For employees who were part of legacy Merck plans before January 1, 2013, Merck established transition provisions that allow them to earn retirement income benefits at least equal to their current pension and savings plan benefits through December 31, 2019. This ensures that these employees do not suffer a reduction in benefits during the transition period, offering a sense of security as they adapt to the new program.
How does employee contribution to the retirement savings plan affect the overall retirement benefits that Merck provides? Can you discuss the implications of Merck's matching contributions for employees who maximize their savings under the new retirement benefits structure?
Impact of Employee Contribution to Retirement Savings: In the new program, Merck encourages personal contributions to the retirement savings plan by matching up to 6% of employee contributions. This mutual contribution strategy enhances the overall retirement benefits, incentivizing employees to maximize their savings for a more robust financial future post-retirement.
What role does Merck's Financial Planning Benefit, offered through Ernst & Young, play in assisting employees with their retirement planning? Can you highlight how engaging with this benefit changes the financial landscapes for employees approaching retirement?
Role of Merck’s Financial Planning Benefit: Offered through Ernst & Young, this benefit plays a critical role in assisting Merck employees with retirement planning. It provides personalized financial planning services, helping employees understand and optimize their benefits under the new retirement framework. Engaging with this service can significantly alter an employee’s financial landscape by providing expert guidance tailored to individual retirement goals.
How should employees evaluate their options for retiree medical coverage under the new program compared to previous offerings? What considerations should be taken into account regarding the potential costs and benefits of the retiree medical plan provided by Merck?
Options for Retiree Medical Coverage: With the new program, employees must evaluate both subsidized and unsubsidized retiree medical coverage options based on their age, service length, and retirement needs. The program offers different levels of company support depending on these factors, making it crucial for employees to understand the potential costs and benefits to choose the best option for their circumstances.
In what ways does the introduction of voluntary, unsubsidized dental coverage through MetLife modify the previous dental benefits structure for Merck retirees? Can you detail how these changes promote cost efficiency while still providing valuable options for employees?
Introduction of Voluntary Dental Coverage: Starting January 2013, Merck shifted from sponsored to voluntary, unsubsidized dental coverage through MetLife for retirees. This change aligns with Merck’s strategy to promote cost efficiency while still providing valuable dental care options, allowing retirees to choose plans that best meet their needs without company subsidy.
How can employees actively engage with Merck's resources to maximize their retirement benefits? What specific tools or platforms are recommended for employees to track their savings and retirement progress effectively within the new benefits framework?
Engaging with Merck’s Retirement Resources: Merck provides various tools and platforms for employees to effectively manage and track their retirement savings and benefits. Employees are encouraged to utilize resources like the Merck Financial Planning Benefit and online benefit portals to make informed decisions and maximize their retirement outcomes.
For employees seeking additional information about the retirement benefits program, what are the best ways to contact Merck? Can you provide details on whom to reach out to, including any relevant phone numbers or online resources offered by Merck for inquiries related to the retirement plans?
Contacting Merck for Retirement Plan Information: Employees seeking more information about their retirement benefits can contact Merck through dedicated phone lines provided in the benefits documentation or by accessing detailed plan information online through Merck's official benefits portal. This ensures employees have ready access to assistance and comprehensive details regarding their retirement planning options.
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