For FedEx employees, alternatives to 401(k) loans - such as liquidating non-retirement assets or exploring home equity options - 'can preserve long-term retirement savings while meeting short-term needs while preserving long-term security.'
'FedEx employees nearing retirement should consider 401(k) loan alternatives, as drawing down retirement funds too early may jeopardize their financial future;' exploring unsecured loans or home equity lines of credit might give you more freedom without sacrificing your retirement goals, 'she said.
In this article we will discuss:
1. Finding alternatives to 401(k) loans for financial need.
2. Key options for getting cash fast without sacrificing retirement savings.
3. The tax consequences & advantages of each alternative.
Some people - including FedEx workers - may need to tap into a 401(k) loan in times of need. But look into alternatives to 401(k) loans that may offer more benefit to your situation and long-term goals. A few options for getting quick cash while preserving your retirement savings are discussed below.
Exploring these alternatives enables people nearing retirement or already retired to make informed decisions based on their particular situation. Preservation and growth of retirement funds must be prioritized alongside immediate needs. Knowing which options exist lets individuals strike a balance between needing to access funds and preserving their retirement savings over a long period of time.
Research from the Investment Company Institute (ICI) found that more than eight out of 10 workers have taken out a 401(k) loan. Yet, by 2020 only about one in 10 people with that option had used it. This suggests people either know about the drawbacks of 401(k) loans or may need more money than a 401(k) loan can provide.
401(k) loans have one catch - IRS rules cap plan loans at 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less. For example, you could borrow $9,000 when your 401(k) balance is about the median $18,000. Furthermore, at end 2020 the average unpaid balance of 401(k) loans was less than $8,000 and the median was just over $4,000. Thus a 401(k) loan might not cover your needs.
With limitations like 401(k) loans, here are alternatives that may be better suited for you:
Liquidate Company Stock:
If you own company stock from an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), selling it can give you instant cash. Stopping contributions to the ESPP may also boost your taxable pay. Selling company stock may raise your tax bill, but losses could allow tax-loss harvesting. Stocks held for one year or less will have short-term capital gains tax rates that are generally higher than long-term rates.
Liquidate Other Assets:
Stocks, bonds or cryptocurrencies in a taxable brokerage account can bring in cash when you sell them. Remember the taxes involved in selling these assets. Selling non-financial assets like unused items or collectibles can also raise funds. Consider also that some payment apps like PayPal and Venmo now issue 1099-Ks - making gains harder to hide from the IRS. Collectibles also carry higher capital gains tax rates.
Reduce Retirement Contributions:
Not every option will give you an instant lump sum, but it frees up monthly cash flow that can be invested elsewhere. Reduced retirement contributions can be redirected to current spending.
Explore Unsecured Loans:
When you lack assets to sell or cannot justify selling them, unsecured loans may be an alternative to 401(k) loans. They work if you don't own a home or lack the equity to borrow against. There are 0% APR credit cards and personal loans.
0% APR Credit Cards:
You can get a 0% APR credit card and spend your money on purchases without paying interest for up to 12 months with minimum monthly payments on time. Others include no annual fees and sign-up bonuses. But failing to pay off the balance before the introductory period ends or missing a monthly payment will carry interest charges that rival those on a 401(k) loan. Those who are disciplined and organized with their money may choose this option.
Personal Loans:
Within a few business days, personal loans let you get a lump sum of $1,000 to $50,000 in several business days. They have fixed interest rates and repayment can be between two and seven years. Good credit can even get you rates on par with the highest high yield savings accounts. But borrowers with sub-average credit could pay up to 36% interest. 401(k) loans would then be more affordable.
For Homeowners 401(k) Loan Alternatives & Tips:
If you own a home with more than 20% equity, you may find borrowing money through these options more advantageous than tapping into retirement savings:
Home Equity Loan:
You borrow a lump sum at a fixed rate and pay it back in equal monthly installments over up to 30 years with a home equity loan. Home equity loans carry interest rates a couple of percentage points lower than personal loans. Note there could be closing costs of 2% to 5% of the borrowed amount. Ideally this is for a large sum with low interest rates.
HELOC - Home Equity Line of Credit:
A HELOC lets you borrow up to your credit limit. A HELOC's interest rate is variable based on market conditions; therefore, monthly payments can be somewhat unpredictable. During the draw period - up to 10 years - you may be required to make interest-only payments. The repayment period is up to 20 years and includes full amortized principal and interest payments. Some lenders waive closing costs if the credit line remains open for three years. HELOCs let you borrow a large amount or less - depending on your needs.
Cash-Out Refinance:
With a cash-out refinance, you get another, larger mortgage. That extra amount is given to you as cash. Or choose a fixed-rate loan for up to 30 years with consistent monthly payments.
Also available:
adjustable-rate loans. Like a home equity loan, closing costs will be between 2% and 5%. This is helpful if you planned to refinance anyway.
Explore these options for alternatives to 401(k) loans so that you can make sound financial decisions and still protect your retirement savings. Assess each option's advantages, including immediate availability, interest rates, repayment terms and potential tax implications. Always consult with a financial advisor or professional about which alternative is best for your long-term financial picture.
Best alternatives to 401(k) loans:
some employers - including FedEx - offer an 'in-service distribution' or 'in-service withdrawal,' which lets people 59 1/2 or older take money out of their 401(k) while they work. A survey by Willis Towers Watson in 2021 found that about 56% of the top 500 US companies offer this option, giving retirees and those nearing retirement age more control over their retirement savings. Exploring this alternative can be advantageous - people can access their money without the risk of 401(k) loans (source: Willis Towers Watson, 2021).
Find best 401(k) loan alternatives like diving into a chest of financial goodies as you cruise through retirement waters. Like a seasoned sailor searching for ways out of troubled waters, FedEx workers and retirees search for better financial decisions. Instead of relying on a 401(k) loan alone, use these other vessels to get you there. Selling company stock is like pulling open an ancient chest of treasure, and liquidating other assets is like pulling up old artifacts in your attic. You trim your retirement contributions so the sails are adjusted for better cash flow. Both secured loans and home equity become versatile ships that offer advantages of each kind. Having knowledge and navigation skills can help you sail toward financial security while preserving your retirement savings while meeting your present needs.
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Articles you may find interesting:
- 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
- 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?
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Sources:
1. Kiplinger Staff. 'Considering a 401(k) Loan? What You Can Do Instead.' Kiplinger , Oct. 2023.
2. Thrivent Financial. 'Borrowing From 401(K) Plans: The Basics, Pros, Cons & Alternatives.' Thrivent , Sept. 2023.
3. Forbes Advisor. 'Best 401(k) Loan Alternatives.' Forbes , Aug. 2023.
4. Citizens Bank. 'Home Equity vs. 401(K) Loan.' Citizens Bank , July 2023.
5. Best Egg. '401(K) Loan vs. Personal Loan: How to Choose.' Best Egg , Nov. 2024.
What are the implications of the Funding Target Attainment Percentage for FedEx Corporation employees, and how does it impact the security of the pension benefits offered by FedEx Corporation? This question seeks to explore the nuances of the funding target attainment percentage as reported in the annual funding notice, examining how this metric not only reflects the financial health of FedEx Corporation's pension plan but also how it affects employee confidence in future benefit payments and retirement planning.
Funding Target Attainment Percentage: The Funding Target Attainment Percentage for FedEx Corporation indicates the degree to which the pension plan is funded. A percentage of 101.33% for 2022 suggests that the plan has sufficient assets to cover its liabilities, providing security for employees' pension benefits. This high percentage likely increases employee confidence in the stability and reliability of their future pension payouts, essential for long-term retirement planning.
How does the merger of the FedEx Freight Pension Plan into the FedEx Corporate Employees’ Pension Plan influence the benefits currently available to FedEx Corporation employees? This question aims to delve into the practical changes that may arise due to this merger, assessing whether it aligns with employee expectations regarding their pension benefits and how the transition process is managed by FedEx Corporation.
Merger of Pension Plans: The merger of the FedEx Freight Pension Plan into the FedEx Corporate Employees’ Pension Plan appears to have been strategically managed to maintain benefit stability. Despite increasing liabilities by 5.3%, the merger was structured to ensure no negative impact on the benefit amounts payable to participants from either plan, preserving the expected pension benefits for all affected FedEx Corporation employees.
In terms of investment strategies, what measures does FedEx Corporation implement to ensure that its pension plan investments align with the long-term liabilities expected to be paid out to retirees? This question encourages an exploration of the investment policies in place, examining the asset allocations and risk management strategies that FedEx Corporation employs to ensure sustainable funding for its pension obligations, which could potentially include detailed analyses of stocks, debts, and alternative investments.
Investment Strategies: FedEx Corporation employs a diversified investment strategy across equities, fixed income, and alternative investments, aiming to meet long-term pension liabilities. This approach, which includes both active management strategies and the limited use of derivatives, is designed to generate returns that exceed market indices, thus ensuring adequate funding of pension obligations.
What options do employees of FedEx Corporation have for accessing their pension plan statements, and how frequently are these statements generated? The focus here is to understand the communication strategies employed by FedEx Corporation regarding pension benefit statements, including technological access points and the importance of these documents for employee financial planning.
Pension Plan Statements: FedEx Corporation provides annual pension plan statements through their Retirement Service Center, available electronically each fall. Employees can access their statements online or request them if notifications are not received, ensuring transparency and aiding in personal financial planning.
How are contributions to the FedEx Corporation Employees’ Pension Plan determined, and what role do excess contributions play in the plan's overall funding strategy? This question aims to educate employees about how the company balances mandatory contribution levels with potential excess contributions, exploring how these factors interact to influence the plan's solvency and employee benefits.
Contributions to the Pension Plan: Contributions to the FedEx Corporation Employees' Pension Plan are calculated to meet at least the minimum legal requirement and potentially include voluntary excess contributions. These excess contributions can help manage the plan's funding level and ensure its solvency, benefiting overall pension security for employees.
What types of benefits are guaranteed under the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) for FedEx Corporation employees, and what limitations exist that employees should be aware of? By focusing on the guaranteed benefits, this question prompts a discussion on the security of specific benefits provided by FedEx Corporation and highlights limitations, allowing employees to understand their rights fully.
PBGC Guarantee: The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation guarantees certain types of benefits for FedEx Corporation employees, such as pension benefits at normal retirement age and most early retirement benefits. However, there are limitations, such as exclusions for benefits without vested rights and recently increased benefits, which employees should be aware of to fully understand their pension security.
In what ways does the FedEx Corporation plan to adjust its pension funding strategy in light of changing federal laws that impact pension obligations? Employees are encouraged to consider how legislative changes influence corporate policies surrounding retirement benefits and the proactive strategies FedEx Corporation might take to remain compliant while ensuring the security of employee pensions.
Adjustments to Funding Strategy: FedEx Corporation is likely to adjust its pension funding strategy in response to legislative changes affecting pension obligations, such as those introduced by recent acts adjusting how pension liabilities are calculated. This proactive approach aims to ensure compliance with new laws while continuing to secure the financial health of the pension plan.
What are the steps that FedEx Corporation employees must take if they are considering retirement, particularly in how to navigate the pension plan and gain access to their benefits? This question aims to provide clarity on the retirement process, ensuring that employees are equipped with the necessary information regarding required documentation, timelines, and points of contact within FedEx Corporation.
Steps for Retirement Planning: Employees considering retirement should contact the FedEx Retirement Service Center to navigate their pension plan benefits. This process involves understanding necessary documentation, timelines, and available support, facilitating a smooth transition into retirement.
How does FedEx Corporation plan to manage potential funding shortfalls in the pension plan, and what mechanisms are in place for notifying plan participants should such an event occur? Employees would need to understand the proactive measures put in place by FedEx Corporation to address funding-related challenges while also knowing what this means for their benefits.
Managing Funding Shortfalls: In the event of potential funding shortfalls, FedEx Corporation has policies in place to manage such situations, including strategic contributions to mitigate shortfalls. The company maintains transparency with plan participants about funding levels and any significant changes affecting the pension plan.
For those seeking more information about their pensions and retirement options, how can FedEx Corporation employees contact relevant departments, and what resources are available for assistance? This question provides an opportunity for employees to familiarize themselves with contact points such as the FedEx Retirement Service Center, emphasizing the importance of open communication channels for addressing inquiries related to their pensions. Feel free to consult the provided document for more in-depth exploration of these topics.
Contacting for Pension Information: FedEx Corporation employees seeking more information about their pensions or retirement options can contact the FedEx Retirement Service Center. This center provides essential resources and support, ensuring employees have access to all necessary information regarding their retirement planning.
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