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This is especially so for the Hawaiian Electric Industries employees who are likely to have their financial lives turned upside down by a divorce since they should first focus on financial goals, budgeting, and credit report protection as the basis for future financial stability.
'For Hawaiian Electric Industries employees trying to make sense of the financial implications of divorce, creating a good financial plan that addresses cash flow, debt management, and insurance coverage can be a good starting point towards a positive financial future.'
In this article, we will discuss:
1. Financial Impact of Divorce
– An overview of the financial changes that occur after a divorce and the financial position of divorced individuals.
2. Key Steps to Financial Stability
– This article looks at budgeting, debt management, and the need to reevaluate one’s financial goals.
3. Protecting Your Future
– This article looks at credit protection, insurance review, tax implications, and seeking professional financial guidance.
A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research revealed that the average wealth of divorced women over 50 is 50% less than that of married women of the same age. Therefore, it may be necessary for women to revise their financial plans and approaches following a divorce to secure a comfortable retirement. Some of the other important steps that one can take towards financial management after a divorce include seeking financial advice and coming up with a new budget.
Also, considering options for Social Security benefits and insurance policies can also be helpful. With this article, those who have been through divorce can learn how to manage the financial issues that may result from the divorce. Source: The Financial Consequences of Divorce for Women Over 50: A Review of the Literature, National Bureau of Economic Research, September 2018.
Without a doubt, getting a divorce can be quite an emotional process. Divorce settlement negotiations, multiple court appearances, and dealing with different lawyers can be exhausting for the parties. In addition to the emotional consequences of a divorce, the Hawaiian Electric Industries employees in this situation must know how it will affect their financial situation. Now more than ever, you need to make sure that your financial situation is in good shape. You will then be able to move on and create the financial foundations of your new financial life.
Check Your Current Financial Status
You will have to find out your financial situation and the financial position that you are in after a divorce since you will not have the income of your ex-spouse. You may also be responsible for some expenses that were previously the responsibility of your ex-spouse, such as housing, utilities, and auto loans. Before long, you may realize that you can no longer afford the lifestyle you had before the divorce.
Prepare a Budget
These Hawaiian Electric Industries customers should start with a monthly budget that reflects their current income and outgoings. Besides your basic wages and other tips and bonuses, you should also include your income from investments and other sources. See to it if you are receiving alimony and/or child support from your ex-spouse.
As a category, fixed expenses include accommodation, food, and transportation. They include entertainment, travel, and other similar expenditures that are classified as discretionary. You may have to cut some discretionary spending until you adapt to the reduced income. However, it is important not to starve yourself completely, as this will only make you feel depressed and unable to work effectively.
Reevaluate/Reprioritize Your Financial Goals
These Hawaiian Electric Industries customers should begin with a review of their financial goals. During your marriage, you and your spouse could have set some financial goals. Now that you are on your own, these goals may have changed. First, make a list of the goals that you want to achieve. Do you want to boost your Hawaiian Electric Industries retirement savings? Do you plan on going back to school? Are you thinking of saving up for a house?
Also, you should learn how to arrange your financial goals. Perhaps you and your spouse planned to buy a vacation home on the beach. After the divorce, you may discover that other goals are more important, such as making sure that you have enough cash reserves.
Take Control of Your Debt
Ensure that you take control of your debt and credit during your transition to your new budget. We recommend these Hawaiian Electric Industries customers not use credit cards for treats occasionally. If you have debt, you should come up with a plan to pay it off as soon as possible. The following advice will help you to pay off your debt:
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Check on account balances and interest rates.
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Develop a plan for handling payments and preventing late fees.
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Pay off debts that have the highest interest rates first.
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Use debt consolidation and refinancing options.
Protect/Establish Credit
Since divorce is likely to damage your credit score, we recommend that these Hawaiian Electric Industries customers take measures to safeguard their credit standing and/or open credit in their own names. A good credit history is important because it will allow you to get credit when you need it and at a better interest rate. Some of the companies today require their new employees to have a good credit report as part of their employment.
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Get a copy of your credit report and check for any errors. Are there any joint accounts that are closed or transferred? Are there any identities that need to be changed in the report? Once a year, you are allowed to get a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus. Consumers can get additional information from these Hawaiian Electric Industries customers at annualcreditreport.com .
To build a positive credit history with your creditors, make sure to make your payments on time and try to avoid too many inquiries in your credit report. These inquiries occur whenever you apply for a new credit card.
Review Your Insurance Needs
In most divorce settlements, the insurance cover of one or both of the spouses is provided. Nevertheless, you may require more insurance protection than what you received in your divorce settlement. When it comes to health insurance, we suggest that these Hawaiian Electric Industries customers do not neglect the health insurance coverage. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) allows you to get limited health insurance coverage (up to 36 months) if your divorce decree does not mandate your ex-spouse to cover you with health insurance.
You may also want to get individual coverage or, if you still work for Hawaiian Electric Industries, coverage from your Hawaiian Electric Industries employer. You will also have to make sure that your disability and life insurance needs are adequate since you are now on your own. This is especially so if you are returning to the workforce or if you are the child’s legal guardian.
Finally, Hawaiian Electric Industries customers must ensure that their property insurance is up to date. Some of the applicable property insurance policies may need to be altered or rewritten to reflect changes in property ownership that occur as a result of your divorce.
Change Your Beneficiary Designations
You should go through your life insurance policies, retirement accounts, bank and credit union accounts, and update the beneficiary designations after a divorce. You should also inform these Hawaiian Electric Industries customers that a divorce settlement may prohibit you from changing the beneficiary of a policy. Also, now is a good time to make a will or update an existing one to reflect your new status. Make sure that your ex-spouse is not listed as a personal representative, successor trustee, beneficiary, or bearer of a power of attorney in any of your estate planning documents.
Consider Tax Implications
You also have to consider the tax consequences of your divorce. Your sources of income, your marital status, and the exemptions and/or deductions that you are eligible for may all be affected. You may have other sources of income after your divorce, for example, alimony and/or child support, in addition to your regular salary and compensation. In addition, your tax filing status will change. The filing status is on the final day of the tax year (December 31).
If you were divorced on December 31, you would be considered divorced for the entire year for tax purposes. If the customer is the custodial parent, they may be able to claim certain tax credits and deductions. These may include the child tax credit, the credit for child and dependent care expenses, and the tax credits and deductions that pertain to higher education. It is suggested that these Hawaiian Electric Industries customers seek the advice of a tax consultant.
Conclusion
Making adjustments to life financially after a divorce is like steering a ship through a stormy sea. It may be windy and there may be big waves, but with proper planning and decision-making, the ship can finally reach calm water. Finally, there is hope for those who have been divorced and are struggling with financial issues, as they can eventually regain financial stability.
Sources:
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Investopedia Staff . '12 Money Mistakes to Avoid When Divorcing Over 50.' Investopedia, 2023,
https://www.investopedia.com/personal-finance/mistakes-avoid-when-divorcing-over-50 .
Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
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J.P. Morgan Editorial Team . 'Maintaining Financial Security in a Gray Divorce.' J.P. Morgan, 2024,
https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/retirement/a-womans-guide-to-thriving-after-gray-divorce .
Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
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Buonincontri, Michelle . 'Financial Planning and Divorce.' Savvy Ladies, 2020,
https://www.savvyladies.org/education/financial-planning-and-divorce .
Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
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Family and Fertility Law Editorial Team . 'Divorce Over 50: The Financial Impact of Divorcing Later in Life.' Family and Fertility Law, 2017,
https://familyandfertilitylaw.com/divorce-over-50-the-financial-impact-of-divorcing-later-in-life .
Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
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Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. 'Financial Planning for Divorce After 50.' Let's Make a Plan, 2023,
https://www.letsmakeaplan.org/financial-topics/articles/divorce/financial-planning-for-divorce-after-50 .
Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
How does the recent benefit rate increase effective August 1, 2020, impact the overall retirement benefits for employees of the Hotel Union & Hotel Industry of Hawaii? Employees need to understand how the increase from $34.92 to $35.92 per year of credited service translates into their calculated pension benefits, particularly those nearing retirement. Discussion on how these changes affect both current employees and potential retirees is crucial for informed decision-making regarding retirement timing and financial planning.
The recent benefit rate increase from $34.92 to $35.92 per year of credited service increases the maximum monthly retirement benefit to $1,257.20 for employees with 35 years of service. This change, effective August 1, 2020, means that employees retiring after that date will benefit from higher monthly pension payments. Those nearing retirement should factor in this increase when calculating their pension benefits, as it can significantly improve their financial security in retirement(Hotel Union Hotel Indu…).
What should employees of the Hotel Union & Hotel Industry of Hawaii consider when applying for pension benefits under the new amendments to the plan? It is essential for employees to recognize what benefits may apply to them based on their work history and service years. A thorough understanding of how the amended plan provisions relate to their individual circumstances will enable them to make more beneficial choices regarding their retirement options.
Employees must consider how their years of service and the recent amendments, like the benefit rate increase, apply to their personal circumstances. Delaying retirement past August 1, 2020, may lead to higher pension payments. It’s crucial to consult the Trust Fund Office to understand how these changes affect individual benefit calculations and make informed retirement decisions based on their work history(Hotel Union Hotel Indu…).
In what ways do the new rules regarding the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) affect employees of the Hotel Union & Hotel Industry of Hawaii? Employees must grasp the nuances of the new RMD timeline, particularly how it has shifted from age 70-1/2 to 72, impacting their pension benefit distribution strategies. This updated rule introduces significant planning considerations for those continuing to work past age 70-1/2, including necessary adjustments to retirement timelines and financial sustainability.
The new RMD rules, effective January 1, 2020, have increased the age for required pension distributions from 70½ to 72. This change allows employees to delay their pension payouts until they reach age 72 or terminate employment, whichever comes later. Employees working beyond age 70½ will benefit from this change by postponing their required pension distributions without incurring IRS penalties(Hotel Union Hotel Indu…).
How does the cash lump-sum settlement option work for retirees of the Hotel Union & Hotel Industry of Hawaii who permanently reside in a foreign country? Understanding the qualifications and restrictions surrounding this option is vital for employees considering retirement abroad. Employees need comprehensive knowledge about the financial implications and the procedural requirements to ensure they receive their rights and benefits accurately and timely.
For retirees permanently residing in foreign countries (excluding Canada), the cash lump-sum settlement option applies only to benefits accrued as of July 31, 2020. Any benefits earned after that date must be paid as a monthly annuity. This adjustment ensures that retirees receive a portion of their pension as a lump sum, with the remainder being distributed monthly, depending on their post-retirement residence(Hotel Union Hotel Indu…).
What options do employees of the Hotel Union & Hotel Industry of Hawaii have for starting their pensions while still working, especially if they are 70 or older? Knowledge of the in-service distribution option available for vested participants allows employees to explore financial strategies that best suit their income needs as they transition into retirement. The implications of this choice on their overall retirement strategy warrant thoughtful consideration and planning.
Vested employees aged 70 or older can begin receiving their monthly pension payments while still working for a contributing employer. This option, effective January 1, 2020, allows employees to access their pension benefits without suspending work. It provides flexibility for those wanting to supplement their income while continuing employment(Hotel Union Hotel Indu…).
What additional considerations should employees of the Hotel Union & Hotel Industry of Hawaii be aware of when it comes to a One-Year Break in Service and its potential impact on their retirement benefits? Employees must navigate the complexities of how a break in service affects their accrued benefits under the plan, especially in light of the amendments. Potential retirees should be well-versed in the implications of service breaks on their total pension calculations.
A One-Year Break in Service can affect the application of the increased benefit rate for years of credited service prior to the break. Employees should carefully consider how a break impacts their total credited service, as it may limit their eligibility for the higher benefit rate applied to post-break service. Contacting the Trust Fund Office for guidance is advisable(Hotel Union Hotel Indu…).
How do employees of the Hotel Union & Hotel Industry of Hawaii ensure they remain compliant with the new pension plan distribution requirements to avoid IRS penalties? This requires insight into the timing and processes associated with benefit distributions, including the understanding of deadlines related to RMDs. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to financial penalties, making this knowledge critical for employees nearing retirement age.
Employees must begin receiving their pension by the April 1st following the calendar year in which they turn 72 or terminate employment. Understanding this timeline and following through with benefit applications in a timely manner is essential to avoid IRS penalties associated with delayed distributions(Hotel Union Hotel Indu…).
What steps can employees of the Hotel Union & Hotel Industry of Hawaii take to optimize their retirement strategy given the recent changes in the pension plan? A well-informed strategy tailored to individual circumstances is essential, considering changes like the benefit rate increase and distribution rules. Employees need to calculate their potential retirement benefits accurately and consider their personal financial situations to make informed retirement decisions.
Employees should carefully review the benefit rate increase and new distribution options, considering their service years and retirement goals. Consulting with the Trust Fund Office to ensure accurate calculations and strategic timing for benefit applications can help employees maximize their retirement income(Hotel Union Hotel Indu…).
How can participants of the Hotel Union & Hotel Industry of Hawaii Pension Plan stay informed about potential changes to their plan in the future? Ongoing communication with the Trust Fund Office is crucial for ensuring employees are aware of changes that might affect their benefits and planning. Knowing how to effectively reach out for information and updates will empower employees to stay ahead in their retirement planning.
Staying in contact with the Trust Fund Office and regularly reviewing updates and amendments to the pension plan is crucial. Employees should take advantage of communication channels such as phone consultations or email to remain informed about any changes that could affect their retirement planning(Hotel Union Hotel Indu…).
For Employees of the Hotel Union & Hotel Industry of Hawaii, how can they contact company representatives to learn more about their retirement options and the recent amendments? Understanding the best practices for reaching out to the Trust Fund Office for assistance reflects the company’s commitment to supporting employees during their retirement planning process. Clear communication channels help ensure that any questions regarding pension benefits are promptly addressed.
Employees can contact the Trust Fund Office by phone at (808) 523-0199 or via email at hiaflinfo@brmsonline.com during business hours. Maintaining communication with the office ensures that employees receive personalized advice regarding their pension options and the recent plan amendments(Hotel Union Hotel Indu…).
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