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Indicators to Unretire: 6 Signs It's Time for American Family Employees to Reenter the Workforce

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Returning to work after retirement - often out of necessity - can extend the life of retirement savings and improve well-being, says Patrick Ray of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group. For American Family employees considering unretiring, consider how unretiring affects Social Security benefits and personal fulfillment, 'she said.'

American Family retirees considering unretiring should see this as an opportunity to stabilize their finances and live better, 'says Michael Corgiat of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group. 'Reassessing work and income choices may offer some financial relief along with valuable social interactions and professional engagement.'

In this article we will discuss:

1. Financial Challenges: Exploring the economic pressures that force retirees back to work.

2. Indicators of Financial Insufficiency: Identifying indicators that may indicate reentry into work.

3. Benefits & Considerations of Unretiring: The advantages and considerations of unretiring.

Retirement is a goal many employees of American Family aspire to after years of hard work. But a trend called 'unretiring' is gaining steam as more retirees reenter the workforce for reasons including financial reasons. We review indicators that might prompt people to consider returning to work and offer advice on dealing with money issues, moving on from old habits and embracing working in retirement. Your retirement journey with TRG is about making informed decisions about your financial future.

Retiree Financial Challenges:

Retirement should provide a secure and comfortable lifestyle but inflation, stock market volatility and rising healthcare costs can put retirees in financial binds. Recent Paychex and T. Rowe Price surveys indicate that many retirees are considering going back to work because of money issues. The impact of all of these challenges on American Family retirees' finances leads to viable solutions for a sustainable retirement.

Recognizing the Need to Unretire:

Several red flags suggest retirement funds may not be sufficient to support a desired lifestyle into old age. Knowing how to recognize these signs can help you make informed decisions about returning to work.

1. Out of control spending: Unexpected expenses, inflation and lifestyle changes can exhaust retirement budgets. Retirees of American Family who exceed their planned budget should consider unretiring.

2. Requesting Additional Financial Support: Frequently requesting more money from financial advisors suggests retirement funds may not last as long as expected. That argues for additional sources of income and suggests considering returning to work.

3. Inability to Maintain Desired Lifestyle: Downsizing and making sacrifices on essential expenses may signal financial strain in retirement. If retiring couples cannot afford housing, healthcare, groceries, travel or entertainment then perhaps it's time for a fresh look at finances and finding work.

4. Depletion of nest egg: Watching more rapid declines in retirement savings is alarming. And if retirees have to dip into their principal to pay for extra expenses, that suggests a possible income shortfall and the need to look at other sources of revenue.

5. Poor financial preparedness for emergencies: Such unexpected expenses as medical bills or long-term care can quickly drain retirement funds. So retirees might consider working again to generate extra income and build a safety net if it does happen to them financially.

6. Life Circumstances & Unforeseen Events: Life happens and unexpected events like divorce, major medical bills or costs from natural disasters can affect retirement plans. Regaining work can help people with these challenges and restore financial stability.

Benefits of Unretiring:

Unretiring is not a bad thing, but a chance to adapt to new circumstances and to secure one's finances. Resuming work during retirement can provide the following benefits.

1. Enhanced Life Span of Retirement Funds: Adding earnings from employment to retirement income may also prolong savings. This additional income can replenish emergency funds, pay for monthly bills and even bolster retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s.

2. Social Security Benefits & Delayed Retirement: Unretiring before Social Security benefits become available delays the process. Putting off benefits until full retirement age or even age 70 may mean larger monthly payouts. And a paycheck means retirees can draw less from their retirement accounts.

Considerations Regarding Social Security:

American Family retirees should weigh whether returning to work will increase Social Security benefits. Two key scenarios exist:

1. Had stopped Working Before Full Retirement Age: Social Security retirees who return to work within 12 months may withhold benefits and repay what they received. People who hit full retirement age but not yet 70 may suspend Social Security payments and receive delayed retirement credits.

2. Working Past Full Retirement Age: For retiree Social Security benefits recipients, working above the income cap could cut their benefits. In 2023, the income cap is $19,560 a year, below which benefits are cut by $1 for every $2 earned above the limit.

Unretiring is a trend among American Family retirees with financial issues and life circumstances that require extra income. Signs of inadequate retirement savings such as out of control spending, reliance on financial support or inability to live desired lifestyles can help people make educated decisions. Reentering the workforce can extend the life of the nest egg, avoid financial emergencies and possibly take advantage of higher Social Security payouts. Evaluate how much this will affect Social Security benefits and get professional financial advice on unretiring. Finally, returning to work in retirement may be a chance to adjust, overcome financial difficulties and make new experiences while securing long term financial security.

AARP found that 60% of retirees who returned to work did so because they missed the social interaction and purpose of working (AARP, March 2023). This highlights something for our 60-year-old target audience to consider when considering unretiring. Financial reasons may drive the decision but emotional and social benefits of returning to work should not be ignored. Meaningful work might provide renewed fulfillment, connections with others and an opportunity to keep growing and contributing to society.

Having no retirement means adjusting the sails of a ship when new winds come your way. As experienced sailors make course corrections to avoid a wreck, some retirees will have to get back to work to deal with financial issues and unexpected life events. Like the crew on the ship assessing weather conditions, retirees must be alert for financial strain indicators - excessive spending, shrinking nest eggs, inability to maintain lifestyle. So just as adjusting the sails helps maintain control and stability, unretiring may be the catalyst to extend the useful life of retirement savings, to improve financial security and to create new personal growth and fulfillment possibilities.

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Sources:

1. Paychex. 'Are Retirees Quietly Rejoining the Workforce?'  Paychex , 2024,  www.paychex.com .

2. Zappa, Monique. 'More Seniors 'Unretiring' and Re-entering Workforce.'  WKYC , 15 Nov. 2024,  www.wkyc.com .

3. 'AARP Study Finds More Retirees Returning to Work.'  AARP , Mar. 2023,  www.aarp.org .

4. T. Rowe Price. 'Retirees and the Financial Struggle: A Look at the Trends.'  T. Rowe Price , 2024,  www.troweprice.com .

5. Farrell, John. 'Retirement Realities: The Growing Trend of 'Unretiring'.'  Caring.com , 2024,  www.caring.com .

What type of retirement savings plan does American Family offer to its employees?

American Family offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does American Family match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, American Family provides a matching contribution to employee contributions made to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

What is the eligibility requirement for American Family employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of American Family are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.

Can American Family employees choose how to invest their 401(k) contributions?

Yes, American Family employees can choose from a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan to tailor their investment strategy.

What is the maximum contribution limit for American Family's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for American Family's 401(k) plan is determined by IRS regulations, which may change annually.

Does American Family allow for catch-up contributions in the 401(k) plan?

Yes, American Family allows employees aged 50 and older to make catch-up contributions to their 401(k) plan.

How often can American Family employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan?

American Family employees can typically change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan on a quarterly basis or as specified in the plan documents.

Are loans available from the 401(k) plan at American Family?

Yes, American Family's 401(k) plan may allow employees to take loans against their vested balance, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) balance if I leave American Family?

If you leave American Family, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the plan if allowed.

Does American Family offer financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?

Yes, American Family provides financial education resources to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
American Family Insurance provides a defined contribution 401(k) plan with company matching contributions. Employees can contribute pre-tax or Roth (after-tax) dollars, and American Family matches a percentage of eligible compensation. The plan includes various investment options, such as target-date funds and mutual funds. Financial planning resources and tools are available to help employees manage their retirement savings.
Layoffs and Restructuring: In October 2023, American Family Insurance confirmed staff reductions aimed at increasing efficiencies across its operations. The layoffs affected various positions, including leadership roles, as the company consolidates areas that provide similar functions across its multiple insurance brands (Sources: Insurance Journal, The Insurer). Financial Performance: The company reported a significant underwriting loss of $1.5 billion in 2022, attributed to inflation and high catastrophe claims. Despite these losses, American Family maintains a strong financial position with plans to reinvest in products and services (Sources: Carrier Management, AM Best). Operational Changes: The restructuring aligns with American Family's strategy to streamline processes and improve cost management, which is essential for sustaining long-term growth and delivering value to customers (Sources: Insurance Journal, The Insurer).
American Family Insurance grants RSUs that vest over time, providing shares upon vesting. Stock options are also part of their compensation, allowing employees to buy shares at a fixed price.
American Family Insurance has consistently enhanced its employee healthcare benefits to adapt to the evolving needs of its workforce. For 2023, the company maintained comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. These plans offer a range of services including preventive care, major dental work, and vision care, which covers eye exams, lenses, and frames. Mental health support is also a significant part of the benefits package, with access to counseling services and wellness programs designed to support employees' mental and emotional well-being. These offerings are designed to ensure that employees have access to quality healthcare, promoting a healthier work environment and improving overall productivity. In 2024, American Family Insurance continued to refine its healthcare benefits, placing a greater emphasis on flexibility and comprehensive coverage. The company introduced enhancements such as expanded mental health resources and wellness programs aimed at managing chronic conditions and preventive care. This is particularly important given the current economic and political climate, where healthcare costs are rising and the need for robust employee support systems is critical. The company also provides various options for employees to manage healthcare costs through Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). By continuously updating its benefits offerings, American Family Insurance ensures that its employees are well-supported in maintaining their health and well-being.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for American Family at 6600 american parkway Madison, WI 53783; or by calling them at 1-800-692-6326.

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

*Please see disclaimer for more information

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