PG&E? Is a Rollover into an IRA Right for You?

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Pacific Gas & Electric The primary healthcare provider for employees of Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) is often covered under large insurance carriers that offer comprehensive plans, including offerings from Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare; the exact provider may vary depending on the employee's specific plan and regional options available. Projected Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look ahead to 2026, healthcare costs are anticipated to rise significantly due to a combination of factors. Insurers are reporting average premium increases that could exceed 20%, driven largely by ongoing inflation in healthcare services and the potential expiration of enhanced subsidies provided under the Affordable Care Act. This perfect storm of rising medical costs and diminished financial support could shock many consumers, with estimates suggesting that out-of-pocket premiums might surge by as much as 75% for individuals reliant on marketplace plans. As such, both employees and employers within PG&E should prepare for heightened expenses, taking proactive steps now to mitigate potential financial impacts. Click here to learn more

Choosing an IRA rollover means that your money remains tax-advantaged and capable of growth, as in a PG&E-sponsored plan. You may also gain more investment options than what may have been available in your PG&E-sponsored plan. You may also gain oversight of managing these important retirement assets from your trusted Advisor.

If you roll your retirement plan assets over into an IRA account that you already own through your Advisor, you also receive the benefit of combined statements and holistic investment planning, making it easier to track your overall financial situation.

'Receive the benefit of combined statements and holistic investment planning, making it easier to track your overall financial situation.'

Some of the benefits of rolling your money into an IRA include:

Tax-deferred growth potential: This generally avoids current income tax and distribution penalties when removed from a PG&E-sponsored retirement plan.

More investment choices: This allows for additional contributions, if eligible. IRAs can be combined and handled by one provider, thereby reducing trustee costs and consolidating statements. Protection from creditors in federal bankruptcy proceedings. The combined amount of your required minimum distributions (RMDs) can be taken from any of your Traditional, SEP or SIMPLE IRAs.

However, there are also some important considerations that PG&E should make before rolling over their money into an IRA, these include:

• Internal management fees might be higher than in a PG&E-sponsored retirement plan.
• Fees and expenses depend largely on the investments you choose.
• Loans from an IRA are not allowed.
• Early distributions may be subject to a 10% IRS tax penalty in addition to income tax.
• RMDs begin April 1 following the year you reach 70½ and annually thereafter; leaving the money in the former Fortune-500 plan may allow RMDs to be delayed until separation from service.
• IRAs are subject to state laws governing malpractice, divorce, creditors (outside of bankruptcy), and other lawsuits; leaving the money in the former PG&E-plan may provide additional protection against creditors.
• Net unrealized appreciation (NUA) is the difference between what you paid for employer securities and their increased value. You lose favorable tax treatment of NUA if the funds are rolled into an IRA.

 

Hopefully, these insights will be helpful as you plan your retirement from PG&E.

 

For more information about this topic, view our e-book here:   https://retirekit.theretirementgroup.com/will-your-retirement-plan-retire-with-you-e-brochure-offer

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