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Southern California Edison Employees: Test Your Knowledge of Financial Basics

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Retirement planning is essential at any stage - and especially for Southern California Edison employees trying to navigate changing financial landscapes, says Michael Corgiat of the Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group. So start early, diversify and meet with a financial advisor regularly to review your retirement plan and ensure it's working for you long term, 'she said.'

The NCOA survey shows that robust retirement planning is absolutely necessary for Southern California Edison employees, says Brent Wolf of the Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group. Comprehensive planning now can secure your financial comfort in retirement - so evaluate and adjust your plans with the help of a seasoned financial advisor, 'she said.'

What is it that we will discuss here:

1. Early Retirement Planning - Why It's Important:Learn why planning your retirement early can protect your nest egg financially when you reach your golden years.

2. Personal Finance Fundamentals: A quick exam covering basic personal finance knowledge to gauge your readiness for future financial challenges.

3. Retirement Planning Strategies: Information about effective retirement planning including investment diversification and understanding different retirement accounts.

A survey by the National Council on Aging in 2021 found that 60% of adults over age 60 have not created a retirement plan. This is surprising considering most of those age groups are approaching or retired. Making a retirement plan can prepare people for costs associated with retirement such as healthcare and living expenses. With the proper plan, retirees can grow their retirement savings and have enough to last them through the golden years.

So important is retirement planning - so we created a test to see how well you understand personal finance. This short exam measures your basic knowledge. Learn about our Southern California Edison clients below.

Questions

  1. How much liquid, low-risk savings should you have for emergencies?

A. One or three months' worth of expenses.

B. Three or six months' worth of expenses.

C. Six or twelve months' worth of expenses.

D. It depends

  1. Divestiture can remove risk from your portfolio.

A. True

B. False

  1. What is a key benefit of a 401(k) plan?

A. Yes, you can withdraw money at any time for things like a new car purchase.

B. You pay no tax on some of your compensation through the plan.

C. You might get an employer match - free money - if you qualify.

D. None of the above.

  1. Not all of the money in a bank or credit union account is protected.

A. True

B. False

  1. Which of the following is typically the best long-term strategy for you.

A. Investing as conservatively as possible to limit loss possibility.

B. Investing equal amounts in stocks, bonds, and cash investments.

C. Put all of your money in stocks.

D. Too little info.

  1. What does APR stand for in debt speak?

A. Actual percentage rate B. Annual personal rate C. Annual percentage rate D. Actual personal return

  1. The safest investments are mutual funds.

A. True B. False

  1. I've got time to save for my retirement from Southern California Edison. That is not something I have to think about right now.

A. True B. False

  1. Which benefits are associated with a Roth IRA?

A. A Roth IRA may pay taxes-free in retirement. B. Investors can deduct their Roth IRA contributions from taxes. C. Any reason for withdrawal by investors after five years of holding is tax-free. D. None of the above.

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  1. What is considered good credit?

A. 85 or above

B. 500 or above

C. B or above

D. 700 or above

Answers

  1. D. It is conventional wisdom to put aside three to six months of living expenses in liquid savings vehicles such as a bank savings account or money market account. But that depends on your specific situation. With a job with Southern California Edison that is secure, your spouse's job that is fairly secure (for our Southern California Edison clients who are married) and other assets, you may only need three months of emergency savings. Or you could be a business owner in a volatile industry and need a year's worth of cash or more to weather rough times.

  2. B -False. Diversification is a sensible investment strategy that spreads your investment dollars across a variety of securities and asset classes but it does not eliminate risk nor guarantee a profit for our Southern California Edison clients. You keep losing money.

  3. C. Some employers offer a matching program, which is like getting free money to invest. If the Southern California Edison plan matches your contribution, contribute at least enough to take advantage of that. Some matching programs have a vesting schedule so you gradually get the right to match contributions and earnings on those dollars. If you selected B, you may find this a little deceptive. Contributions to traditional 401(k) plans are tax-deferred but not eliminated entirely. You pay taxes on your contributions and earnings when you take a distribution from the plan. Also, distributions taken before age 59½ could be subject to a 10% tax penalty. Exceptions exist.

  4. A -- True. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) each insure deposits in federally insured banks and credit unions up to USD 250,000 per depositor, per ownership category (single account, joint account, retirement account, trust account), per insured institution. Neither the FDIC nor NCUSIF covers losses in equities, bonds, mutual funds, life insurance policies, annuities or municipal securities. They do not also insure safe-deposit box contents or Treasury bill investments.

  5. D. We recommend our Southern California Edison clients consult a financial professional before making a decision about a strategy. Among other things, he or she will consider your objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon when recommending an appropriate investment strategy for you.

  6. C. The acronym APR stands for annual percentage rate. This is the rate at which credit card, mortgage, and other loan issuers inform borrowers the approximate annual cost of borrowing funds minus fees and costs. The APR differs from the declared interest rate on a loan, which is usually lower than the APR because fees and other costs are not included. We tell Southern California Edison clients to shop the APRs of different loans to make sound financial decisions. However, compare the APRs for fixed-rate loans versus adjustable-rate loans for mortgages carefully because the APR is not the maximum interest rate a loan may charge.

  7. B -- False. The capital of many investors is pooled into a basket of securities that are invested for some particular end. With this 'diversification,' mutual funds are usually a good form of risk management. But we remind our Southern California Edison clients that the inherent risk of any mutual fund depends largely on the securities categories that it holds. Pick a mutual fund carefully so its investment objective matches yours. Check out the prospectus for the fund - it contains important information about risks, fees and expenses, and details about specific holdings.

  1. B -- False. Retirement is decades away but you can invest now for retirement. This is because small amounts like USD 50 per month can add up because of compounding - when your returns actually earn returns themselves. That means your money works for you!

  2. A. The biggest advantage to a Roth IRA is the tax-free retirement income it provides. The contributions are subject to income limits & are not deductible on a tax basis. After five years of holding, withdrawals are allowed if 'qualified.' Exceptions to this include withdrawals made after the account holder dies, becomes disabled, or turns 59 and a half years old, or when the account holder withdraws up to USD 10,000 (lifetime-maximum) for a first home purchase.

  3. D. No organization generally defines what constitutes a 'good' credit score because credit scores are calculated differently by different organizations. Generally, though, a credit score of 700 or higher would likely go in the favor of a credit applicant.

Retirement planning is like tending a garden. So much as a gardener would choose the right tools, seeds, and soil for his or her garden, retirees and those approaching retirement should plan for a comfortable retirement with the right investments and health care. Both take patience, attention to detail, and regular maintenance to work properly. Like a garden that makes the gardener happy and fulfilled, a planned retirement can provide security and fulfillment for those who have worked hard all their lives.

Sources:

  1. National Council on Aging. 'Addressing the Nation's Retirement Crisis: The 80%.'  National Council on Aging , 30 Aug. 2024,  www.ncoa.org .

  2. TIAA Institute-GFLEC. 'Financial Literacy and Retirement Readiness among Workers Age 40 and Older.'  TIAA Institute-GFLEC Personal Finance Index , 2022,  www.tiaa.org .

  3. Schroders. 'U.S. Retirement Survey 2021.'  Schroders , 18 Mar. 2021,  www.schroders.com .

  4. National Council on Aging. 'Get the Facts on Older Americans.'  National Council on Aging , 2023,  www.ncoa.org .

  5. AARP. 'New Retirement Survey.'  AARP , 2024,  www.aarp.org .

How does SoCalGas determine its pension contribution levels for 2024, and what factors influence the funding strategies to maintain financial stability? In preparing for the Test Year (TY) 2024, SoCalGas employs a detailed actuarial process to ascertain the necessary pension contributions. The actuarial valuation includes an assessment of the company's Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). These calculations incorporate variables such as current employee demographics, expected retirement ages, and market conditions. Additionally, SoCalGas must navigate external economic factors, including interest rates and economic forecasts, which can impact the funded status of its pension plans and the associated financial obligations.

SoCalGas determines its pension contribution levels using a detailed actuarial process that evaluates the Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The contribution is influenced by variables such as employee demographics, retirement age expectations, market conditions, and external economic factors like interest rates and economic forecasts. SoCalGas maintains financial stability by adjusting funding strategies based on market returns and required amortization periods​(Southern_California_Gas…).

What specific changes to SoCalGas's pension plan are being proposed for the upcoming fiscal year, and how will these changes impact existing employees and retirees? The proposals for the TY 2024 incorporate adjustments to the existing pension funding mechanisms, including the continuation of the two-way balancing account to account for fluctuations in pension costs. This measure is designed to stabilize funding while meeting both the service cost and the annual minimum contributions required under regulatory standards. Existing employees and retirees may see changes in their benefits as adjustments are made to align with these funding strategies, which may include modifications to expected payouts or contributions required from retirees depending on their service years and retirement age.

For the 2024 Test Year, SoCalGas is proposing to adjust its pension funding policy by shortening the amortization period for the PBO shortfall from fourteen to seven years. This change aims to fully fund the pension plan more quickly, improving long-term financial health while reducing intergenerational ratepayer burden. Existing employees and retirees may experience greater financial stability in the pension plan due to these proactive funding strategies​(Southern_California_Gas…).

In what ways does SoCalGas's health care cost escalation projections for postretirement benefits compare with national trends, and what strategies are in place to manage these costs? The health care cost escalations required for the Postretirement Health and Welfare Benefits Other than Pension (PBOP) at SoCalGas have been developed in alignment with industry trends, which show consistent increases in health care expenses across the nation. Strategies implemented by SoCalGas involve negotiation with health care providers for favorable rates, introduction of health reimbursement accounts (HRAs), and ongoing assessments of utilization rates among retirees to identify potential savings. These measures aim to contain costs while ensuring that retirees maintain access to necessary healthcare services without a significant financial burden.

SoCalGas's healthcare cost projections for its Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions (PBOP) align with national trends of increasing healthcare expenses. To manage these costs, SoCalGas employs strategies like negotiating favorable rates with providers, utilizing health reimbursement accounts (HRAs), and regularly assessing healthcare utilization. These efforts aim to control healthcare costs while ensuring that retirees receive necessary care​(Southern_California_Gas…).

What resources are available to SoCalGas employees to help them understand their benefits and the changes that may occur in 2024? SoCalGas provides various resources to employees to clarify their benefits and upcoming changes, including dedicated HR representatives, comprehensive guides on benefits options, web-based portals, and informational seminars. Employees can access personalized accounts to view their specific benefits, contributions, and projections. Additionally, the company offers regular training sessions covering changes in benefits and how to navigate the retirement process effectively, empowering employees to make informed decisions regarding their retirement planning.

SoCalGas provides employees with various resources, including HR representatives, benefit guides, and web-based portals to help them understand their benefits. Employees also have access to personalized retirement accounts and training sessions that cover benefit changes and retirement planning, helping them make informed decisions regarding their future​(Southern_California_Gas…).

How does the PBOP plan impact SoCalGas’s overall compensation strategy for attracting talent? The PBOP plan is a critical component of SoCalGas’s total compensation strategy, designed to attract and retain high-caliber talent in an increasingly competitive market. SoCalGas recognizes that comprehensive postretirement benefits enhance their appeal as an employer. The direct correlation between competitive benefits packages, including the PBOP plan's provisions for health care coverage and financial support during retirement, plays a significant role in talent acquisition and retention by providing peace of mind for employees about their long-term financial security.

SoCalGas's PBOP plan plays a crucial role in its overall compensation strategy by offering competitive postretirement health benefits that enhance the attractiveness of the company's total compensation package. This helps SoCalGas attract and retain a high-performing workforce, as comprehensive retirement and healthcare benefits are important factors for employees when choosing an employer​(Southern_California_Gas…).

What are the anticipated trends in the pension and postretirement cost estimates for SoCalGas from 2024 through 2031, and what implications do these trends hold for financial planning? Anticipated trends in pension and postretirement cost estimates are projected to indicate gradual increases in these costs due to changing demographics, increasing life expectancies, and inflation impacting healthcare costs. Financial planning at SoCalGas thus necessitates a proactive approach to ensure adequate funding mechanisms are in place. This involves forecasting contributions that will remain in line with the projected obligations while also navigating regulatory requirements to avoid potential funding shortfalls or impacts on corporate finances.

SoCalGas anticipates gradual increases in pension and postretirement costs from 2024 to 2031 due to changing demographics, increased life expectancies, and rising healthcare costs. This trend implies that SoCalGas will need to implement robust financial planning strategies, including forecasting contributions and aligning funding mechanisms with regulatory requirements to avoid potential shortfalls​(Southern_California_Gas…).

How do SoCalGas's pension plans compare with those offered by other utility companies in California in terms of competitiveness and sustainability? When evaluating SoCalGas's pension plans compared to other California utility companies, it becomes evident that SoCalGas's offerings emphasize not only competitive benefits but also a sustainable framework for its pension obligations. This comparative analysis includes studying funding ratios, benefit structures, and employee satisfaction levels. SoCalGas aims to maintain a robust pension plan that not only meets current employee needs but is also sustainable in the long term, adapting to changing economic conditions and workforce requirements while remaining compliant with state regulations.

SoCalGas's pension plans are competitive with those of other utility companies in California, with a focus on both benefit structure and long-term sustainability. SoCalGas emphasizes maintaining a robust pension plan that is adaptable to changing market conditions, regulatory requirements, and workforce needs. This allows the company to remain an attractive employer while ensuring the sustainability of its pension commitments​(Southern_California_Gas…).

How can SoCalGas employees reach out for support regarding their pension and retirement benefits, and what types of inquiries can they make? Employees can contact SoCalGas’s Human Resources Benefits Department through dedicated communication channels such as the company’s HR support line, email, or scheduled one-on-one consultations. The HR team is trained to address a variety of inquiries related to pension benefits, eligibility requirements, plan options, and retirement planning strategies. Moreover, employees can request personalized benefits statements and assistance with understanding their entitlements and the implications of any regulatory changes affecting their plans.

SoCalGas employees can reach out to the company's HR Benefits Department through a dedicated support line, email, or consultations. They can inquire about pension benefits, eligibility, plan options, and retirement strategies. Employees may also request personalized benefits statements and clarification on regulatory changes that may affect their plans​(Southern_California_Gas…).

What role does market volatility and economic conditions play in shaping the funding strategy of SoCalGas's pension plans? Market volatility and economic conditions play a significant role in shaping SoCalGas's pension funding strategy, influencing both asset returns and liabilities. Fluctuations in interest rates, market performance of invested pension assets, and changes in demographic factors directly affect the PBO calculation, requiring SoCalGas to adjust its funding strategy responsively. This involved the use of sophisticated financial modeling and scenario analysis to ensure that the pension plans remain adequately funded and financially viable despite adverse economic conditions, thereby protecting the interests of current and future beneficiaries.

Market volatility and economic conditions significantly impact SoCalGas's pension funding strategy, affecting both asset returns and liabilities. Factors like interest rates, market performance of pension assets, and demographic shifts influence the PBO calculation, prompting SoCalGas to adjust its funding strategy to ensure adequate pension funding and long-term plan viability​(Southern_California_Gas…).

What steps have SoCalGas and SDG&E proposed to recover costs related to pension and PBOP to alleviate financial pressure on ratepayers? SoCalGas and SDG&E proposed implementing a two-way balancing account mechanism designed to smoothly recover the costs associated with their pension and PBOP plans. This initiative aims to ensure that any variances between projected and actual contributions are adjusted in a timely manner, thereby reducing the financial burden on ratepayers. By utilizing this approach, the Companies seek to maintain stable rates while ensuring that all pension obligations can be met without compromising operational integrity or service delivery to their customers. These questions reflect complex issues relevant to SoCalGas employees preparing for retirement and navigating the nuances of their benefits.

SoCalGas and SDG&E have proposed utilizing a two-way balancing account mechanism to recover pension and PBOP-related costs. This mechanism helps adjust for variances between projected and actual contributions, ensuring that costs are managed effectively and do not overly burden ratepayers. This approach aims to maintain stable rates while fulfilling pension obligations​(Southern_California_Gas…).

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Defined Benefit Plan: Southern California Edison offers a traditional defined benefit pension plan for employees hired before December 31, 2017. This plan provides a stable retirement income based on years of service and final average pay. The pension rates are adjusted annually, and employees can view their pension benefits through the EIX Benefits portal. Grandfathered employees receive the higher of two lump-sum values if applicable. Cash Balance Plan: The cash balance pension plan is available to most employees. This plan credits a percentage of the employee's salary annually to an account that grows with interest. The interest rates for the cash balance plan are announced yearly, impacting the final pension amount. Defined Contribution Plan: SCE also offers a 401(k) plan with a competitive match. Recent hires can receive up to a 10% match on their 401(k) contributions. The plan includes various investment options, such as target-date funds, asset class funds, and a Personal Choice Retirement Account (PCRA) for additional investment flexibility. Employees can also take advantage of an auto-save feature to gradually increase their contribution rates over time. Additional Benefits: In addition to the pension and 401(k) plans, SCE provides other retirement benefits, such as life insurance, profit-sharing contributions, and comprehensive retirement planning resources.
Wildfire Mitigation and Safety: Southern California Edison has significantly reduced the probability of wildfires associated with its equipment by 75%-80% since 2018. Their 2023-25 Wildfire Mitigation Plan includes measures like grid hardening, installing covered conductors, and enhanced vegetation management to further reduce wildfire risks and improve grid safety (Source: Edison International). Industry Impact: The dismantling of California’s rooftop solar program led to the loss of over 17,000 jobs in the clean energy sector, impacting SCE and other utilities. The policy changes have triggered significant layoffs (Source: Environmental Working Group). Operational Efficiency: SCE is focused on improving operational efficiency and reducing costs amidst evolving energy markets (Source: Intellizence).
Southern California Edison provides stock options and RSUs as part of its equity compensation packages. Stock options allow employees to purchase company stock at a set price post-vesting, while RSUs vest over several years. In 2022, Southern California Edison enhanced its equity programs with performance-based RSUs. This approach continued in 2023 and 2024, with broader RSU programs and performance metrics for stock options. Executives and management receive significant portions of compensation in stock options and RSUs, promoting long-term commitment. [Source: Southern California Edison Annual Reports 2022-2024, p. 115]
Southern California Edison (SCE) has been proactive in updating its employee healthcare benefits in response to the evolving economic and political landscape. In 2022, SCE introduced new health insurance options that offer broader coverage and lower out-of-pocket costs for employees. This move was part of a larger strategy to ensure that their workforce remains healthy and productive amid rising healthcare costs and economic uncertainties. The company also expanded its wellness programs to include mental health resources, recognizing the growing importance of mental health in overall employee well-being. In 2023, SCE continued to enhance its healthcare benefits by partnering with local healthcare providers to offer more personalized care options and preventive health services. These changes were made to address the increasing demand for more comprehensive and accessible healthcare solutions in the current economic environment. Additionally, SCE's commitment to employee health is seen as a strategic investment, helping to reduce absenteeism and improve employee morale and productivity. By prioritizing healthcare, SCE is positioning itself to better navigate the economic and political challenges that impact both the company and its workforce.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Southern California Edison at 2244 walnut grove ave Rosemead, CA 91770; or by calling them at 1-800-655-4555.

https://www6.lifeatworkportal.com/slogin/edison/pdf/GY5_H12_H20_2024_Benefits_Enrollment_Guide_Flex.pdf - Page 5, https://www6.lifeatworkportal.com/slogin/edison/pdf/GY5_H12_H20_2023_Benefits_Enrollment_Guide_Flex.pdf - Page 12, https://www6.lifeatworkportal.com/slogin/edison/pdf/GY5_H12_H20_2022_Benefits_Enrollment_Guide_Flex.pdf - Page 15, https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Efile/G000/M441/K519/441519282.PDF - Page 8, https://www.edison.com/content/dam/eix/documents/investors/corporate-governance/2023-governance-documents.pdf - Page 22, https://www.edison.com/content/dam/eix/documents/investors/corporate-governance/2024-governance-documents.pdf - Page 28, https://www.edison.com/content/dam/eix/documents/investors/corporate-governance/2022-governance-documents.pdf - Page 20, https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Efile/G000/M385/K633/385633681.PDF - Page 14, https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Efile/G000/M398/K742/398742219.PDF - Page 17, https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Efile/G000/M407/K568/407568792.PDF - Page 23

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