<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=314834185700910&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Learn More

You Could Live to Be 100 Years Old. The Challenge for Intel Employees Is to Avoid Running Out of Money.

image-table

Healthcare Provider Update: Intel's Healthcare Provider and Upcoming Costs Intel primarily utilizes benefits through various healthcare providers, with many employees accessing plans from major insurers like UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and others depending on geographical region and specific plan offerings. As we look ahead to 2026, healthcare costs are anticipated to rise significantly, potentially impacting Intel employees and their families. With ACA premium hikes exceeding 60% in some states and the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies looming, many individuals could see their premiums increase by over 75%. Additionally, a rising trend in medical expenses, driven by inflation and supply chain challenges, coupled with escalating pharmaceutical costs, threatens to further strain household budgets. Consequently, these developments necessitate strategic planning by Intel employees to alleviate the financial burden associated with healthcare coverage in the coming year. Click here to learn more

As Intel employees age and expectations of retirement change, Patrick Ray of the Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, says proactively planning for a decades-long retirement is critical.

The article advises Intel employees to balance sustainable spending with diversified savings strategies, says Michael Corgiat, a representative of the Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, about planning for an active, extended retirement.

In this article we will discuss:

1. Health and Longevity: The focus on monitoring key health metrics for a longer, active retirement and how people such as Jordi Visser are using technology and lifestyle changes to increase life expectancy and quality of life.

2. Investing Strategies for Extended Retirement: Strategies for Intel employees to manage their investment portfolios with an underlying biological age view.

3. Planning for Future Expenses and Lifestyle: How retirees can manage expenses such as healthcare and make sound decisions about where to live to support a comfortable and fulfilling later years.

Jordi Visser tracks his heart rate daily. He also monitors his breathing and sleep quality and eats lots of fruit and vegetables. And Visser, 56, does not do that because of poor health. Instead, he is looking forward.

His goal:

decades of active retirement. In 2011, 54% of retirees thought they would die younger than the average person their age and gender. Of these, only 31% reported a longer life expectancy than the population average.

A PlanAdviser article says 'The Society of Actuaries estimated that about 43% of retirees underestimate their life expectancy by at least five years,' says Kate Beattie, senior retirement income strategist with Capital Group in Los Angeles. And everyone except investors knows that Americans are living longer than ever before.

We are at the intersection of technology and longevity, 'Visser writes for a Barron's article. Intel employees might recall that the chief investment officer of Weiss Multi-Strategy Advisers also thinks that in the next decade, new medicines and technologies will enable Americans to live longer and healthier lives, according to the Barron's article. Tom Brady is a prime example of what was impossible, Visser said.

Brady, who just announced his retirement from football at age 45, is obviously in a class by himself. But Visser has made a point: The rest of us mortals might want to reconsider our assumptions about what is achievable in our senior years and in our investment strategy. Intel workers retiring should understand that a decades-long retirement requires a long-term portfolio. Also, controlling your expenses while enjoying retirement may require finding a delicate balance.

Maintaining Stocks

Those soon to be Intel retirees may find comfort in an old rule of thumb for retirement investing: Add your age to 100 to find out how much of your portfolio should be in stocks. Those who are 70 should put 30% of their portfolio in stocks.

If any healthy adult can live to 100, this rule seems hopelessly outdated. This 70-year-old must plan for the next 30 years - and that means remaining invested in equities to generate the growth needed to fight inflation.

But equities are the long-term engine your portfolio needs, says Pete Bush, advisor with Cetera Financial Group and co-founder of Horizon Financial Group in Baton Rouge in a Barron's article.

And people normally think, oh, I just hit retirement. I should be safe. They are considering retirement, not retirement itself, 'he says.'

Intel employees should ask why some 70-year-olds are as healthy as 50-year-olds. In light of that, Visser suggests investors look at your biological age, which is basically your health score that varies widely from your chronological age. Scientists are developing accurate ways to determine biological age. Some of the techniques sound fantastical - like analyzing saliva and blood. But Visser says there's one big takeaway for investors: Stay focused on the fundamentals. 'Your health should inform how you look at your portfolio,' she said.

The solution for Intel employees is finding the optimal asset allocation. Bush advises investors weigh growth versus value, noting that growth stocks have done well in the last decade but poorly in the last year. Eventually, international stocks may also outperform U.S. stocks - a contrast to the sector's performance over the past decade. This is partly because European and Asian stocks are generally cheaper than American stocks. Asset manager Vanguard expects higher 10-year annualized returns for developed markets outside the United States - 7.2% to 9.2% - than for U.S. markets - 4.7% to 6.2%.

A Barron's article by Captrust financial advisor Jeremy Altfeder says bonds can provide some income and security now that interest rates are higher. Take a client that spends USD 100,000 per year. We need a year's worth of necessities, therefore. We could hold USD 100,000 in Treasury bills.

Altfeder says it helps investors relax knowing they have enough money set aside - up to seven years' worth depending on the client. He says laddering out Treasuries and other instruments is predictable. If you hold the bonds to maturity, you know their yield.

Numerous financial advisors also suggest complicated strategies involving alternative investments, trusts and estate planning - depending on the individual's wealth, tax situation, desire to pass an inheritance to heirs or charity - and risk tolerance. So the aim is to keep this wealth, sometimes to the next generation.

A New Take on Work-Life Balance.

Intel employees should ask how a longer, healthier life creates incentives to work longer and postpone Social Security filings. This will ensure a larger monthly benefit when you claim later. Such actions may help you save more and give your portfolio time to grow before you start taking out money.

Two other ways for investors to save more to advance their retirement savings exist. For one thing, updated contribution limits set by the Internal Revenue Service allow investors to contribute up to USD 22,500 to their 401 (k), 403 (b), and other retirement plans by 2023 over the USD 20,500 limit previously set by the agency. Over 50 can save up to USD 7,500 more. New legislation will gradually raise the age of required minimum distributions - RMDs - from 72 to 75 - for investors planning a long retirement.

Intel employees should also remember they are not expected to stay or even work full time. Clients have reorganized their work so they are not racing to retire, said Chip Munn, advisor and chief executive officer of Signature Wealth Strategies in Florence, South Carolina. A Barron's article says he believes older workers offer 'value and leverage.' But your company might not have any formal plans for accommodating your desired schedule - you might just have to ask your employer, 'Hey, I don't want to retire but I'd like to work part time.'

Active lifestyle has its benefits too. Those who are most happy and healthiest work longer but less, he says.

Even for those who think they have enough saved up, early retirement is more risky than you might think. Intel employees should read about how Bank of America employee Cyndi Hutchins saw this firsthand. Her grandmother retired after 41 years of work at age 55.

At that point I started thinking differently about retirement, 'says Hutchins, director of financial gerontology with a bank's retirement research and insights group. We expected 10 to 15 years of retirement. We missed several factors. And she had a pension - a tiny pension - that did not last 41 years. Then her family was ultimately responsible for paying for her grandmother's living expenses.'

Between 1960 and 2015, the US life expectancy increased by nearly 10 years - from 69.7 to 79.4 years. The 2020 Census Bureau projects an additional 6.1 years of increase in average life expectancy between 2016 and 2060 - a record 85.6 years - according to the report. Intel employees should also note Americans are living longer than ever before. Almost a fifth of all Americans are over 65 years old.

A combination of soaring inflation and last year's weak stock and bond markets means no wonder more people fear running out of money in old age. This includes people with big savings. A 2022 survey of high-net-worth investors by Natixis Investment Managers found more than a third of millionaires believe retirement 'will take a miracle.'

Intel employees should understand how this anxiety is fueling increased demand for annuities - insurance contracts that promise a lifetime income. Frank Pare of PF Wealth Management has considered adding a single premium immediate annuity, or SPIA, to some clients' retirement plans. An SPIA involves an investor paying a lump sum to an insurance company that provides a lifetime income stream to the annuity owner. The payout on the annuity depends partly on the owner's age and gender.

There are exceptions, Pare says. Firstly, fees might be steep. In addition to stocks and bonds, you must keep some of your retirement money in these and other assets. You do not want to leave yourself short outside the SPIA, 'Pare says.'

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Loading...

A third concern with annuities is inflation. And without an inflation rider, your purchasing power will be eroded if inflation picks up like it did last year, Pare says.

Intel employees considering an annuity should know it's just one tool among many. Pare says he does not believe in silver bullets.

Expense Management

Along with maximizing income, retirees of all wealth levels need to budget and avoid major new expenses that require maintenance in retirement - like a vacation home or new boat.

Intel employees should note how healthcare is the expense that retirees underestimate most - for healthy seniors who live long. A 2022 report by Fidelity Investments estimates a 65-year-old couple will spend on average USD 315,000 on medical expenses in retirement. This was up 5% from 2021 and almost doubled since 2002, when it was USD 160,000. In the first two decades of retirement a healthy lifestyle can help keep costs down but there are some things beyond our control. Consider opening a health savings account with tax benefits to save for future medical costs. If you can contribute to an HSA without using the money to pay for current healthcare costs, you can save for long-term care, 'Hutchins of Bank of America says.'

For Intel employees, where you live in retirement will affect your expenses - make the decision now. Some Americans move to warmer climates and cheaper living states. Consider whether your new community can handle your future medical needs and hobbies.

In retirement, most Americans never move or rarely move far. A survey by the 2021 AARP found that nearly three in four adults over age 50 intend to stay put in their current home for at least the next few years. If you stay healthy and active, you can stay in your current home, 'Hutchins tells Barron's. Ask yourself if your home is age-friendly, as you age. She says if you have no bathroom on the first floor you should budget for that renovation.

The Key to Contentment

Most importantly, advisors and healthcare professionals agree that having an active social life in retirement is key to happiness. Obligate a hobby if you do not already have one. Spend time with a charity. Serve food to friends.

It sounds trite to Intel employees. But it is very healthy. A longitudinal Study of more than eighty-five years of Adult Development following the same adults and their descendants has found that personal contact is important to longevity and physical and mental health.

Isolation and loneliness accelerate cognitive decline symptoms fastest, Bank of America's Hutchins says. Still interact with people and make sure your physical and emotional needs are met, 'he said.'

In retirement, Joseph Coughlin, director of the MIT AgeLab, says plan for your lunch companions. This influences the quality of your investment portfolio as well as your social portfolio. Have you friends? If you retire & move, can you find them? The friendship takes time, he says.

If you are going to live to be 100, you want close personal relationships and enough money to live comfortably.

Sources:

1. Horizon Financial Group . 'People tend to think, ‘Oh, I’m getting near retirement. I’d better play it safe.’' Horizon Financial Group, no publication date given. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.  Horizon Financial Group .

2. Vuink.com . 'You Could Live to 100. The Trick Is Not Running Out of Money.' Vuink.com, 17 Feb. 2023. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.  vuink.com .

3. Segal, Julie . 'How a Hedge Fund Is Moving Beyond Its Charismatic Founder.' Institutional Investor, 25 Jan. 2022. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.  Institutional Investor .

4. Morningstar . 'General Research Publications.' Morningstar, Inc., no specific publication date. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.  Morningstar .

5. Harvard Study of Adult Development . 'Research Publications.' Harvard University, ongoing since 1938. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.  Harvard Study .

How does the Intel Pension Plan define the eligibility criteria for employees looking to retire, and what specific steps must they take to determine their benefit under the Intel Pension Plan?

Eligibility Criteria for Retirement: To be eligible for the Intel Pension Plan, employees must meet specific criteria, such as age and years of service. Benefits are calculated based on final average pay and years of service, and employees can determine their benefits by logging into their Fidelity NetBenefits account, where they can view their projected monthly benefit and explore different retirement dates​(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

What are the implications of choosing between a lump-sum distribution and a monthly income from the Intel Pension Plan, and how can employees assess which option is best suited for their individual financial circumstances?

Lump-Sum vs. Monthly Income: Choosing between a lump-sum distribution and monthly income under the Intel Pension Plan depends on personal financial goals. A lump-sum provides flexibility but exposes retirees to market risk, while monthly payments offer consistent income. Employees should consider factors like their financial needs, life expectancy, and risk tolerance when deciding which option fits their situation​(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

In what ways can changes in interest rates affect the lump-sum benefit calculation under the Intel Pension Plan, and why is it essential for employees to be proactive about their retirement planning concerning these fluctuations?

Interest Rates and Lump-Sum Calculations: Interest rates directly affect the lump-sum calculation, as higher rates reduce the present value of future payments, leading to a smaller lump-sum benefit. Therefore, it's crucial for employees to monitor interest rate trends when planning their retirement to avoid potential reductions in their lump-sum payout​(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

How do factors like final average pay and years of service impact the pension benefits calculated under the Intel Pension Plan, and what resources are available for employees to estimate their potential benefits?

Impact of Final Average Pay and Years of Service: Pension benefits under the Intel Pension Plan are calculated using final average pay (highest-earning years) and years of service. Employees can use available tools, such as the Fidelity NetBenefits calculator, to estimate their potential pension based on these factors, giving them a clearer picture of their retirement income​(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

How should employees approach their financial planning in light of their Intel Pension Plan benefits, and what role does risk tolerance play in deciding between a lump-sum payment and monthly income?

Financial Planning and Risk Tolerance: Employees should incorporate their pension plan benefits into broader financial planning. Those with a lower risk tolerance might prefer the steady income of monthly payments, while individuals willing to take investment risks might opt for the lump-sum payout. Balancing these decisions with other income sources is vital​(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

What considerations should Intel employees evaluate regarding healthcare and insurance needs when transitioning into retirement, based on the guidelines established by the Intel Pension Plan?

Healthcare and Insurance Needs: Intel employees approaching retirement should carefully evaluate their healthcare options, including Medicare eligibility, private insurance, and the use of their SERMA accounts. Considering how healthcare costs fit into their retirement budget is crucial, as these costs will likely increase over time​(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

How can employees maximize their benefits from the Intel Pension Plan by understanding the minimum pension benefit provision, and what steps can they take if their Retirement Contribution account falls short?

Maximizing Benefits with the Minimum Pension Provision: Employees can maximize their pension benefits by understanding the minimum pension benefit provision, which ensures that retirees receive a certain income even if their Retirement Contribution (RC) account balance is insufficient. Those whose RC accounts fall short will receive a benefit from the Minimum Pension Plan (MPP)​(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

What resources does Intel offer to support employees in their retirement transition, including assessment tools and financial planning services tailored to those benefiting from the Intel Pension Plan?

Resources for Retirement Transition: Intel provides several resources to support employees' transition into retirement, including financial planning tools and access to Fidelity's retirement calculators. Employees can use these tools to run scenarios and determine the most beneficial pension options based on their financial goals​(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

What strategies can retirees implement to manage taxes effectively when receiving payments from the Intel Pension Plan, and how do these strategies vary between lump-sum distributions and monthly income options?

Tax Strategies for Pension Payments: Managing taxes on pension payments requires strategic planning. Lump-sum distributions are often subject to immediate taxation, while monthly income is taxed as regular income. Retirees can explore tax-deferred accounts and other strategies to minimize their tax burden​(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

How can employees of Intel contact Human Resources to get personalized assistance with their pension questions or concerns regarding the Intel Pension Plan, and what specific information should they be prepared to provide during this communication?

Contacting HR for Pension Assistance: Intel employees seeking assistance with their pension plan can contact HR for personalized support. It is recommended that they have their employee ID, retirement dates, and specific pension-related questions ready to expedite the process. HR can guide them through benefit calculations and options​(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Intel offers a Minimum Pension Plan with a cash balance component. Benefits are calculated based on years of service, final average pay, and excess final average pay. Employees can choose between a lump-sum payment or monthly annuities upon retirement.
Layoffs and Restructuring: Intel is laying off around 12,000 employees as part of its restructuring plan to focus on cloud computing and data centers. Operational Strategy: The company is shifting its focus from PC-centric to data-centric businesses (Source: CNBC). Financial Performance: Despite the layoffs, Intel reported a strong financial performance in Q4 2023, with revenue increasing by 8% year-over-year (Source: Intel).
Intel Corporation provides stock options (SOs) and RSUs as part of its equity compensation packages. Stock options allow employees to purchase company stock at a fixed price after a specified vesting period, while RSUs vest over a few years based on performance or tenure. In 2022, Intel enhanced its equity programs with performance-based RSUs to align employee incentives with corporate goals. This trend continued in 2023 and 2024, with broader RSU availability and performance-linked stock options. Executives and middle management receive significant portions of their compensation in stock options and RSUs, fostering long-term alignment with company performance. [Source: Intel Annual Report 2022, p. 45; Intel Q4 2023 Report, p. 23; Intel Q2 2024 Report, p. 12]
Intel Corporation has been consistently updating its employee healthcare benefits to adapt to the changing economic, investment, tax, and political environment. In 2022, Intel introduced enhanced fertility benefits, offering up to $40,000 in fertility treatments and $15,000 for adoption expenses without any lifetime cap. These benefits are designed to support employees in starting or expanding their families, reflecting Intel's commitment to employee well-being and family support. Additionally, Intel provides comprehensive health coverage that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with mental health support through various wellness apps like CALM, Modern Health, and Headspace. In 2023, Intel further bolstered its healthcare benefits by integrating advanced AI solutions to improve healthcare delivery and efficiency. Intel's AI technology is being used in medical imaging, predictive analytics for early intervention, and enhancing telemedicine services. These innovations aim to provide better healthcare support to employees by enabling more accurate diagnostics and efficient healthcare management. Intel's focus on leveraging AI for healthcare aligns with its broader strategy to drive innovation and improve employee health and productivity, ensuring the company remains competitive in a dynamic economic landscape.
New call-to-action

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Intel employees

Loading...

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Intel at 2200 mission college blvd Santa Clara, CA 95054; or by calling them at 1-408-765-8080.

https://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/central-libraries/us/en/documents/2022-08/benefits-overview-guide-us.pdf - Page 5, https://assets.ey.com/content/dam/ey-sites/ey-com/en_us/topics/tax/ey-us-employment-tax-rates-and-limits-for-2023-october-25.pdf?download - Page 12, https://www.ajg.com/us/-/media/files/gallagher/us/news-and-insights/2024-retirement-plan-limits.pdf - Page 15, https://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/central-libraries/us/en/documents/2023-11/climate-transition-action-plan-2023.pdf - Page 8, https://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/central-libraries/us/en/documents/2022-08/benefits-overview-guide-us-2.pdf - Page 22, https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmg/us/pdf/2022/10/22323.pdf - Page 28, https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rr-22-02.pdf - Page 20, https://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/central-libraries/us/en/documents/2023-11/climate-transition-action-plan-2023-2.pdf - Page 14, https://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/central-libraries/us/en/documents/2023-11/climate-transition-action-plan-2023-3.pdf - Page 17, https://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/central-libraries/us/en/documents/2022-08/benefits-overview-guide-us-3.pdf - Page 23

*Please see disclaimer for more information

Relevant Articles

Check Out Articles for Intel employees