Navigating Retirement: Annuities vs. IRA Withdrawals for BorgWarner Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for BorgWarner BorgWarner offers health insurance coverage to its employees, but specific provider details can vary by location and plan. Typically, they provide options that may include large health insurance networks like Blue Cross Blue Shield or Cigna, as well as other regional insurers depending on the geographic area. Employees should check with their HR department for the precise providers available to them under BorgWarner's health plans. Projected Healthcare Cost Increases for BorgWarner Employees in 2026 In 2026, BorgWarner employees are likely to face significant healthcare cost increases as many factors converge to drive premiums higher. A report indicates that with the anticipated expiration of enhanced ACA federal subsidies, rising medical expenses-especially around specialty medications-and insurer rate hikes could see out-of-pocket premium costs soaring by as much as 75% for many individuals. Coupled with employers' plans to raise deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums to manage rising expenses, this could leave employees grappling with the financial implications of their healthcare coverage. Therefore, it is essential for BorgWarner employees to carefully review their health benefits and strategize to mitigate these rising costs. Click here to learn more

There are just a couple of things almost all BorgWarner retirees need when they hit retirement: predictable income and protection against a cluster of risks, which include longevity risk, performance risk and sequence-of-returns risk.

In the past we have seen retiring BorgWarner employees utilize the “4% rule,” where retirees take annual withdrawals start at 4% of the entire portfolio and increase with inflation. They then keep the remainder of the portfolio with at least 50% invested in equities. Based on historical data, this would give a BorgWarner retiree about 30 years of retirement income.

As the economy constantly changes, a number of factors may force prospective BorgWarner retirees to revisit the 4% rule. It may be worth considering annuities as an alternative.

As life expectancies increase, BorgWarner retirees need to prepare for expenses over a longer time frame. In the past we would plan for a 15 to 20 year retirement, but now we need to prepare for a 30 to 35 year retirement. What is available to assist meeting the 35-year time frame?  

The annuity strategy can assist with a few of the pitfalls we see in the 4% rule. For example:

If you need $50,000 per year in retirement and need that for 30 years, you may need $1.2 million in fixed income at a 3% interest rate. BUT if you look to fund $50,000 for 30 years, you can cover that expense with $800,000 by choosing the annuity option.

The other pitfall with the 4% rule is that it may not reflect a client’s risk tolerance. When you are accumulating assets, you can afford more volatility and can take on more risk than when in the retirement and withdrawal phase after leaving BorgWarner. 

Also, should we see a drop in the market, you would be able to reduce your income using the 4% rule, which you cannot do if you choose an annuity option.

 

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