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Navigating Retirement: Annuities vs. IRA Withdrawals for Crown Castle International Employees

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There are just a couple of things almost all Crown Castle International 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 Crown Castle International 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 Crown Castle International retiree about 30 years of retirement income.

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

As life expectancies increase, Crown Castle International 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 Crown Castle International.

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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What type of retirement savings plan does Crown Castle International offer to its employees?

Crown Castle International offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does Crown Castle International provide a company match for contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Crown Castle International provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Crown Castle International's 401(k) plan?

Employees of Crown Castle International are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.

Can employees of Crown Castle International change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees of Crown Castle International can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at designated times throughout the year.

What investment options are available in Crown Castle International's 401(k) plan?

Crown Castle International's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

How often can employees of Crown Castle International make changes to their investment allocations in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Crown Castle International can typically make changes to their investment allocations on a quarterly basis or as specified in the plan documents.

Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in Crown Castle International's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Crown Castle International has a vesting schedule for the company match, which determines how much of the matching contributions employees are entitled to based on their years of service.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Crown Castle International's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Crown Castle International's 401(k) plan is set according to IRS guidelines, which can change annually.

Does Crown Castle International allow employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Crown Castle International allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

What happens to an employee's 401(k) balance if they leave Crown Castle International?

If an employee leaves Crown Castle International, they have several options regarding their 401(k) balance, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Crown Castle International plan if eligible.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Crown Castle International announced a restructuring plan which includes reducing its workforce by 10% to streamline operations and cut costs. They also introduced changes to their employee benefits, including modifications to their 401(k) match program. Additionally, the company is adjusting its pension plan to better align with current financial conditions.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Crown Castle International at 1220 Augusta Dr. Houston, TX 77057; or by calling them at 713-570-3000.