Navigating Retirement: Annuities vs. IRA Withdrawals for Dentsply Sirona Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Dentsply Sirona: Dentsply Sirona, a leading provider of dental products and technologies, primarily utilizes a variety of health insurance options for its employees. The specific healthcare provider details may vary by location and employee plan options, but health insurance services are typically offered in conjunction with major providers in the ACA marketplace and private health insurers. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: In 2026, Dentsply Sirona employees may face substantial healthcare cost increases as health insurance premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans are expected to surge dramatically. Several states are anticipating hikes exceeding 60%, largely influenced by the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and rising medical costs. As a result, employees might see their out-of-pocket expenses rise significantly-potentially over 75% for many-if subsidies are not renewed, making it crucial for them to evaluate their healthcare options and budget for these changes in advance. Click here to learn more

There are just a couple of things almost all Dentsply Sirona 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 Dentsply Sirona 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 Dentsply Sirona retiree about 30 years of retirement income.

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

As life expectancies increase, Dentsply Sirona 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 Dentsply Sirona. 

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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