Navigating Retirement: Annuities vs. IRA Withdrawals for Dick's Sporting Goods Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Dick's Sporting Goods Dick's Sporting Goods collaborates with various health insurance providers to offer healthcare benefits to its employees. Notably, UnitedHealthcare is among the primary healthcare providers for the company, offering various plans that cater to the diverse needs of its workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, significant healthcare cost increases loom for Dick's Sporting Goods employees and retirees. With the anticipated expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies, individuals could face out-of-pocket premium hikes of over 75%. This dramatic shift is compounded by rising medical costs driven by inflation and a surge in demand for healthcare services, particularly in behavioral health. In states like New York, some insurers are requesting premium increases upwards of 66%, signaling a challenging year ahead for those relying on employer-sponsored insurance and ACA plans. As such, it is essential for employees to plan proactively to mitigate potential financial impacts. Click here to learn more

There are just a couple of things almost all Dick's Sporting Goods 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 Dick's Sporting Goods 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 Dick's Sporting Goods retiree about 30 years of retirement income.

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

As life expectancies increase, Dick's Sporting Goods 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 Dick's Sporting Goods. 

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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