Navigating Retirement: Annuities vs. IRA Withdrawals for ITT Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for ITT ITT is associated with multiple healthcare insurance providers, depending on the region and specific employees' enrollment in plans. However, a notable mention is UnitedHealthcare, which provides comprehensive healthcare options to many ITT employees. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace braces for substantial healthcare premium hikes in 2026, ITT employees may find themselves facing increased financial burdens. With insurers predicting average increases of approximately 20%, some states could see hikes exceeding 60%, primarily driven by high medical costs and the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies. Analysts estimate that without these subsidies, most enrollees-around 92%-could see their out-of-pocket costs surge by over 75%, emphasizing the critical need for ITT employees to assess their healthcare options and prepare for these impending financial changes., 'sources': [], 'images': [] Click here to learn more

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

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

As life expectancies increase, ITT 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 ITT. 

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.

 

Articles you may find interesting: