Navigating Retirement: Annuities vs. IRA Withdrawals for Patrick Industries Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Patrick Industries Patrick Industries primarily offers access to healthcare benefits through its association with large national insurance providers, including plans administered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Employees typically have options available through these plans, enabling them to choose coverage that best fits their healthcare needs. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look ahead to 2026, Patrick Industries employees may face substantial healthcare premium increases, as projections indicate that premiums for ACA marketplace plans could rise sharply by over 60% in some states. This surge in costs is driven by a confluence of factors, including the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, ongoing medical inflation, and demand for high-cost specialty drugs. With more than 22 million Americans potentially seeing their out-of-pocket costs escalate by upwards of 75%, employees will need to strategically plan their healthcare decisions and financial frameworks to mitigate these anticipated increases. Click here to learn more

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

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

As life expectancies increase, Patrick Industries 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 Patrick Industries. 

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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