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Navigating Retirement: Annuities vs. IRA Withdrawals for Peabody Energy Employees

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

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

As life expectancies increase, Peabody Energy 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 Peabody Energy.

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 is the primary purpose of Peabody Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The primary purpose of Peabody Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis.

How can employees at Peabody Energy enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees at Peabody Energy can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the enrollment process through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Peabody Energy offer a company match for 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Peabody Energy offers a company match for 401(k) contributions, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Peabody Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Peabody Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan is determined by the IRS and may change annually; employees should check the current limits for the specific year.

Can employees at Peabody Energy change their contribution percentage at any time?

Yes, employees at Peabody Energy can change their contribution percentage at any time, typically through the benefits portal or by contacting HR.

What investment options are available in Peabody Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Peabody Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in Peabody Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Peabody Energy has a vesting schedule for the company match, meaning employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the matched contributions.

How can employees at Peabody Energy access their 401(k) account information?

Employees at Peabody Energy can access their 401(k) account information through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

What happens to Peabody Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan if an employee leaves the company?

If an employee leaves Peabody Energy, they have several options for their 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Peabody Energy plan if allowed.

Are there loans available against the 401(k) balance at Peabody Energy?

Yes, Peabody Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan may allow employees to take loans against their account balance, subject to specific terms and conditions.

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

Peabody Energy announced significant restructuring plans in 2024, including job cuts and the closure of some mining operations. This decision aims to streamline operations and reduce costs amid fluctuating coal prices.