New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Navigating Retirement: Annuities vs. IRA Withdrawals for VF Corp. Employees

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

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

As life expectancies increase, VF Corp. 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 VF Corp..

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:

What is the primary purpose of the 401(k) plan at VF Corp.?

The primary purpose of the 401(k) plan at VF Corp. is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.

How can employees at VF Corp. enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at VF Corp. can enroll in the 401(k) plan by accessing the company’s benefits portal and completing the enrollment process during the designated enrollment period.

What types of contributions can employees make to the VF Corp. 401(k) plan?

Employees at VF Corp. can make pre-tax contributions, Roth after-tax contributions, and, in some cases, catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older.

Does VF Corp. offer a company match for 401(k) contributions?

Yes, VF Corp. offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps to enhance retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for the company match at VF Corp.?

The vesting schedule for the company match at VF Corp. typically follows a graded schedule, where employees become fully vested after a certain number of years of service.

Can employees at VF Corp. take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, employees at VF Corp. may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

What investment options are available in the VF Corp. 401(k) plan?

The VF Corp. 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the VF Corp. 401(k) plan?

Employees at VF Corp. can change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's rules and regulations.

What resources does VF Corp. provide to help employees understand their 401(k) options?

VF Corp. provides various resources, including educational materials, webinars, and access to financial advisors, to help employees understand their 401(k) options.

Are there any fees associated with the VF Corp. 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be fees associated with the VF Corp. 401(k) plan, such as administrative fees and investment management fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.