Navigating Retirement: Annuities vs. IRA Withdrawals for Western Union Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider and Cost Increases for Western Union Employees Western Union employees' healthcare coverage is typically provided through a major health insurer, with specific details often outlined in their employee benefits package. As 2026 approaches, Western Union employees should brace for potential increases in healthcare costs. Significant hikes in premiums are anticipated, particularly due to the expiration of enhanced federal ACA premium subsidies that could push out-of-pocket costs up by over 75% for many. Additionally, as a response to rising medical expenses driven by inflation3 (projected at 7-10% annually) and the high costs of certain medications, employers, including Western Union, may shift additional financial burdens onto employees by increasing deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. Understanding these changes and preparing accordingly is crucial for employees navigating the upcoming healthcare landscape. Click here to learn more

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

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

As life expectancies increase, Western Union 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 Western Union. 

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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