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NiSource employees: Managing an Inheritance

Healthcare Provider Update: NiSource provides employees with a variety of health insurance options including PPO, HMO, and high-deductible plans with HSAs. Dental and vision coverage is available, along with FSAs for healthcare and dependent care. Life insurance equal to twice base pay is company-paid, with options to purchase additional coverage. Disability benefits, accident insurance, and paid sick leave are also included. Retirement benefits feature a 401(k) plan with matching, and employees may receive opt-out credits if they decline coverage 2. NiSource As ACA premiums rise, NiSources employer-sponsored plans and pre-tax savings accounts offer employees a more affordable and stable alternative to marketplace coverage. With insurers requesting double-digit increases and federal subsidies potentially expiring, employer-backed plans like NiSources help shield employees from steep out-of-pocket costs. Click here to learn more

NiSource employees handling an inheritance should weigh the emotional cost of their legacy against the financial gain. A financial advisor like The Retirement Group can help align such large assets with long-term retirement and investment goals so decisions today reflect past and future needs.

Getting an inheritance means much more than just receiving money. It is an opportunity to protect your family financially. We advise NiSource employees to review their financial plans now so that their inheritance fits into their existing strategy and enhances their future prospects, according to The Retirement Group advisors.

We will discuss: 'In this article:

1. The Legal & Tax Implications: Understanding inheritance laws and the need to consult with legal and tax professionals is important.

2. Emotional and Strategic Financial Planning: Emotional aspects of receiving an inheritance must be balanced against strategic financial planning for the long term.

3. Retirement and Wealth Management: Assessing the impact that an inheritance may have on retirement plans and wealth management in general, with an eye toward NiSource employees.

Heirloom wealth may be a curse or a blessing. Even if you suspect a relative has planned to include you in their will, you may have overlooked some other aspects of the inheritance process. Here are some considerations if the event does occur.

Ask a lawyer or tax expert before making any decisions about inheritance—this is informational only and not a substitute for real advice.

Take your time. If someone cared enough about you to leave you an inheritance, you may need time to mourn their death. This is vital, but most of the bigger decisions regarding your inheritance will probably wait. Sometime later you may be better able to make decisions. Neh, don't go it alone. So many laws, options and dangers exist that an expert may be necessary.

Consider your own family. An inheritance may change one's own financial strategy. Make sure you consider this.

A tax collector could come to visit. The tax consequences if you inherited an IRA are important. Distributions to non-spouse beneficiaries are required by the end of the tenth calendar year following the year of death of the account owner under the SECURE Act.

The new rule also does not require the non-spouse beneficiary to withdraw funds within 10 years, as I have learned as a NiSource employee. The money must be withdrawn by the end of the tenth calendar year following the inheritance, however. Others may include the surviving spouse of the IRA owner, disabled or chronically ill individuals, people no older than the IRA owner and minor offspring of the IRA owner.

Stay informed. The estate laws have changed many times since you thought they were the same.

Keep in mind what you should be doing in your situation. The sentiment is understandable—you may want to leave your inheritance as it is out of respect for your relative. What if the inheritance is not right for your situation now? A financial professional can help you decide whether the inheritance meets your objectives, time horizon, and risk tolerance.

Added Fact:

A study by Merrill Lynch in 2021 suggests NiSource employees handling an inheritance should consider the impact on their retirement plans. Of those who received an inheritance, 42% said it affected their retirement timeline, the study found. Some retired earlier than expected and some worked longer to cash in on the inheritance. That insight illustrates why NiSource employees considering retirement should consider how an inheritance might affect their financial goals, lifestyle decisions, and overall retirement strategy. An integrated approach combining the inheritance and long-term retirement plans may help with informed decision-making.

Added Analogy:

Managing an inheritance as a NiSource employee feels like receiving an heirloom—an extremely sentimental piece. Like you would handle such an heirloom carefully, you should handle your inheritance strategically as well. Think about holding that heirloom and realizing its significance in your life and in your family history. As you would consult experts on art preservation to determine its true value and to ensure its long-term preservation, you should also consult lawyers, tax, and financial professionals about how to manage your inheritance. Consider your inheritance a treasure—honor the past while making sound financial decisions for the future. Like an heirloom that tells generations of stories, your inheritance should be a part of your overall wealth management strategy that will live on indefinitely.

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Sources:

1. Senior Strong 'Understanding Inheritance Tax Impact on Retirees.' Senior Strong , 2023, www.seniorstrong.org . Accessed 24 Feb 2025.

2.Accounting Insights 'Managing Your Inheritance: Strategic Financial Planning Guide.' Accounting Insights , AccountingInsights Team, 2023, www.accountinginsights.org . Accessed 24 Feb 2025.

3. Kiplinger Waggoner, John. 'Don’t Count on an Inheritance for Your Retirement Plan.' Kiplinger , 27 Jan 2025, www.kiplinger.com . Accessed 24 Feb 2025.

4. CreditBrite 'How to Navigate Retirement Planning After Inheriting Assets.' CreditBrite , 2023, www.creditbrite.com . Accessed 24 Feb 2025.

5. Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters 'Investing, Taxes, Retirement.' Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters , 2025, www.kiplinger.com . Accessed 24 Feb 2025.

As an employee of National Grid, what are the key eligibility criteria for participating in the Pension Plan specifically for Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation employees? How might these criteria impact your personal retirement planning and the benefits you expect to receive upon retirement from National Grid?

Eligibility Criteria for Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan: Employees of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation who are represented by Local Union 97 of the IBEW and work at least 20 hours per week or accumulate 1,000 hours in a Pension Plan year are eligible. Participation begins automatically on the first day of employment. These criteria directly impact retirement planning by determining when employees begin accruing pension benefits and how much they will receive at retirement(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

Within the framework of the National Grid Pension Plan, how does the cash balance formula work in calculating retirement benefits, and what implications does this have for employees of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation when considering their long-term financial outlook?

Cash Balance Formula: The National Grid Pension Plan for Niagara Mohawk employees uses a cash balance formula that provides monthly pay-based credits (starting at 4% and increasing with years of service) and interest credits. These accumulate in a hypothetical account, growing until retirement, allowing employees to track their retirement benefits much like a savings account. This formula impacts financial outlook by providing predictable growth tied to service and pay(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

For employees at National Grid, what are the specific rights and options available during the pension benefit application process? How do these rights protect the interests of individual employees and ensure they receive fair treatment under the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan?

Pension Benefit Application Process: National Grid employees must apply for their pension benefits by submitting the required forms at least 90 days before retirement. Spousal consent is required if opting for any form of payment other than the default. This ensures employees understand and select the best payment option for their circumstances, protecting their interests under the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

Given the different types of credits that contribute to the pension benefit for employees of National Grid, how are Pay-based Credits and interest credits calculated? What strategies might Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation employees employ to maximize these credits before retirement?

Pay-based and Interest Credits Calculation: Pay-based credits are determined by years of service, starting at 4% of pay and increasing to 8% after 20 years. Interest credits are based on an annual interest rate tied to the Treasury securities and corporate bond rates. Employees can maximize these credits by continuing to work and contributing to their pension balance(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

How do pension benefits work for Transition Group Employees specifically within National Grid's framework, and what unique provisions apply to them under the Pension Plan as compared to regular employees of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation?

Pension Benefits for Transition Group Employees: Transition Group Employees under the National Grid Pension Plan have benefits calculated using both the former final average pay formula and the cash balance formula, with the greater benefit being paid out. This differs from regular employees who only receive benefits calculated under the cash balance formula(National_Grid_2023_Niag…)(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

What are the repercussions for National Grid employees in terms of benefit loss or limitation if they have not met the Vesting requirements under the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan? How can understanding these repercussions influence an employee's decision-making regarding their career and retirement?

Impact of Vesting Requirements: Employees must complete three years of service to become vested in the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan. If they leave before vesting, they lose all accrued pension benefits. Understanding vesting requirements is crucial for career and retirement planning, as it ensures employees retain their pension benefits if they meet the criteria(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

As a current employee at National Grid, what does the termination of the Pension Plan imply for accrued benefits under the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan? Specifically, how do federal protections through ERISA and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation come into play for employees seeking assurance regarding their retirement funds?

Termination of Pension Plan and Federal Protections: If the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan is terminated, accrued benefits are protected by ERISA and insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). Employees can feel assured that their benefits will be secured up to the PBGC's limits in case of plan termination(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

How does the National Grid Pension Plan accommodate the unique situations of employees during times of disability or military service, and what steps should Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation employees take to ensure their benefits continue during these periods?

Disability and Military Service: Niagara Mohawk employees receive service credits during periods of disability or military leave, ensuring continuous pension accrual. Employees should ensure their disability or military status is properly documented with the company to avoid interruptions in their pension benefits(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

When considering the various forms of pension payments available to retirees from National Grid, what are the potential advantages and disadvantages of choosing an annuity versus a lump-sum payment for employees from Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation?

Annuity vs. Lump-Sum Payment: Retirees at National Grid have the option to choose between an annuity, providing a steady income for life, or a lump-sum payment. The annuity provides financial stability, while a lump sum offers flexibility. The choice depends on individual financial needs and retirement goals(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).

For those looking to gain further clarity on the nuances of the Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan, what are the most effective ways for employees to contact National Grid for assistance? How can engaging with the Pension Service Center enhance an employee's understanding of their benefits and rights?

Contacting National Grid for Pension Assistance: Employees seeking more information about their Niagara Mohawk Pension Plan can contact the National Grid Pension Service Center or use the online pension modeler. Engaging with the Pension Service Center provides personalized guidance, helping employees understand their benefits and make informed decisions(National_Grid_2023_Niag…).