Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for PepsiCo PepsiCo's primary healthcare provider for employee health benefits is the UnitedHealthcare network, which offers a range of healthcare services and insurance plans for PepsiCo employees. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, PepsiCo and its employees may face notable increases in healthcare costs due to a combination of factors influencing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Insurance premiums are projected to rise significantly, with some states seeing hikes upwards of 60%, primarily driven by the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies. Additionally, the rising costs of medical services and pharmaceuticals are contributing to overall healthcare inflation, with insurers reporting anticipated increases in claims expenses. This perfect storm could potentially lead to out-of-pocket costs skyrocketing for consumers, creating substantial financial pressures. Click here to learn more
'PepsiCo employees should prioritize proactive retirement planning by carefully evaluating their spending, adjusting their portfolio risk, and factoring in health care costs, all of which can support a more stable and fulfilling retirement journey.' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
'By taking a hands-on approach to retirement planning, PepsiCo employees can steer clear of common pitfalls and prepare for the financial demands of retirement, from health care costs to sustainable income strategies.' – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article, we will discuss:
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The importance of proactive retirement planning for PepsiCo employees.
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Key steps to take within five years of retirement, including reviewing benefits and spending.
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Strategies for managing health care costs and adjusting investment portfolios as retirement approaches.
Planning for retirement requires careful consideration, particularly as your retirement date approaches. Automatic payroll deductions through PepsiCo benefits programs may have made investing feel seamless, but effective retirement planning requires a hands-on strategy. Getting ahead of the curve allows you to refine your retirement plan to align with your objectives.
If you plan to retire from PepsiCo within the next five years, begin taking these five key steps now:
1. Rethink the Function of Employment in Retirement
It’s important to assess whether you plan to continue working in some capacity during retirement. Consulting or part-time work might help ease the transition and provide supplemental income, but it shouldn’t be the core of your strategy. For PepsiCo professionals, unexpected life changes or health issues may make continued work uncertain. Planning for retirement with financial independence—without relying on future earnings—creates a foundation for a smoother experience.
2. Monitor and Comprehend Your Spending
Understanding your current spending is crucial for estimating what you might need later. As a PepsiCo employee, your spending habits could shift post-retirement—especially regarding health care, housing, and lifestyle choices. Evaluating your needs now provides insight into whether you’re on track to meet your retirement objectives. By revisiting your budget and savings patterns today, you can reduce the likelihood of surprises later on.
3. Examine Your Benefits from Social Security
Social Security plays a key role in retirement for many Americans. Begin by checking your information on the Social Security Administration’s website to model different claiming scenarios. For PepsiCo employees, understanding the timing of when to begin collecting benefits—such as delaying until full retirement age—could substantially impact your monthly payments. Including this in your plan will help create a more effective retirement income strategy.
4. Evaluate Your Retirement Funds
Take a close look at your PepsiCo retirement accounts and personal savings. Review how much you’ve saved, how your portfolio is allocated, and what income sources you expect to draw from. Subtract your estimated Social Security income from your expected living expenses to calculate how much you’ll need to withdraw. Depending on your financial needs, you may need to adjust your spending, increase contributions, or delay your retirement date.
5. Reduce the Risk in Your Portfolio
As you near retirement, consider shifting your investment portfolio toward less volatile assets. PepsiCo employees who experience a market downturn early in retirement could face long-term impacts. Lowering exposure to riskier assets may give you more flexibility during market dips. This adjustment can help you preserve principal and draw income from more stable sources in your early retirement years.
Starting early on these five steps can lead to a smoother and more confident transition into retirement. PepsiCo professionals who commit to reviewing and refining their plans now may be better positioned to shape the retirement lifestyle they envision. Proactive planning offers greater clarity into your future finances and more control over your timeline.
Medical expenses are a major factor to incorporate into your retirement planning. According to a 2023 Fidelity Investments report, a 65-year-old couple retiring today is expected to spend an average of $315,000 on health care throughout retirement. PepsiCo retirees should factor this into their savings plans. Allocating funds for future health care needs can help cover both routine and unexpected medical costs, reducing financial pressure later on.
If you're expecting to retire from PepsiCo in the next five years, this checklist provides a structured roadmap to follow. From reviewing your Social Security benefits and investment allocations to preparing for health care costs, these steps are designed to help you maintain financial balance. Evaluating spending, reconsidering the role of post-retirement work, and shifting toward lower-risk investments can help you face retirement with more confidence and fewer surprises.
Think of preparing for retirement like planning a cross-country trip. You wouldn’t hit the road without checking your car, mapping your route, and making sure you have enough fuel. Likewise, PepsiCo employees shouldn’t head into retirement without reviewing finances, factoring in health care, and organizing their resources. With these steps in place, you're better equipped for the journey ahead—and ready to enjoy the ride.
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Sources:
1. 'The Unexpected Cost That Could Ruin Your Retirement.' Investopedia, 4 June 2025.
2. Sloan, Jim. 'I'm a Wealth Manager: This Is How to Reduce One of the Biggest Risks to Your Retirement.' Kiplinger, 2 June 2025.
3. 'Retirees: Tune Out the Noise When Filing for Social Security.' Barron's, 2 June 2025.
4. 'How Often Should You Review Your 401(k) To Maximize Returns?' Investopedia, 4 June 2025.
5. '5 Ways to Track Your Budget in the Years Before You Retire.' Kiplinger, 4 June 2025.
What are the key steps an employee needs to take to prepare for retirement from PepsiCo, and how do these steps ensure that they maximize their benefits and entitlements?
Preparing for Retirement: Employees preparing for retirement from PepsiCo need to understand their retirement benefits, estimate their financial needs, and officially inform PepsiCo of their decision to retire. These steps are vital to ensure they maximize their benefits, including pensions, 401(k) plans, and retiree healthcare. The PepsiCo Savings and Retirement Center at Fidelity helps guide employees through this process, ensuring they make well-informed decisions(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).
In what ways can PepsiCo employees navigate the complexities of their pension options, and what considerations should they have in mind when deciding between a lump sum and annuity?
Navigating Pension Options: PepsiCo employees can choose between a lump sum or an annuity for their pension benefits. When deciding, they should consider personal circumstances, such as life expectancy and financial needs. Employees can use the NetBenefits platform to estimate pension values at different retirement dates and consult financial counselors through Healthy Money for personalized advice(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).
How does the PepsiCo Retiree Health Care Program function after retirement, and what criteria must be met for an employee to effectively enroll and maintain this coverage?
Retiree Health Care Program: PepsiCo offers a Retiree Health Care Program available until employees reach age 65, after which coverage transitions to the Via Benefits marketplace. Employees must actively enroll within 31 days of retirement to maintain coverage, or defer enrollment if preferred. The Retiree Health Care Contribution Estimator helps estimate future costs(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…)(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).
How do the Automatic Retirement Contributions (ARC) at PepsiCo enhance an employee's retirement savings strategy, and what options do employees have to manage their ARC investments?
Automatic Retirement Contributions (ARC): Employees who receive ARC can manage their investments through NetBenefits. These contributions are automatically added to their retirement savings, enhancing long-term financial security. Employees can review and adjust their investment options to align with their retirement strategy(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).
For employees aging 50 and over, what catch-up contribution options does PepsiCo provide to help with their 401(k) savings, and how can they take advantage of these benefits in their retirement planning?
Catch-Up Contributions: PepsiCo employees aged 50 and above can contribute additional amounts to their 401(k) plans under the catch-up contribution option. This benefit allows employees to boost their retirement savings, helping them prepare more effectively for retirement(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).
What resources are available through PepsiCo for employees looking to calculate their retirement expenses, and how do these tools help in setting realistic financial goals for retirement?
Retirement Expense Calculators: PepsiCo provides tools like the Fidelity Planning & Guidance Center, which helps employees estimate retirement expenses. This tool includes health care costs, mortgage payments, and other potential retirement expenses, enabling employees to set realistic financial goals(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).
How should employees at PepsiCo approach Social Security benefits when planning for retirement, and what role does the company play in facilitating their understanding of these benefits?
Social Security Benefits: Employees approaching retirement should consider when to start Social Security benefits. PepsiCo provides guidance through Healthy Money, helping employees understand how Social Security fits into their overall retirement strategy(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).
What impact does health care coverage have on retired employees' finances, and how can PepsiCo retirees effectively use the Retiree Health Care Contribution Estimator to prepare for future health costs?
Retiree Health Care Contribution Estimator: Health care can significantly impact a retiree's budget. The Retiree Health Care Contribution Estimator is a tool PepsiCo retirees can use to prepare for future health costs. It helps employees estimate their contributions and explore different plan options to manage their post-retirement health care expenses(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).
How can employees get in touch with the appropriate resources to learn more about PepsiCo’s retirement benefits, and what specific contact information should they keep handy during this process?
Contact Information: To learn more about PepsiCo's retirement benefits, employees should contact the PepsiCo Savings and Retirement Center at Fidelity at 1-800-632-2014. Additionally, they can access resources on NetBenefits or consult Healthy Money counselors for personalized financial guidance(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).
What are the implications of interest rate fluctuations on pension benefit calculations at PepsiCo, and how should employees factor these rates into their retirement planning decisions? These questions encourage a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of retirement planning specific to PepsiCo, as well as consideration for personal financial management.
Interest Rate Fluctuations and Pension Calculations: PepsiCo employees considering a lump sum pension payout should be aware that lump sum values are inversely related to interest rates. A higher interest rate results in a lower lump sum payout, so employees should monitor interest rate trends when planning their pension distribution(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…)(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).