As the Q1 2026 energy crisis reshapes global markets, Western Midstream Partners employees reviewing their tax planning strategies should factor in the potential impact of elevated energy sector compensation, stock option valuations, and the shifting tax landscape for energy workers.

Regardless of age, profession, and living location, many individuals possess the ultimate goal of retiring comfortably, including those employed in Western Midstream Partners. With that under consideration, it is imperative to acknowledge that retirement does not necessarily have equal value across state lines. One's state of residency determines their taxes, cost of living, and climate, making some locations more desirable and fitting for retirement to certain Western Midstream Partners employees. In addition, income and purchasing power can have different values in various locations of the country. For the purpose of this article, we will be ranking the top states that are ideal for retirement.

For those employed in Western Midstream Partners, spontaneously moving to a different country with desirable characteristics for retirement may seem appealing. Despite that, it is crucial to consider working with a financial advisor to increase your likelihood of success and consolidate a solid financial plan that will cater to your retirement needs. Research suggests people who work with a financial advisor feel more at ease about their finances and could end up with about 15% more money to spend in retirement . ¹ When taking that into account, those working for Western Midstream Partners may benefit from meeting with an advisor at The Retirement Group and running a complimentary cash flow analysis to better understand their future prospects for retirement.

Best States for Minimizing Taxes in Retirement

When contemplating a comfortable retirement, those employed in Western Midstream Partners must recognize how reducing tax liability is a top priority. The following states listed below either have no state income tax, no tax on retirement income, or a substantial discount on the taxes levied on retirement income. These states also have no state income tax, and favorable sales, property, inheritance, and estate taxes.

• Alaska

• Florida

• Georgia

• Mississippi

• Nevada

• South Dakota

• Wyoming

As an employee of Western Midstream Partners , if those states aren't appealing to you, you may want to consider the subsequent tier of states with reduced taxation. While the tax benefits aren't up to par with the ones mentioned above, these following states have no taxes on social security income. As an example, Washington has no state income tax but has a 6.5% state sales tax. With that under consideration, while it is essential for Western Midstream Partners employees to look into the pros and cons of taxation when considering retirement in another state, finding a home that is suitable and comfortable for your needs is of utmost importance as well.

That same shift from growing assets to drawing them down applies directly to the pension decisions in front of you at Western Midstream Partners. Western Midstream Partners maintains an active defined benefit pension plan, meaning eligible employees continue to accrue benefits based on years of service and compensation. If you are eligible for a lump sum payout, IRS Section 417(e) segment rates determine how the future annuity stream converts to a present-value payment - rising rates compress the lump sum, so monitoring the plan's stability period and lookback month is critical before you lock in your election date. The choice between a single-life annuity, a joint-and-survivor option, or a lump sum (where available) is generally irrevocable once made, and timing that decision relative to interest rate conditions can meaningfully affect your retirement income picture.

On the healthcare side, Western Midstream Partners does not offer continued medical coverage to retirees, which means coverage through the company ends when employment does. Planning for the cost of health insurance during any gap between your retirement date and Medicare eligibility at age 65 is a critical step - marketplace coverage, COBRA continuation, or a spouse's employer plan are common options. Building an accurate estimate of bridge-coverage costs into your retirement income projection prevents underestimating one of the largest variable expenses retirees face. Connecting your specific Western Midstream Partners benefits situation to a comprehensive retirement income plan - and understanding how each component interacts - gives you the most complete picture of what retirement will look like.

• Alabama
• Arkansas

• Colorado

• Delaware

• Idaho

• Illinois

• Kentucky

• Louisiana

• Michigan

• New Hampshire

• Oklahoma

• Pennsylvania

• South Carolina

• Tennessee

• Texas

• Virginia

• Washington

• West Virginia

Reference(s):

https://magazine.northeast.aaa.com/daily/money/retirement/the-true-cost-of-a-financial-advisor-revealed/#:~:text=Still%2C%20research%20suggests%20people%20who,an%20advisor%20over%2025%20years .