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

Understanding the Rise in Interest Rates: What It Means for Avaya Holdings Employees and Their Retirement Plans

Interest rates are a key driver of most financial assets. While most often referenced in relation to the bond market, rates are also a key input in traditional equity valuation models, which incorporate market interest rates to determine the appropriate rate to discount future cash flows. Interest rates are an essential element in bond pricing and the yield that investors require to own a particular fixed-income security. Since hitting an all-time low in 2020, interest rates increased in 2021 and have continued that climb higher thus far in 2022. This has put pressure on fixed incomes and certain areas of the equity market, which has led to stress in certain areas of the stock market, such as growth stocks, which can be sensitive to interest rate shocks. With that in mind, let’s examine why rates have been moving up, and whether this should be a cause for concern for Avaya Holdings employees.

MORE AGGRESSIVE FEDERAL RESERVE
The Federal Reserve (Fed) has already raised interest rates by 75 basis points this year. A 25 basis point hike in March followed by a 50 basis point hike in May. The Fed is currently expected to hike rates by 50 basis points in both the June and July meetings and will continue to hike through the better part of 2022. With inflation running hot and the job market showing strength, the fact that the Fed is finally moving away from zero shows confidence in the health of the job market. But the speed with which interest rates are expected to go up underscores its concern about the soaring cost of living. Americans living in areas like California or New York will experience this policy shift through higher borrowing costs: No longer will it be insanely cheap to take out mortgages or car loans and this along with higher inflation may lead to less investment in the market and more spending on needs, which is a main reason for market volatility, and important for Avaya Holdings employees and retirees to keep in mind.

INFLATION CONCERNS
Inflation is also a primary determinant of long-term interest rates. Rising inflation has the potential to eat away at fixed-income returns, so naturally, inflation expectations are a component of the yield that investors require to own fixed income. Put simply, inflation is a result of too much money chasing too few goods, and there are concerns that the increase in the level of money in circulation may lead to this. The extraordinary level of fiscal and monetary stimulus put in place to combat the economic damage of Coronavirus caused a significant increase in the M2 money supply. As a result, we are currently seeing this increase in the level of money in circulation translate to a pickup in consumer spending, but also elevated inflation.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

RISKS OF A RECESSION
Now that the pandemic has started to recede, the Fed has once again started to raise short-
term interest rates. This policy change has caused market volatility to spike for the three
major reasons to the right.

Today as the Fed begins to aggressively hike interest rates, market participants worry we may endure a period of high inflation alongside weakening economic growth — otherwise known as stagflation.

This environment is another example of why we believe in and suggest to our clients from Avaya Holdings that staying diversified is the best way to insulate portfolios from being too exposed to one risk factor.

Economic Definitions
M2 Money Supply: The M2 Money Supply, also referred to as “M2” or “Money Stock,” measures the amount of currency in circulation. M2 includes M1 (physical cash and checkable deposits) as well as less liquid money, such as saving bank accounts.

How can employees at Avaya Inc. ensure they are adequately prepared for retirement, considering the various types of pensions available under the Avaya Inc. Pension Plan? What steps should be taken to understand the key features of the pension plan, and how can they assess their individual needs relative to the benefits offered by Avaya Inc.?

Preparation for Retirement at Avaya Inc.: Employees at Avaya Inc. should first review the company’s Summary Plan Description for the pension plan details, which outline the types of pensions available and the processes for claiming them. It's crucial to understand the different pension types—service, deferred vested, and disability pensions—each with specific eligibility criteria and benefits. To prepare adequately, employees should estimate their pension benefits using tools provided by Avaya Inc., attend financial planning seminars offered by the company, and consider consulting with a financial advisor to assess how the pension fits into their broader retirement strategy.

Can you elaborate on the service pension eligibility criteria set by Avaya Inc.? How does age and credited service interact with this criterion, and what unique circumstances should employees at Avaya Inc. be aware of that may affect their eligibility for a service pension?

Service Pension Eligibility Criteria at Avaya Inc.: Eligibility for a service pension at Avaya Inc. is determined by age and credited service. Employees qualify at any age with 30 years of service, at age 50 with 25 years, at 55 with 20 years, and at 65 with 10 years. It’s essential for employees to understand that these criteria are strict; for instance, an employee aged 51 with 24 years of service does not qualify. Employees should plan their retirement age accordingly and consult with HR to confirm their credited service years.

What are the implications of early retirement under the Avaya Inc. Pension Plan? Employees at Avaya Inc. who are considering early retirement should understand both the benefits and potential losses associated with taking retirement benefits before the age of 55.

Implications of Early Retirement: Opting for early retirement at Avaya Inc. can lead to reduced pension benefits, especially if retirement occurs before age 55 with less than 30 years of service. The plan applies an early commencement discount, reducing the pension by 1/2% for each month before age 55. Employees considering early retirement should carefully evaluate how the reduction impacts their financial stability and may want to strategize with HR or a financial advisor to mitigate the reduction's effect.

What is the process for employees at Avaya Inc. to claim a deferred vested pension, and what specific conditions must be met for them to initiate this process? Employees must be informed about the timeline required for claims as well as the potential impact of their age and service duration on their pension amounts.

Claiming a Deferred Vested Pension: To claim a deferred vested pension at Avaya Inc., employees must meet certain conditions, such as being vested and having terminated employment. The pension commencement generally aligns with reaching age 65 or upon earlier termination. Employees must contact the Avaya Pension Service Center to initiate the process, providing necessary documentation and adhering to specified timelines, ensuring they understand the impact of early commencement on their pension amounts.

In what ways does Avaya Inc. support employees returning to work after retirement? Specifically, how does reemployment affect the pension benefits that retirees receive? Employees should consider how their decisions to return to work may minimize or suspend their pension benefits.

Returning to Work Post-Retirement: If an employee at Avaya Inc. returns to work after retirement, their pension benefits might be suspended or reduced, depending on the terms outlined in the pension plan. This policy is intended to adjust benefits when retirees re-enter the workforce, potentially affecting their financial planning. Employees should verify the specific rules with the pension service center and consider the financial implications before deciding to return to work.

How does the Mandatory Portability Agreement (MPA) influence the retirement benefits of Avaya Inc. employees transitioning between positions in affiliated companies? Employees should understand how service credit is recognized and transferred under the MPA and its impact on their retirement planning.

Impact of the Mandatory Portability Agreement (MPA): The MPA affects Avaya Inc. employees transitioning between positions within affiliated companies, allowing for the transfer of service credits. This agreement is crucial for employees moving within the company structure, as it ensures that their pension benefits are maintained and accurately calculated based on cumulative service, fostering seamless transitions and sustained benefit accrual.

What key information should employees at Avaya Inc. know regarding their rights under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) as they navigate the pension benefit process? Understanding ERISA rights is crucial for employees to effectively advocate for their benefits and understand their protections.

Understanding ERISA Rights at Avaya Inc.: Employees at Avaya Inc. should be aware of their rights under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), which safeguards employees' benefits. Understanding these rights is essential for effectively managing their pension plans and ensuring they receive all entitled benefits. Employees should familiarize themselves with the claim and appeal procedures provided in the plan documents to advocate effectively for their rights.

How do survivor benefits work under the Avaya Inc. Pension Plan? Employees and their beneficiaries should be aware of the conditions under which these benefits are paid and how they can designate beneficiaries to ensure compliance with Avaya Inc. policies.

Survivor Benefits under Avaya Inc. Pension Plan: Avaya Inc.'s pension plan provides survivor benefits, which are crucial for employees to arrange financial security for their beneficiaries. Understanding the conditions under which these benefits are paid and how to designate beneficiaries properly ensures that the employees' families are protected in case of the employee's death.

Can you explain the significance of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) in relation to the retirement benefits that employees of Avaya Inc. may expect? Understanding the role of the PBGC could help clarify what protections are in place for employees in the case of plan termination.

Role of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC): The PBGC plays a protective role for Avaya Inc. employees by ensuring that pension benefits are secure even if the plan faces financial difficulties. Employees should understand how the PBGC's coverage affects them, particularly in scenarios where the company’s pension plan might be terminated or underfunded.

If Avaya Inc. employees want to learn more about their pension benefits or have specific questions about the retirement process, who should they contact and what resources are available to them? This question prompts employees to engage with the Avaya Inc. Pension Service Center and access information crucial for their retirement planning.

Accessing Pension Information and Assistance: Employees seeking more information about their pension benefits or needing specific help regarding their retirement process should contact the Avaya Pension Service Center. This center provides detailed guidance, handles claims and appeals, and offers comprehensive support to ensure employees understand and can effectively manage their pension benefits.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Avaya Holdings has announced a major restructuring plan involving significant layoffs and changes to their benefits and retirement plans. The company is focusing on streamlining operations to improve profitability, which includes reducing its workforce and altering pension and 401(k) contributions for current employees.

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Avaya Holdings employees

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Avaya Holdings at 350 Mt Kemble Ave Morristown, NJ 7960; or by calling them at +1 908-953-6000.