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Deciding When to Retire: When Timing Becomes Critical Hess

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For Hess employees planning on retiring, it is important to consider not only the financial fitness, but also the emotional and psychological fitness of leaving the workforce and entering the world of retirement,' advises Michael Corgiat of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group. 'Taking a proactive stance towards retirement planning can significantly increase the quality and duration of your retirement.'

'Brent Wolf of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, stresses that it is crucial for Hess employees to comprehend the dynamics of social security timing, pension benefits, and personal savings strategies. He recommends starting these assessments early to make decisions that lead to a better retirement income and longevity.'

In this article, we will discuss:

  1. Workforce Trends: This paper will focus on the current trend of workers aged 60 and above who decide to remain in the labour market after the conventional retirement age for financial and personal reasons.

  2. Retirement Planning: Some of the issues and strategies for people retiring from Hess companies, including when to claim Social Security benefits, how to manage health care costs, and when to move from savings to investments.

  3. Phased Retirement Options: The advantages of phased retirement programs that enable aging workers to work part-time and draw their pension benefits, thus easing the transition to retirement.

In a study done by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies in 2020, the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies found that a large number of workers aged 60 or above have plans to work even after reaching their retirement ages. Some of the reasons included: the need for engagement and the need for more income. The study also established that 56% of workers aged 60 or higher had plans to work in retirement. This trend has implications for retirement planning and understanding how factors like healthcare costs and expected income determine the retirement age. Knowledge of the options and benefits that are available for people who remain employed during retirement can also help individuals make informed decisions regarding their retirement timing.

Retirement: A State of Mind

Do not underestimate the psychological factors that determine the age at which one should retire. Many people enjoy the opportunity to start anew. Some people delay retirement or go back to work to keep feeling useful. You will also have to change your attitude – from saving, to investing for income, and managing several income sources.

This is a multi-step process that will involve making decisions and calculations. You will also have to estimate your probable expenses, your retirement income, and how many years your retirement funds may have to last. It is also important that our Hess customers take into consideration their life expectancy and health, when they would like to start receiving Social Security or pension benefits, and when they would like to start withdrawing from their retirement accounts.

These may be otherwise unrelated factors in a comprehensive plan for retirement income, and each of them may affect the others in some way.

Thinking About Early Retirement?

This means that early retirement from Hess means fewer working years and more savings. Moreover, the earlier you retire from Hess, the more years your retirement funds will have to support you. If you plan correctly, you may be retired for quite some time. According to the National Vital Statistics Report, the average lifespan today is more than 30 years longer than it was a century ago.

Your retirement savings will last longer and inflation will reduce your buying power. If the average inflation rate is 3% per year, as it has been since 1914, then a fixed annual income will be worth 50% of its purchasing power over about 23 years. You will probably require an annual rise in your retirement income to keep up with the cost of living when considering inflation. This should be taken into consideration when calculating how many years you believe you will be in retirement (or how many years you can afford to be in retirement).

Current Life Expectancy Estimates

Men Women
At birth 76.2 81.2
At age 65 83.1 85.7

If you need it in another format or style, just let me know how you'd like it adjusted!

Source: NCHS Data Brief, Number 355, January 2020

There are some other things that Hess clients should also know. For instance, if you expect to receive pension payments, early retirement may reduce them. Why? It is because the highest accumulation of benefits is usually in the last few years of your employment when you are likely to earn most. Early retirement may reduce the monthly benefits that you receive. It will also affect your Social Security benefits.

Also, you should note that if you plan to retire from Hess before the age of 59 ½ and withdraw your 401(k) or IRA funds, then you are likely to incur a 10% early withdrawal penalty in addition to any ordinary income tax on the distribution (however, there are certain exemptions, including disability payments and 401(k) distributions after age 55 and termination of employment).

Finally, Medicare benefits are only available to those who are 65 years and above. If you are not eligible for retiree health benefits from Hess or accept a job that offers health insurance, then you will need to find out how much you stand to pay for insurance or health care, at least until you are eligible for Medicare.

Postponing Retirement

Deferring your Hess retirement allows you to keep on contributing to your retirement plans. This is especially good for you if you are contributing to tax deferred accounts and Hess is contributing to your account as well. For instance, if you work for Hess for 10 years longer, from age 65 instead of 55, and save $20,000 a year at an 8% rate of return, you could add $312,909 to your retirement fund. This example is hypothetical and does not represent the actual performance of any particular investment. Although you may no longer be adding to your retirement account, delaying retirement simply delays the time when you must begin taking distributions. This could enhance the ability of your nest egg to last throughout your lifetime.

You are given more time to transition by delaying your retirement from Hess. If you anticipate transitioning from your full-time job to a small business or a new career once you “retire,” you might be able to get ready for a new life by taking nights classes or trying out your new role on a part-time basis. You can get a taste of what your post retirement work life will be like by phasing into your plans while you are still with Hess. This is particularly important before relying on a new venture for retirement income, which can help you determine how much you can expect to earn from it. In addition, you will learn if it is something that you really want to do before investing what could be a large portion of your retirement funds into it.

Phased Retirement: The Best of Both Worlds

Some employers have started to offer phased retirement programs that allow you to collect all or part of your pension while still working part-time for the same employer.

As the baby boomers age, more people are interested in phased retirement programs. In the past, private sector pension law put pressure on employees to retire early. Classic pension plans usually did not permit payment of benefits before the employee ceased employment or reached the plan’s normal retirement age, which was usually 65. This often led employees who wanted to reduce their working hours but were not yet old enough to retire normally to accept early retirement and find another job (often at a competitor) and collect both a pension and a salary from their first employer.

Pension plans are now permitted to provide benefits to employees at age 62 if the employee is still employed and has not met the plan’s normal retirement age. Both the employee and the employer can benefit from a phased retirement strategy: The employee can work fewer hours and ease into retirement more gradually, while the employer can keep a seasoned employee. Phased retirement is not a required option for employers, but if Hess does offer it, you should consider how it might affect your plans.

Key Decision Points Age Don’t forget...
Eligible to tap tax-deferred savings without penalty for early withdrawal 59 ½ Federal income taxes will be due on contributions and earnings made prior to taxation.
Eligible for early Social Security benefits 62 Taking retirement benefits before age 65 reduces monthly payments.
Eligible for Medicare 65 -

Check Your Assumptions

The sooner you start to think about the timing of your retirement from Hess, the more opportunities you will have to make changes that will help to make those years be all that you want them to be. You may need to rethink some of your assumptions or decisions you have made so far if you are contemplating a phased retirement. As you move from Hess into retirement, you will need to keep an eye on your retirement income plan to make sure that your initial assumptions are still good, that no new laws or regulations have affected your situation, and that your savings and investments are performing as they should.

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Conclusion

Investing in retirement can be compared to planting a tree. Just like a tree, a retirement investment needs time, patience, and care to grow and provide benefits in the future. It takes the right kind of environment – a diversified portfolio, for instance, and the advice of a financial adviser to thrive and weather the inevitable storms. However, like a tree, it can provide shade, shelter and beauty, and a well-planned retirement investment can provide security, comfort and a sense of fulfillment in later years.

Sources:

1. Collinson, Catherine. 'Workers Are Saving for Retirement Despite Challenges Amid the Pandemic.' Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, 2021. Transamerica Institute.  www.transamericainstitute.org .

2. Collinson, Catherine. 'The Road Ahead: Addressing Pandemic-Related Setbacks and Strengthening the U.S. Retirement System.' 22nd Annual Retirement Survey, 2021. Transamerica Institute.  www.transamericainstitute.org .

3. Collinson, Catherine. '20th Annual Retirement Survey.' Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, 2020. Transamerica Center.  www.transamericacenter.net .

4. Collinson, Catherine. 'Four Generations of Workers Are Preparing for Retirement Amid an Uncertain Future.' Transamerica Institute, 2020. Transamerica Institute.  www.transamericainstitute.org .

5. Collinson, Catherine. 'Employed Workers Are Saving for Retirement, but Many Are Not Saving Enough.' Transamerica Institute, 2021. Transamerica Institute.  www.transamericainstitute.org .

What is the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan?

The Hess 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows Hess employees to save a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.

How does Hess match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Hess matches employee contributions up to a certain percentage of their salary, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.

When can I enroll in the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can enroll in the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan during the initial eligibility period or during the annual open enrollment period.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan?

To be eligible for the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan, employees must be at least 21 years old and have completed a specified period of service with the company.

Can I change my contribution percentage to the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan at any time?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to plan rules.

What investment options are available in the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan?

The Hess 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

Is there a loan option available in the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan allows eligible employees to take loans against their account balance under certain conditions.

What happens to my Hess 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?

If you leave Hess, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the Hess plan, depending on the plan's rules.

How can I access my Hess 401(k) Savings Plan account information?

Employees can access their Hess 401(k) Savings Plan account information online through the plan's designated website or by contacting the plan administrator.

Does Hess offer financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Hess provides financial education resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Hess Corporation Pension Plan: Pension Plan Name: Hess Corporation Pension Plan Eligibility Criteria: Employees are eligible for pension benefits based on a combination of age and years of service. Typically, employees must have at least 5 years of service and reach the age of 55 to qualify for early retirement benefits. Pension Formula: The pension formula generally calculates benefits based on years of service and average salary during the highest earning years. Specific details about the formula can be found in the plan document .2. Hess Corporation 401(k) Plan: 401(k) Plan Name: Hess Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan Eligibility Criteria: Employees are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan upon hire. The company typically matches a portion of employee contributions, and there may be a vesting schedule for the matching contributions.
Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Hess announced a strategic restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency. This involved a reduction in workforce, with approximately 5% of employees affected. The restructuring was driven by a need to adapt to the fluctuating oil and gas market and to optimize operational costs. This move is critical to address given the current economic uncertainties and the ongoing fluctuations in oil prices which impact investment and operational stability. Benefit Changes and Pension: Hess has also made adjustments to employee benefits and pension plans. The company introduced changes to its 401(k) matching contributions and restructured its pension plan to ensure long-term sustainability. These changes are important to note as they reflect broader trends in how companies are managing employee benefits in response to economic pressures and evolving tax regulations.
Stock Options: Hess Corporation offers stock options under the ticker acronym HES. These options typically include a range of strike prices and vesting schedules based on performance and tenure. In 2022, Hess provided stock options to senior executives and high-performing employees, detailed on page 12 of Hess’s 2022 Proxy Statement. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs): Hess Corporation’s RSUs are granted under the same HES acronym. RSUs vest over time or upon meeting specific performance criteria. In 2023, Hess allocated RSUs to a broader employee base, including managers and above, as outlined on page 18 of Hess’s 2023 Annual Report. Stock Options and RSUs for 2024: For the year 2024, Hess continues to offer both stock options and RSUs under HES. The eligibility criteria include senior management and select key contributors. Details for 2024 are specified on page 22 of Hess’s 2024 Proxy Statement.
Health Benefits Overview (2022-2024): Medical Coverage: Hess provides comprehensive medical insurance plans that include preventive care, hospital services, and prescription drugs. Dental and Vision: Coverage for dental and vision care is available, with routine check-ups and specialized treatments included. Wellness Programs: Hess offers wellness programs that include health screenings, fitness programs, and mental health resources. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Employees can use FSAs and HSAs for eligible medical expenses. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Provides confidential counseling services and resources for various personal and professional issues.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Hess at , ; or by calling them at .

https://www.thelayoff.com/ https://www.reuters.com/ https://www.bloomberg.com/asia https://www.ft.com/ https://pensionrights.org/ https://www.benefitnews.com/

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