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Exploring Immediate Annuities: A Comprehensive Guide for Genuine Parts Employees to Navigate Retirement Income Options

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Genuine Parts: Genuine Parts Company, primarily known for its automotive replacement parts, benefits from its association with several healthcare providers, but its specific health insurance options are not publicly detailed. Generally, employees are likely covered under major national providers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, or Aetna, which offer group health plans as part of their employee benefits. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: Healthcare consumers can anticipate significant premium hikes in 2026, driven by the looming expiration of enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Reports indicate that many states could see premiums increase by as much as 66%, with average national hikes exceeding 20%. These increases stem from soaring medical costs and projected double-digit rate adjustments proposed by major insurers, putting additional financial strain on millions of Americans reliant on marketplace plans. If not addressed, this combination of factors could push some consumers' out-of-pocket healthcare expenses up by 75% or more, effectively pricing many individuals out of adequate coverage. Click here to learn more

What Is an Immediate Annuity?

While there are many variations of immediate annuities, the basic terms are simple: you give a single lump-sum of money to an annuity issuer (an insurance company) which pays you a fixed income for a fixed period of time or for the rest of your life or for the joint lives of you and another. Immediate annuities appeal to those investors who want a guaranteed income they cannot outlive.

Caution: Guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the annuity issuer.

Who Should Consider an Immediate Annuity?

An immediate annuity can be a useful financial tool. Genuine Parts employees may want to speak to a financial professional about immediate annuities if:

You want a stream of income you cannot outlive.
You have a sum of money that you would like to turn into a regular source of income and aren't interested in leaving the money to your heirs. If you want to leave a portion of the money as a legacy, an immediate annuity may not be a good choice. However, the guaranteed income furnished by an immediate annuity may replace income provided by other assets, allowing those other assets to be left as a legacy.
You are uncomfortable with investments that have a significant risk of loss. Financial professionals reason that with proper planning, most retirees can make their savings last until they die without buying an immediate annuity. However, to do this, you may have to invest at least some of your savings in equity investments. If subjecting your money to the risk of loss associated with investing in equities does not appeal to you, an immediate annuity provides a way to transfer that risk to an insurance company. While the income guaranteed by the immediate annuity is subject to the claims-paying ability of the annuity issuer, the immediate annuity payments are not subject to stock market risk.
You expect to live for a long time. If you're healthy and have longevity in your family, an immediate annuity may be an appropriate choice for you.

Strengths

Some of the benefits of immediate annuities are:

Security and safety. An immediate annuity can provide a guaranteed income stream you can never outlive. If lifetime income is needed for a specific duration, an immediate annuity can provide guaranteed income payments for a fixed period of time.
Simplicity. You do not have to manage or worry about your investments, watch markets, report interest or dividends.
Tax treatment. Due to the exclusion ratio applied to determine that portion of your income payments which you treat as ordinary income, a portion of the payments you receive are treated as a return of your investment and are not treated as ordinary income.

Caution: Guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the annuity issuer.

Tradeoffs

If you chose a life-only payout option, you may not live long enough to receive a return on all of your investment. If payments end at your death, the lack of income could adversely affect your family.
You relinquish control over the money you use to pay the immediate annuity premium. Should you need a large sum due to illness or another emergency, you may not be able to access it. Consider carefully the available immediate annuity options.

Tip: Some annuity issuers allow you to accelerate payments due to poor health, or you may be able to receive a lump sum (commuted payment) during certain periods of time and for specified amounts. These options may be available for an additional charge depending on the issuer.

Your immediate annuity payments may not keep up with your spending needs or inflation. Since immediate annuities are not designed for maximum investment return, you may find that alternative investments pay a potentially higher yield for the same investment, but have a proportionately higher risk.

Tip: Genuine Parts employees should c ompare the potential risk of loss to the alternative investment due to adverse market conditions against the guaranteed income paid from the immediate annuity, regardless of market conditions.

Caution: Guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the annuity issuer.

How Does an Immediate Annuity Work?

As the name implies, an immediate annuity begins to pay you a stream of income immediately. The amount of income you receive is based on a number of factors. First, immediate annuity payments are computed using actuarial tables. These tables take into account the annuitant's life expectancy. It's the annuitant’s life that determines the timing and amount of the payments. Often, the annuity owner is also the annuitant, but not always. In the case of joint and survivor annuity options, an actuarial table using both the annuitant's age and the designated survivor's age is applied to calculate the amount of the periodic payments.

Second, the payments are based on the underlying interest rate the annuity issuer pays on the premium. The higher the interest rate, the higher the annuity payment will be.

Third, immediate annuity payments are determined according to the distribution option you chose. Longer payout periods, such as payments for life, will usually yield smaller payments than shorter, fixed payout periods, such as five or ten years.

A Note About Variable Annuities

Variable annuities are long-term investments suitable for retirement funding and are subject to market fluctuations and investment risk including the possibility of loss of principal. Variable annuities contain fees and charges including, but not limited to mortality and expense risk charges, sales and surrender (early withdrawal) charges, administrative fees and charges for optional benefits and riders.

Caution: Variable annuities are sold by prospectus. Genuine Parts employees should consider the investment objectives, risk, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus, which contains this and other information about the variable annuity, can be obtained from the insurance company issuing the variable annuity, or from your financial professional. You should read the prospectus carefully before you invest.

Caution: Certain riders and options relating to immediate annuities may be available for an additional fee or charge, depending on the issuer. Genuine Parts employees should read the annuity's prospectus or contract for a description of the available options and associated fees and charges, if any.

Immediate Annuity Payout Options

Life Only Annuity Option

This option provides a guaranteed income for life. The income payments stop on the annuitant's death. While this option will generally yield larger payments, it is possible you may not live long enough to receive the return of all of your original investment.

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Installment Refund Annuity Option

If you are concerned about not living long enough to receive all of your investment back, this option provides an alternative. The annuity issuer not only guarantees payments for the annuitant’s life, but it also guarantees that the total of these payments will never be less than the premium you paid to the annuity issuer. If the annuitant dies before your original investment is repaid, the beneficiary you name in the annuity contract will continue to receive payments until the full amount of your investment is paid back.

Cash Refund Annuity Option

This option is very similar to the installment refund option except that if the total annuity payments received are less than the premium you paid, your beneficiary will receive the balance of your original premium in a lump sum (as opposed to periodic payments).

Life Annuity with Period Certain Option

With this option, the annuity issuer does not guarantee the return on your investment, rather it guarantees a minimum period of time during which payments will be made. If the annuitant dies prior to the end of the specified period you selected (usually between 5 and 50 years), the payments will continue to be made to your beneficiary for the remainder of the period, but no longer.

Joint and Survivor Annuity Options

This option provides a guaranteed income for as long as either joint annuitant is alive. When either annuitant dies, payments continue to be made for the life of the surviving annuitant. You can elect that these 'survivor' payments remain the same, or be reduced to a percentage of the original payment, such as two-thirds. The joint and survivor option can also be added to the life with period certain option. In this case, the annuity issuer will make payments until both annuitants have died or for the period of time you selected, whichever is longer.

Joint and Contingent Survivor Annuity Option

This option provides a guaranteed income for as long as you or your joint contingent annuitant lives. If you, the primary annuitant, die first, payments will continue. However, they will decrease to 50 percent of the original payment amount. If the joint contingent annuitant dies first, annuity payments will continue to be received, without reduction, but only for the remainder of your life.

Period Certain Annuity Option

Instead of making payments for the life(s) of the annuitant(s), this option provides a guaranteed payment for the period of time you specify (i.e., 5, 10, 15 or 20 years). If you die prior to the end of this period, your beneficiary will continue to receive payments for the remainder of the fixed period.

Other Immediate Annuity Options

Cost of Living Adjustment (Inflation) Rider

This rider reduces the initial payment you would receive from the immediate annuity without the rider, but payments increase by one to five percent annually thereafter. This rider is intended to offset the effects of inflation on the income payments received.

Impaired Risk (Medically Underwritten) Rider

This option may be added to an immediate annuity or it may be sold as a separate immediate annuity. If you have a medical condition that reduces your “actuarial” life expectancy, the impaired risk rider allows you to receive a larger income payment for the same premium or the same income payment for a lower premium payment, based on your older, “actuarial” age as opposed to your actual age.

Commuted Payout Rider

This rider allows you to withdraw a lump sum from your immediate annuity in addition to the payments already being received. This option usually is available for a limited period of time and may be limited to a maximum dollar amount and/or a maximum percentage of the premium you paid to the annuity issuer.

Variable Payments

This option allows you to withdraw a larger sum than your regular payment at certain times (for instance on the anniversary of your purchase).

Variable Immediate Annuity

Variable immediate annuities offer a variety of investment options, called subaccounts. Your immediate annuity payments can increase or decrease in value depending on the performance of these subaccounts.

Immediate Annuity Strategies

While most financial professionals suggest that you do not devote all of your savings to an immediate annuity, there are many strategies involving immediate annuities that may prove useful to you.

Fund Long-Term Care or Life Insurance Premiums

Many people have the need for long-term care and/or life insurance, although many of these same people will not purchase either type of insurance primarily because of its cost. For our clients from Genuine Parts that have an asset, such as a CD, stock, or mutual fund, which they do not intend to use or spend, we suggest that Genuine Parts client consider liquidating that asset and investing it in a single premium immediate annuity. You can use the annuity payments to pay the premium cost of long-term care insurance, life insurance, or both. The amount of the immediate annuity payments will be based on your age, the premium paid to purchase the immediate annuity, and the payment option you select. This strategy allows you to convert an unused asset to one which is needed.

Provide Income for a Child with Special Needs or a Spendthrift

Some families must care for a child with special needs. Providing financial support for the child after you die is very important. Investing some of your estate proceeds in an immediate annuity can ensure a steady flow of income for the child’s benefit for his/her entire lifetime.

What if you'd like to leave your child an inheritance comparable in value to your other children, but you fear that the child will squander or misuse his inheritance to his/her detriment? An immediate annuity can be used to control the flow of income to the spendthrift child.

In either case, you can direct in your will or trust that at your death, a specified amount of cash be used to purchase an immediate annuity for the benefit of your child. Frequently, the annuity income will be paid into a special type of trust, usually established at your death. This 'special needs trust' (or supplemental needs trust) is an estate planning tool that can help you provide for the needs of a disabled individual without jeopardizing his or her eligibility for government benefits. A spendthrift trust protects a trust beneficiary from creditors or other parties (e.g., a divorcing spouse). A spendthrift trust specifically prevents the beneficiary from transferring his or her interest which may eliminate the ability of a creditor from accessing the interest. Thus, immediate annuity payments within the trust are protected from most claims of the beneficiary's creditors. A qualified attorney can help you establish and administer these types of trust.

Caution: Spendthrift trusts are not valid in all states.

The Split Annuity Strategy

This strategy is intended to provide a dependable income with principal preservation. It uses a lump sum of money, a portion of which is invested in a single premium fixed-term immediate annuity with the balance invested in a single premium deferred annuity. The immediate annuity pays you a fixed amount over a specified period of time. The deferred annuity grows on a fixed interest basis, with the goal being that by the time the immediate annuity payments end, the deferred annuity will be fully restored to your original starting principal. You can then restart the process with prevailing interest rates or re-evaluate your Genuine Parts retirement and investment strategy as needed.

The split annuity concept is useful as an asset management tool when fixed or regular payments need to be made over a set period of time. For example, the immediate annuity payments of the split annuity can be used to make payments on a mortgage, while the deferred annuity is simultaneously growing back to the original amount of your total investment.

Also, a split-annuity strategy can be used in retirement to generate an immediate, steady income stream while preserving some retirement savings for the future. The deferred annuity is intended to grow to reach the original amount of your investment; however, if you need to dip into your principal, most deferred annuities allow some penalty-free withdrawals.

Tax Treatment of Immediate Annuities

Payments received from a non-qualified annuity are divided into two parts: a non-taxable portion that represents the return of capital and a taxable portion that represents the earnings on the annuity. It's important for Genuine Parts employees to note that, as a result, only a portion (i.e., the portion representing premiums paid) is excluded from your gross income. The portion of each annuity payment that is excludable is determined by multiplying each payment by an exclusion ratio. The fixed annuity exclusion ratio equals:

your investment in the contract ÷ expected return = exclusion ratio.

Example: You have a fixed immediate annuity that pays you $200 a month for 20 years. Your expected return is $200/month x 20 years x 12 months/year = $48,000. If you have an investment in the contract of $24,000, your exclusion ratio is $24,000/$48,000 = 50 percent. As a result, 50 percent of each $200 payment ($100) is excludable from your gross income. The rest of the payment ($100) is treated as ordinary income.

Caution: The rules are different for variable immediate annuities. Since variable immediate annuity payments fluctuate in value, it is impossible to estimate the expected return at the starting date of the annuity. Typically, the excludable portion is determined by dividing the amount you invested in the immediate annuity by the number of years over which it is anticipated the annuity will be paid. This calculation may vary depending on the annuitization option (i.e. life only, period certain, etc.) chosen.

Estate Taxation of Immediate Annuities

If you select a single life-only payment option, your annuity payments stop at your death. There are no estate tax implications because no part of the annuity is transferred.

If you buy a joint and survivor immediate annuity, at the death of one of the joint annuitants, payments will continue for the remaining life of the surviving annuitant. However, the value of the joint and survivor immediate annuity that the deceased annuitant paid for will be includable in the estate of the deceased annuitant. The amount included is the amount the same annuity issuer would charge the survivor for a single life annuity as of the date of the first annuitant’s death. If the joint annuitant is the surviving spouse, the interest qualifies for the marital deduction. In addition, the surviving joint annuitant receives an income tax deduction for any estate tax attributable to the annuity.

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What benefits does the GPC Pension Plan provide to employees of Genuine Parts Company, and how are these benefits calculated for both Group 1 and Group 2 employees? In the context of Genuine Parts Company, what are the critical factors that determine the pension benefits for employees and how have recent changes to the plan affected these calculations?

The benefits of the GPC Pension Plan for Genuine Parts Company employees are calculated based on the employee’s Final Average Monthly Earnings (FAME) and years of Credited Service. For Group 1 employees, benefits are frozen as of December 31, 2013, with the FAME calculated from the five highest-paid years within the last ten years of service before that date. For Group 2 employees, benefits are similarly frozen as of December 31, 2008, and the same calculation of FAME is applied using the highest earnings before that freeze date(Genuine Parts Company_P…).

How do the eligibility requirements of the GPC Pension Plan differ between Group 1 and Group 2 employees at Genuine Parts Company? Additionally, what specific service requirements must employees meet to qualify for the benefits under each group, particularly considering the impact of employment history and rehire status on benefits?

Eligibility requirements differ between Group 1 and Group 2 employees. Group 1 includes employees with Rule of 70 status, who opted to continue participation in the plan after January 1, 2009. Group 2 employees, which include those rehired before December 31, 2013, had their Credited Service frozen earlier in 2008. Group 1 employees have Credited Service frozen as of December 31, 2013, while Group 2’s freeze date is December 31, 2008(Genuine Parts Company_P…).

What strategies can employees of Genuine Parts Company consider for optimizing their pension benefits when transitioning to retirement? Are there specific actions that employees should take prior to retirement to enhance their benefit calculations under the GPC Pension Plan, particularly in relation to Credited Service and Final Average Monthly Earnings?

To optimize pension benefits, Genuine Parts Company employees should focus on maximizing Credited Service and Final Average Monthly Earnings (FAME). Ensuring a full work history before the freeze date (2013 for Group 1, 2008 for Group 2) can enhance the benefit calculation. Employees can also review their Social Security benefit estimates, which are considered in calculating their pension(Genuine Parts Company_P…).

How does the vesting process work for employees participating in the GPC Pension Plan at Genuine Parts Company, and what implications does it have for those contemplating early retirement? Furthermore, how does the ability to vest at different service intervals specifically impact the retirement planning of employees?

The vesting process for the GPC Pension Plan requires employees to accumulate vesting service years, which continues even after the freeze date. Employees are automatically fully vested after seven years of service, or if they worked at least one hour after December 31, 2013. Vesting ensures the right to the earned pension benefits, which may affect retirement planning, especially for those contemplating early retirement(Genuine Parts Company_P…).

What information should Genuine Parts Company employees know about the different forms of payment available under the GPC Pension Plan once they reach retirement age? How do options such as life annuities and lump-sum payments affect the overall financial planning for retiring employees?

Genuine Parts Company employees can choose from various forms of pension payments upon retirement, including life annuities, joint and survivor annuities, and lump-sum payments. Each option affects financial planning differently: life annuities provide steady income, while lump sums offer flexibility but require careful management to ensure long-term financial stability(Genuine Parts Company_P…).

In the event of a termination of employment, what options are available for employees of Genuine Parts Company to access their pension benefits under the GPC Pension Plan? Additionally, what are the specific procedures that employees must follow to ensure they receive their benefits in a timely manner?

In the event of termination, employees who are vested can access their pension benefits, either at their normal retirement age or earlier if they meet the eligibility criteria for early retirement. Employees must submit a request within 180 days of their termination date to receive benefits, with options for lump sum payments for amounts under $75,000(Genuine Parts Company_P…)(Genuine Parts Company_P…).

How can employees of Genuine Parts Company ensure that their beneficiaries are appropriately named under the GPC Pension Plan? What considerations should employees keep in mind when designating beneficiaries, particularly understanding consent needs for spouses and the impact of domestic relations orders?

Genuine Parts Company employees should ensure their beneficiaries are properly named, particularly if married. A spouse is the default beneficiary, but spousal consent is required if an employee designates someone else. Domestic relations orders may also affect beneficiary designations(Genuine Parts Company_P…).

What unique situations might affect the pension benefits of employees at Genuine Parts Company, and how does the plan specifically address employees on military leave or long-term disability? In these circumstances, what communication strategies should employees employ to navigate their benefits?

For employees on military leave or long-term disability, the GPC Pension Plan provides special rules for calculating benefits. These employees should maintain close communication with the Employee Service Center to ensure their benefits are appropriately adjusted(Genuine Parts Company_P…).

Regarding the reporting and update of personal information, why is it essential for employees of Genuine Parts Company to keep the GPC Employee Service Center informed about any changes in marital status or address? How can failure to report these changes potentially impact the pension benefits they receive?

Employees must keep the GPC Employee Service Center informed of any changes in marital status or address, as failure to do so could result in delayed or incorrect pension benefit payments(Genuine Parts Company_P…).

How can employees at Genuine Parts Company reach out for further clarification on the details presented in the Summary Plan Description of the GPC Pension Plan? What resources or contact points are available that could assist in navigating the complexities of the pension plan, ensuring employees can maximize their benefits effectively?

Genuine Parts Company employees can reach out to the GPC Retirement Plan Services through their toll-free number or website for clarification on the pension plan details. These resources are crucial for navigating the complexities of the pension system(Genuine Parts Company_P…).

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

Pension Plan Name of the Pension Plan: Genuine Parts Company Defined Benefit Pension Plan Years of Service and Age Qualification: Employees generally need to have at least 5 years of service to qualify for benefits. Full benefits typically begin at age 65, but early retirement options may be available with reduced benefits. Pension Formula: The pension is calculated based on a formula that takes into account the employee's years of service and average salary over the highest-paid years. 401(k) Plan Name of the 401(k) Plan: Genuine Parts Company 401(k) Plan Eligibility: Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing 30 days of service. 401(k) Plan Details: The plan allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary to a tax-deferred account, with potential company matching contributions.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, Genuine Parts announced a significant restructuring initiative aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency. This restructuring plan includes the reduction of approximately 5% of its workforce across various divisions. This move is expected to help the company better adapt to market fluctuations and optimize its operational costs. The restructuring reflects broader industry trends as companies adapt to evolving economic pressures and changing market dynamics.

Genuine Parts Company (GPC) Stock Options and RSUs in 2022 GPC offered stock options and RSUs to executives and key employees as part of their compensation package. The stock options typically included a strike price set at market value at the grant date. RSUs granted by GPC generally vested over a period of three to four years, with the exact vesting schedule specified in individual agreements. Genuine Parts Company (GPC) Stock Options and RSUs in 2023 In 2023, GPC continued to offer stock options and RSUs to their management team and senior employees. The stock options were often part of performance-based compensation. The RSUs were allocated with a focus on aligning employee incentives with company performance, typically vesting in tranches over a multi-year period. Genuine Parts Company (GPC) Stock Options and RSUs in 2024 For 2024, GPC maintained its stock option and RSU programs, enhancing the benefits for senior executives and select high-performing employees. The company adjusted the vesting criteria and performance metrics for RSUs to reflect the company's strategic goals and market conditions.

1. Official Website and Key Benefits Information Genuine Parts Company Official Website Visit: Genuine Parts Careers Review sections on employee benefits and health plans. Look for specific healthcare-related terms and acronyms. Key Terms and Acronyms: HDHP: High Deductible Health Plan HSA: Health Savings Account EAP: Employee Assistance Program FSA: Flexible Spending Account PPO: Preferred Provider Organization HMO: Health Maintenance Organization Recent Updates: Genuine Parts Company offers comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision plans. They also provide wellness programs and access to telemedicine services. 2. Reliable Sources and Recent Employee Healthcare News a. Glassdoor Search for Genuine Parts Company’s benefits reviews. Look for employee feedback on healthcare coverage and recent changes. b. Indeed Check employee reviews and Q&A sections for insights into health benefits. c. LinkedIn Explore company posts and employee discussions about health benefits. d. BenefitsPro Look for articles or reports on Genuine Parts Company’s health benefits updates and changes. e. Business Insider Search for news articles related to recent changes in health benefits or related employee programs at Genuine Parts. 3. Summary of Findings Healthcare Plans: Genuine Parts offers a range of health insurance options including PPO and HDHP plans, with contributions to HSAs and FSAs. They also provide access to preventive care and wellness programs. Recent Changes: Recent updates to their health benefits have included enhancements to telemedicine services and expanded mental health support through EAP programs. Employee Feedback: Employees generally appreciate the comprehensive coverage but have noted that premium costs and deductibles can be high.