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Crafting Your Legacy: Essential Estate Planning Tips for General Electric Employees

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for General Electric General Electric (GE) employees typically have access to healthcare coverage through their employer-sponsored health plans. One of the prominent providers for GE is Cigna Healthcare, which offers a range of health insurance plans including medical, dental, and vision coverage tailored to accommodate GE employees. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, General Electric employees should brace for significant increases in healthcare costs. With insurance companies projecting premium hikes up to 66% in certain states, coupled with the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, many workers could see their out-of-pocket expenses soar. A survey revealed that over half of employers plan to raise deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, making it essential for GE employees to review their benefit options early and strategize for the rising costs. Failing to adapt could result in substantially higher healthcare spending for families at a time when affordability is more critical than ever. Click here to learn more

Benefits of a will:

  •  Distributes property  according to your  wishes
  •  Names an executor to  settle your estate
  •  Names a guardian for  minor children 
  • Can create a trust

You've worked hard with General Electric over the years to accumulate wealth, and you probably find it comforting to know that after your death the assets you leave behind will continue to be a source of support for your family, friends, and the causes that are important to you. However, we'd like to remind our clients from General Electric that to ensure your legacy reaches your heirs as you intend, you must make the proper arrangements now. There are four basic ways to leave a legacy: (1) by will, (2) by trust, (3) by beneficiary designation, and (4) by joint ownership arrangements.

Wills

A will is the cornerstone of any estate plan. We suggest that our General Electric clients have a will no matter how much their estate is worth, even if they've implemented other estate planning strategies. You can leave the property by will in two ways: making specific bequests and making general bequests. A specific bequest directs a particular piece of property to a particular person ('I leave Aunt Martha's diamond broach to my niece, Jen'). A general bequest is typically a percentage of property or property that is left over after all specific bequests have been made.

Typically, principal heirs receive general bequests ('I leave all the rest of my property to my wife, Jane'). With a will, you can generally leave any type of property to whomever you wish, with some exceptions, including:

  • Property will pass according to a beneficiary designation even if you name a different beneficiary for the same property in your will
  • Property owned jointly with rights of survivorship passes directly to the joint owner
  • Property in a trust passes according to the terms of the trust
  • Your surviving spouse has a right to a statutory share (e.g., 50%) of your property, regardless of what you leave him or her in your will
  • Children may have inheritance rights in certain states

Caution:  Leaving property outright to minor children is problematic. You should name a custodian or property guardian, or use a trust.

Trusts

Another option we'd like to point out to our General Electric employees is to leave property to their heirs using a trust. Trust property passes directly to the trust beneficiaries according to the trust terms. There are two basic types of trusts: (1) living or revocable, and (2) irrevocable. Living trusts are very flexible because you can change the terms of the trust (e.g., rename beneficiaries) and the property in the trust at any time. You can even change your mind by taking your property back and ending the trust.

An irrevocable trust, on the other hand, can only be changed or ended by its terms. This can be useful for our General Electric clients who want to minimize estate taxes or protect their property from potential creditors. You create a trust by executing a document called a trust agreement (we suggest these General Electric clients have an attorney draft any type of trust to be sure it accomplishes what they want).

A trust can't distribute property it does not own, so you must also transfer ownership of your property to the name of the trust. Properties without ownership documentation (e.g., jewelry, tools, furniture) are transferred to a trust by listing the items on a trust schedule. Property with ownership documents must be re-titled or re-registered. You must also name a trustee to administer the trust and manage the trust property. With a living trust, you can name yourself trustee, but you'll need to name a successor trustee who'll transfer the property to your heirs after your death.

Tip:  A living trust is also a good way to protect your property in case you become incapacitated.

 

While property that  passes by will is subject

to probate, property that  passes by a trust,

beneficiary designation,  or joint ownership

arrangement bypasses  probate.

 

Beneficiary Designations

Property that is contractual in nature, such as life insurance, annuities, and retirement accounts, passes to heirs by beneficiary designation. Typically, all you have to do is fill out a form and sign it. Beneficiaries can be persons or entities, such as a charity or a trust, and you can name multiple beneficiaries to share the proceeds. You should name primary and contingent beneficiaries.

Caution:  You shouldn't name minor children as beneficiaries. You can, however, name a guardian to receive the proceeds for the benefit of the minor child.

We suggest that these General Electric clients consider the income and estate tax ramifications for their heirs and their estate when naming a beneficiary. For example, proceeds your beneficiaries receive from life insurance are generally not subject to income tax, while your beneficiaries will have to pay income tax on proceeds received from tax-deferred retirement plans (e.g., traditional IRAs).

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These General Electric clients should check with a financial planning professional to determine whether their beneficiary designations will have the desired results. Be sure to re-evaluate your beneficiary designations when your circumstances change (e.g., marriage, divorce, death of beneficiary). You can't change the beneficiary with your will or a trust. You must fill out and sign a new beneficiary designation form.

Caution:  Some beneficiaries can't be changed. For example, a divorce decree may stipulate that an ex-spouse will receive the proceeds.

Tip:  Certain bank accounts and investments also allow you to name someone to receive the asset at your death.

Joint Ownership Arrangements

Two (or more) persons can own property equally, and at the death of one, the other becomes the sole owner. This type of ownership is called joint tenancy with rights of survivorship (JTWRS). A JTWRS arrangement between spouses is known as tenancy by the entirety in certain states, and a handful of states have a form of joint ownership known as community property.

Caution:  There is another type of joint ownership called tenancy in common where there is no right of survivorship. Property held as tenancy in common will not pass to a joint owner automatically, although you can leave your interest in the property to your heirs in your will.

You may find joint ownership arrangements are useful and convenient with some types of property, but may not be desirable with all of your property. For example, having a joint checking account ensures that, upon your death, an heir will have immediate access to needed cash. And owning an out-of-state residence jointly (e.g., a vacation home) can avoid an ancillary probate process in that state. But it may not be practical to own property jointly where frequent transactions are involved (e.g., your investment portfolio or business assets) because you may need the joint owner's approval and signature for each transaction.

There are some other disadvantages to joint ownership arrangements, including: (1) your co-owner has immediate access to your property, (2) naming someone who is not your spouse as co-owner may trigger gift tax consequences, and (3) if the co-owner has debt problems, creditors may go after the co-owner's share.

Caution:  Unlike with most other types of property, a co-owner of your checking or savings account can withdraw the entire balance without your knowledge or consent.

 

 

 

 

What is the primary purpose of General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The primary purpose of General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary into a tax-advantaged account.

How can employees of General Electric enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees of General Electric can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the company’s benefits portal and following the enrollment instructions provided there.

Does General Electric offer matching contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, General Electric offers matching contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.

What types of investment options are available in General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan?

General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan typically offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.

When can employees of General Electric start contributing to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees of General Electric can start contributing to the 401(k) Savings Plan after they have completed their eligibility requirements, which usually include a waiting period.

What is the maximum contribution limit for General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The maximum contribution limit for General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan is subject to IRS regulations and may change annually. Employees should refer to the latest IRS guidelines for the current limit.

Can employees of General Electric take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, General Electric allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to certain conditions and limits set by the plan.

How does General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan handle employee contributions?

General Electric's 401(k) Savings Plan allows employees to set a percentage of their salary to be automatically deducted and contributed to their retirement account.

What happens to the 401(k) Savings Plan if an employee leaves General Electric?

If an employee leaves General Electric, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) Savings Plan balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the plan if permitted.

Is there a vesting period for General Electric's matching contributions in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, General Electric has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own those contributions.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
General Electric offers both a traditional defined benefit pension plan and a defined contribution 401(k) plan. The defined benefit plan provides retirement income based on years of service and final average pay. The 401(k) plan features company matching contributions and various investment options, including target-date funds and mutual funds. GE has frozen its defined benefit pension plan for new hires, shifting towards enhancing the defined contribution plan. Employees have access to financial planning tools and resources.
GE is continuing its restructuring efforts, which include significant layoffs and divestitures to streamline operations. The company is enhancing its retirement benefits, including 401(k) plans with company match and improved healthcare options. Staying knowledgeable about these benefits is crucial in the current political climate.
General Electric grants RSUs that vest over several years, giving employees shares upon vesting. They also provide stock options, allowing employees to buy shares at a set price.
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