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

How Benchmark Electronics Employees Can Navigate the Impact of Inflation on Their Pension Choices

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Benchmark Electronics The primary healthcare provider for Benchmark Electronics is UnitedHealthcare. This partnership ensures that employees have access to comprehensive medical coverage options, aligning with your interest in potential healthcare costs. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look ahead to 2026, healthcare consumers are facing a challenging landscape characterized by significant premium increases for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. Nationwide, some states are projected to see hikes exceeding 60% as insurers grapple with high medical costs and the potential loss of enhanced federal subsidies. Estimates suggest that without corrective legislative actions, up to 22 million enrollees could experience out-of-pocket premium increases of over 75%. This scenario may lead to many middle-income Americans facing affordability issues as rising premiums coincide with decreased support, potentially pricing them out of adequate healthcare coverage. Click here to learn more

Rising interest rates also play a large role in the decision of whether Benchmark Electronics employees should take their pension as an annuity or a one-time lump sum payment. As inflation continues to rise, the Fed has responded by gradually increasing interest rates, which decreases the value of future pension payments as well as the lump sum value. This is because the future pension payments are worth less today as the dollar devalues and the higher investment return drives the total present value of the payments down. To show this mathematically, imagine an individual with pension payments of $48,000 annually ($4,000 monthly), a 20-year time horizon, and a 5% interest rate

The present value of all of these payments is worth $598,186, which should roughly be the value of the lump sum payment. With a single percentage increase in interest rates from 5% to 6%, the new present value of the payments is reduced to $550,556, just under an 8% decrease over the old present value. Evidently, rising interest rates negatively affect the present value of future payments so given Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s mention of 2-3 more interest rate hikes this year, the decision of whether to take a lump sum now or later could have a big impact on your retirement from Benchmark Electronics.

'Taking your pension as a lump sum and knowing how to manage your funds to last for your retirement requires hard work.'

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In practicality, taking your pension as a lump sum and knowing how to manage your funds to last for your years of retirement from Benchmark Electronics requires hard work. Figuring out how much to withdraw, when to withdraw, and how much you can spend each year are just a few of the many decisions that are needed to be thought out in order to maximize the benefit of taking your pension as a lump sum. If you don’t take the time to think out these decisions, you could find yourself running out of funds during your years of retirement from Benchmark Electronics.

For our Benchmark Electronics clients who would prefer the safety of a guaranteed stream of income for the rest of their lives, taking the annuity over the lump sum may be the better option for you. With taking your pension as an annuity though, there is no certainty that the company paying your pension will remain in business for the duration of your retirement so you run the risk of receiving smaller pension payments from the PBGC (Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation) in the event that Benchmark Electronics goes under. Both options have their pros and cons and in the end up to you to decide which suits your personal financial situation and lifestyle.

If you are interested in more information about this topic, view our e-book here: https://retirekit.theretirementgroup.com/effects-of-inflation-e-brochure

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Benchmark Electronics?

The 401(k) plan at Benchmark Electronics is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis, helping them prepare for retirement.

Does Benchmark Electronics match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Benchmark Electronics offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.

How can I enroll in the Benchmark Electronics 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Benchmark Electronics 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Benchmark Electronics 401(k) plan?

Employees of Benchmark Electronics are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, as outlined in the plan documents.

Can I change my contribution rate to the Benchmark Electronics 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution rate to the Benchmark Electronics 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's rules and limits.

What investment options are available in the Benchmark Electronics 401(k) plan?

The Benchmark Electronics 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Benchmark Electronics 401(k) plan?

Yes, the employer match in the Benchmark Electronics 401(k) plan may be subject to a vesting schedule, which determines when employees fully own the matched contributions.

Can I take a loan from my Benchmark Electronics 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees may have the option to take a loan against their 401(k) balance in the Benchmark Electronics plan, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What happens to my Benchmark Electronics 401(k) if I leave the company?

If you leave Benchmark Electronics, you have several options for your 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it with Benchmark Electronics.

Are there any fees associated with the Benchmark Electronics 401(k) plan?

Yes, the Benchmark Electronics 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

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

In 2024, Benchmark Electronics announced a significant restructuring plan involving the reduction of its workforce by approximately 10%. The company is also undergoing changes to its employee benefits package, including adjustments to its 401(k) matching contributions.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Benchmark Electronics at 56 South Rockford Dr Tempe, AZ 85281; or by calling them at +1 480-967-2100.