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How Summit Materials Employees Can Navigate the Impact of Inflation on Their Pension Choices

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Rising interest rates also play a large role in the decision of whether Summit Materials 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 Summit Materials.

'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 Summit Materials 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 Summit Materials.

For our Summit Materials 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 Summit Materials 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 type of retirement savings plan does Summit Materials offer?

Summit Materials offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

When can employees at Summit Materials enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Summit Materials can enroll in the 401(k) plan during the initial eligibility period or during the annual open enrollment period.

Is there a company match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan at Summit Materials?

Yes, Summit Materials provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

How much can employees contribute to their 401(k) at Summit Materials?

Employees at Summit Materials can contribute up to the IRS annual limit, which is adjusted periodically. For 2023, the limit is $22,500, with an additional catch-up contribution for those aged 50 and over.

Does Summit Materials offer a Roth 401(k) option?

Yes, Summit Materials offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to make after-tax contributions to their retirement savings.

What investment options are available in the Summit Materials 401(k) plan?

The Summit Materials 401(k) plan provides a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

Can employees at Summit Materials take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, employees at Summit Materials may be eligible to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) balance if I leave Summit Materials?

If you leave Summit Materials, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out, or keep it in the Summit Materials plan if eligible.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) at Summit Materials?

Employees at Summit Materials can change their contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in the Summit Materials 401(k) plan?

Yes, there is a vesting schedule for the company match in the Summit Materials 401(k) plan, which determines how much of the match you own based on your years of service.