New Update: Rising Oil Costs are Affecting Retirement Plans. Will you be impacted?
6 Retirement Myths Every Alight Employee Should Not Fall For!
/General/General%2010.png?width=1280&height=853&name=General%2010.png)
The sustained volatility in crude oil markets, with prices ranging from $50 to $120 and annualized swings near 80%, creates economic effects that extend far beyond energy companies. Oil price instability feeds into the broader economic environment through transportation costs, manufacturing inputs, and consumer spending power. For Alight employees building long-term financial plans, this means that seemingly unrelated decisions, from 401(k) fund selection to the timing of major purchases, can be influenced by energy market conditions. For Alight employees building retirement savings, oil-driven inflation and market volatility make disciplined saving and diversified allocation more important, as energy cycles can disrupt both portfolio values and purchasing power. In this environment, a financial advisor can help you assess your exposure to oil-driven economic effects and build appropriately diversified strategies.
During our 30+ years helping retirees, the majority have been very excited to start the planning process. However, some have been surprised to find out our recommendations differ from what they have heard elsewhere.
This is because there’s a lot of misinformation swirling around. As a fiduciary, we are legally obligated to serve your best interests at all times. So, we can tell you achieving the retirement you desire is not going to happen if you’re sidetracked by myths and false information.
That's why we aim to debunk the top six retirement myths that Alight employees may have heard. Our goal is to help you start building the retirement of your dreams today.
Myth #1: If I receive a pension, I do not have to make any decisions regarding my pension.
If Alight offers you a defined-benefit plan, your pension is primarily the responsibility of the company. However, that doesn’t mean you just wait for a check in the mail once you retire. You have major decisions to make.
If offered a pension, employees can potentially elect to receive a monthly payout like a traditional pension or they could convert their pension into a one-time lump-sum benefit, which can be subsequently rolled over into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) and then controlled by the retiree.
So, monthly or lump-sum pension?
Each payout has its own set of pros and cons. Deciding which option is most appropriate for you involves many factors. Deciding which option is most appropriate for you involves many factors. It is best done with the help of a professional, who can incorporate all aspects of your financial life – Social Security, 401(k), real estate, and inheritance into your decision.
Further, married Alight employees may have survivor benefit options to consider. At retirement, it is possible that you have multiple survivor options to choose from for the monthly pension, but these are only available for a qualified spouse.
Myth #2: If I receive a pension from Alight , Social Security becomes less important.
Social Security will likely be one of your primary sources of retirement income. And just like your pension, you should carefully consider how best to use it based on your personal needs.
The size of your Social Security benefit is greatly determined by your age when you claim. You can receive your full Social Security retirement benefit upon reaching your Full Retirement Age, which is age 66 or 67, depending on your date of birth. But you can claim a permanently reduced benefit as early as age 62. Delaying Social Security until age 70 entitles you to a higher benefit of up to 8% per year. A benefit at age 70 will be 76-77% higher than the payout if you start at age 62.
Ultimately, factors such as your other income sources, marital status and health should guide your decision, not just when you can get the biggest Social Security paycheck.
Myth #3: When I retire from Alight doesn’t matter
No, no, no. When you retire has a major effect on the quality of your retirement.
For one, years of service is one of the primary factors in your pension calculation. Generally, the longer you work at Alight, the higher your pension. Your pension is also impacted by interest rates, which fluctuate. When rates are lowered, lump-sum pension payouts are increased, and vice versa.
Plus, Alight retirement benefits are not set in stone. They are subject to change. For example, the significant changes made to Alight’s pension calculation, health care subsidies and retiree health insurance.
You may find that it is more financially advantageous to retire sooner or later than your desired retirement date.
Myth #4: Alight stock is a good investment
Something Alight employees should be aware of is that we commonly see employees invest an excessive amount of their 401(k) in their company’s stock. While it can be rewarding to own a piece of a respected company, it may be risky from a retirement planning perspective.
Firstly, most of your financial life becomes dependent on the performance of one company. That includes your current income and retirement income from the Alight pension and 401(k) plan (if Alight offers these to you). Such a high concentration of your financial well-being in a single company is risky. Secondly, a single stock can be riskier and more volatile than a mutual fund or the broader stock market. Therefore, the greater amount of Alight stock you have in your 401(k), the more you can expect your investment return to fluctuate.
It’s more appropriate to diversify the investment choices in your Alight 401(k) account (If Alight offers you a 401K). That means selling your company stock and investing in mutual funds. The right mix of funds depends on your specific needs, goals and level of risk you’re comfortable with.
Myth #5: It’s better to leave my 401(k) with my company.
Upon leaving Alight, you may leave some or all of your savings in your Alight 401(k) account (If this is offered to you). However, there are a variety of benefits to rolling over your 401(k) to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). These include greater investment choices, greater withdrawal flexibility, more withholding options, and professional management by an advisor of your choosing.
When done properly, no tax applies to the rollover. One area of your 401(k) that provides no flexibility is tax withholdings.Every withdrawal is subject to a mandatory 20% federal tax plus applicable state taxes.
Myth #6: Medicare will cover my medical expenses
One of the biggest expenses for most people in retirement is health care. Taking the time to review your options can help you plan accordingly and avoid large out-of-pocket costs that could derail your retirement.
Once you turn 65 you are Medicare-eligible You and your Medicare-eligible dependents are required to enroll in Medicare Part A (hospital benefits) and Part B (doctor benefits). These two parts cover about 80% of health care benefits for individuals, so it’s important to consider your supplemental coverage options.
That same shift from growing assets to drawing them down applies directly to the pension decisions in front of you at Alight. Alight maintains an active defined benefit pension plan, meaning eligible employees continue to accrue benefits based on years of service and compensation. If you are eligible for a lump sum payout, IRS Section 417(e) segment rates determine how the future annuity stream converts to a present-value payment - rising rates compress the lump sum, so monitoring the plan's stability period and lookback month is critical before you lock in your election date. The choice between a single-life annuity, a joint-and-survivor option, or a lump sum (where available) is generally irrevocable once made, and timing that decision relative to interest rate conditions can meaningfully affect your retirement income picture.
On the healthcare side, Alight does not offer continued medical coverage to retirees, which means coverage through the company ends when employment does. Planning for the cost of health insurance during any gap between your retirement date and Medicare eligibility at age 65 is a critical step - marketplace coverage, COBRA continuation, or a spouse's employer plan are common options. Building an accurate estimate of bridge-coverage costs into your retirement income projection prevents underestimating one of the largest variable expenses retirees face. Connecting your specific Alight benefits situation to a comprehensive retirement income plan - and understanding how each component interacts - gives you the most complete picture of what retirement will look like.
What is the primary purpose of Alight's 401(k) Savings Plan?
The primary purpose of Alight's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement through tax-advantaged contributions.
How can Alight employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Alight employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the benefits department for assistance.
Does Alight provide a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Alight offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan to encourage employees to save for their retirement.
What types of investment options are available in Alight's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Alight's 401(k) Savings Plan includes a variety of investment options, such as mutual funds, target-date funds, and stable value funds.
Can Alight employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Alight employees can change their contribution percentage at any time by accessing their account online or contacting HR.
What is the minimum age requirement to participate in Alight's 401(k) Savings Plan?
The minimum age requirement to participate in Alight's 401(k) Savings Plan is typically 21 years old.
Are there any fees associated with Alight's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Alight's 401(k) Savings Plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
How often can Alight employees make changes to their investment allocations in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Alight employees can typically make changes to their investment allocations in the 401(k) Savings Plan on a quarterly basis or as specified in the plan guidelines.
What happens to Alight employees' 401(k) Savings Plan when they leave the company?
When Alight employees leave the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) savings into an IRA or a new employer's plan, or they may cash out their account, subject to taxes and penalties.
Is there a loan option available within Alight's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Alight's 401(k) Savings Plan may offer a loan option, allowing employees to borrow against their savings under certain conditions.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Alight at 4 Overlook Point Lincolnshire, IL 60069; or by calling them at (224) 737-7000.
Help shape our next stories
Choose the topics you’d love to read more about. Your input helps us focus on content that matters to you.