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6 Retirement Myths Every American Water Works Employee Should Not Fall For!
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With crude oil volatility near 80% and prices spanning $50 to $120 per barrel over the past six months, energy cost uncertainty influences economic conditions across industries. Fleet diesel costs and inflation-driven rate case pressures create indirect but meaningful exposure to sustained crude price swings. For American Water Works 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 American Water Works 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 American Water Works 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 American Water Works 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 American Water Works , 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 American Water Works 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 American Water Works, 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, American Water Works retirement benefits are not set in stone. They are subject to change. For example, the significant changes made to American Water Works’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: American Water Works stock is a good investment
Something American Water Works 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 American Water Works pension and 401(k) plan (if American Water Works 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 American Water Works 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 American Water Works 401(k) account (If American Water Works 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 American Water Works, you may leave some or all of your savings in your American Water Works 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 American Water Works. American Water Works 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, American Water Works provides continued medical coverage to eligible retirees, which can bridge the gap between retirement and Medicare eligibility at age 65 or serve as a supplement to Medicare thereafter. Confirming the service and age requirements for retiree coverage, and understanding your premium contribution, is an important step in building an accurate healthcare cost projection. Coordinating American Water Works's retiree coverage with Medicare Part B and Part D enrollment timing can also reduce duplication and avoid late-enrollment penalties. Connecting your specific American Water Works 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 type of retirement savings plan does American Water Works offer to its employees?
American Water Works offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.
How can employees of American Water Works enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees of American Water Works can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does American Water Works match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, American Water Works provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) plan contributions, subject to certain limits.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the American Water Works 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the American Water Works 401(k) plan is determined by IRS guidelines, which may change annually.
Can employees of American Water Works take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, American Water Works allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan’s terms and conditions.
What investment options are available in the American Water Works 401(k) plan?
The American Water Works 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
When can employees of American Water Works start withdrawing from their 401(k) accounts?
Employees of American Water Works can start withdrawing from their 401(k) accounts at age 59½, or earlier under certain circumstances.
Is there a vesting schedule for employer contributions in the American Water Works 401(k) plan?
Yes, American Water Works has a vesting schedule for employer contributions, which determines how much of the employer match employees are entitled to based on their years of service.
How often can employees of American Water Works change their 401(k) contribution amounts?
Employees of American Water Works can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to plan rules.
Does American Water Works provide educational resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?
Yes, American Water Works provides educational resources and tools to help employees understand their 401(k) plan and make informed investment decisions.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for American Water Works at 1025 Laurel Oak Road Voorhees, NJ 8043; or by calling them at (856) 346-8200.
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