New Update: Rising Oil Costs are Affecting Retirement Plans. Will you be impacted?
6 Retirement Myths Every Berry Global Group Employee Should Not Fall For!
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Energy market instability persists, with crude prices fluctuating between $50 and $120 per barrel and annualized volatility running around 80%. The effects reach well beyond the energy sector. The broader economic effects of oil volatility, from inflation to interest rate policy to equity market sentiment, reach well beyond energy companies. Berry Global Group employees should recognize that their retirement portfolios, through index fund allocations and sector exposure, likely move with energy markets more than they realize. Berry Global Group employees building long-term savings should recognize that oil-driven economic conditions can affect both the growth of their portfolios and the purchasing power of their eventual retirement income. A financial advisor can help you build strategies that maintain progress toward retirement goals through periods of energy-driven economic turbulence.
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 Berry Global Group 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 Berry Global Group 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 Berry Global Group 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 Berry Global Group , 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 Berry Global Group 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 Berry Global Group, 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, Berry Global Group retirement benefits are not set in stone. They are subject to change. For example, the significant changes made to Berry Global Group’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: Berry Global Group stock is a good investment
Something Berry Global Group 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 Berry Global Group pension and 401(k) plan (if Berry Global Group 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 Berry Global Group 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 Berry Global Group 401(k) account (If Berry Global Group 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 Berry Global Group, you may leave some or all of your savings in your Berry Global Group 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 Berry Global Group. Without a traditional pension, your 401(k) - alongside Social Security - forms the foundation of your retirement income at Berry Global Group. Berry Global Group may offer a 401(k) employer match - review your Summary Plan Description for current match rate and vesting details. Your overall withdrawal strategy, account sequence, and Roth conversion opportunities leading up to and into retirement deserve careful, personalized analysis given the income-sequencing implications.
On the healthcare side, Berry Global Group 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 Berry Global Group 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 Berry Global Group offer to its employees?
Berry Global Group offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
Does Berry Global Group match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Berry Global Group provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Berry Global Group’s 401(k) plan?
Employees at Berry Global Group are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically 30 days.
How can employees at Berry Global Group enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in Berry Global Group’s 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal.
What types of investment options are available in Berry Global Group’s 401(k) plan?
Berry Global Group offers a variety of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Can employees at Berry Global Group change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to the Berry Global Group 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.
Is there a loan provision in Berry Global Group’s 401(k) plan?
Yes, Berry Global Group allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain conditions and limits.
When can employees at Berry Global Group start withdrawing funds from their 401(k) plan?
Employees can begin withdrawing funds from their Berry Global Group 401(k) plan at age 59½, or earlier under certain circumstances such as financial hardship.
Does Berry Global Group offer financial education resources related to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Berry Global Group provides financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.
Are there any fees associated with Berry Global Group’s 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative and investment fees associated with Berry Global Group’s 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Berry Global Group at 101 Oakley St Evansville, IN 47710; or by calling them at +1 812-424-2904.
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