New Update: Rising Oil Costs are Affecting Retirement Plans. Will you be impacted?
6 Retirement Myths Every Brunswick 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. Even for companies outside the energy sector, sustained crude price volatility affects the economic environment through inflation, borrowing costs, and consumer spending patterns. Brunswick employees with diversified retirement portfolios likely hold energy sector exposure through index funds and target-date strategies, meaning oil price swings can affect account balances in ways that are not immediately obvious. Brunswick 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. Professional guidance can help you navigate the indirect effects of oil volatility on your retirement planning and ensure your strategy accounts for these dynamics.
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 Brunswick 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 Brunswick 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 Brunswick 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 Brunswick , 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 Brunswick 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 Brunswick, 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, Brunswick retirement benefits are not set in stone. They are subject to change. For example, the significant changes made to Brunswick’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: Brunswick stock is a good investment
Something Brunswick 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 Brunswick pension and 401(k) plan (if Brunswick 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 Brunswick 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 Brunswick 401(k) account (If Brunswick 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 Brunswick, you may leave some or all of your savings in your Brunswick 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 Brunswick. Brunswick has frozen its defined benefit pension to new accruals, meaning your benefit is based on service and compensation accumulated up to the freeze date - but the value already locked in remains a meaningful asset worth analyzing. If a lump sum option is available, IRS segment rates in effect during the plan's lookback period directly affect the present value calculation; rising rates reduce the lump sum amount, so the rate environment at your retirement date matters. Understanding the annuity equivalent of your frozen benefit and comparing it to a potential lump sum is an important step in sequencing your retirement income from multiple sources.
On the healthcare side, Brunswick 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 Brunswick's retiree coverage with Medicare Part B and Part D enrollment timing can also reduce duplication and avoid late-enrollment penalties. Connecting your specific Brunswick 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 Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan?
The primary purpose of Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by providing a tax-advantaged way to contribute a portion of their salary.
Does Brunswick match employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Brunswick offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
How can employees enroll in Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can enroll in Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What are the eligibility requirements for Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees are generally eligible to participate in Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan after completing a specified period of service, as outlined in the plan documents.
What types of investment options are available in Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
Can employees change their contribution percentage to Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.
What is the vesting schedule for employer contributions in Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan?
The vesting schedule for employer contributions in Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan varies based on the length of service, as detailed in the plan documents.
How often can employees access their account statements for Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can access their account statements for Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan online, typically on a quarterly basis, or they can request them at any time.
Are loans available through Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan may allow employees to take loans against their vested account balance, subject to certain conditions and limits.
What happens to an employee's 401(k) Savings Plan account if they leave Brunswick?
If an employee leaves Brunswick, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) Savings Plan account to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the plan, depending on the plan's rules.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Brunswick at 26125 North Riverwoods Boulevard Mettawa, IL 60045; or by calling them at +1 847-735-4700.
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