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6 Retirement Myths Every CMS Energy Employee Should Not Fall For!
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Oil market turbulence continues to ripple through the broader economy, with crude swinging between $50 and $120 per barrel and annualized volatility near 80%. Fleet diesel costs and inflation-driven rate case pressures create indirect but meaningful exposure to sustained crude price swings. Retirement savings strategies at CMS Energy should account for how energy price cycles influence inflation, interest rates, and market returns over the long horizons that retirement planning requires. Consulting with a financial advisor can help you understand how energy conditions affect your specific situation and build a plan that adapts accordingly.
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 CMS Energy 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 CMS Energy 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 CMS Energy 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 CMS Energy , 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 CMS Energy 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 CMS Energy, 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, CMS Energy retirement benefits are not set in stone. They are subject to change. For example, the significant changes made to CMS Energy’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: CMS Energy stock is a good investment
Something CMS Energy 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 CMS Energy pension and 401(k) plan (if CMS Energy 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 CMS Energy 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 CMS Energy 401(k) account (If CMS Energy 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 CMS Energy, you may leave some or all of your savings in your CMS Energy 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 CMS Energy. CMS Energy's defined benefit pension is closed to new entrants but continues accruing for legacy employees enrolled before the closure. If you joined CMS Energy before the plan closed, your pension continues to grow with additional service. If you joined after the closure, your retirement income at CMS Energy rests primarily on your 401(k) and Social Security. CMS Energy may offer a 401(k) employer match - review your Summary Plan Description for current match rate and vesting details.
On the healthcare side, CMS Energy 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 CMS Energy's retiree coverage with Medicare Part B and Part D enrollment timing can also reduce duplication and avoid late-enrollment penalties. Connecting your specific CMS Energy 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 CMS Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
The CMS Energy 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.
How can I enroll in the CMS Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can enroll in the CMS Energy 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What are the contribution limits for the CMS Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
The contribution limits for the CMS Energy 401(k) Savings Plan are determined by the IRS and may change annually. Employees should check the current limits for the specific year.
Does CMS Energy offer a company match for the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, CMS Energy offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, helping to enhance the overall savings for retirement.
When is the best time to start contributing to the CMS Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
The best time to start contributing to the CMS Energy 401(k) Savings Plan is as soon as you are eligible, as early contributions can significantly impact your retirement savings over time.
Can I change my contribution percentage in the CMS Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage at any time by accessing their account through the CMS Energy HR portal.
What investment options are available in the CMS Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
The CMS Energy 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.
How often can I make changes to my investments in the CMS Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can make changes to their investment allocations in the CMS Energy 401(k) Savings Plan on a regular basis, typically quarterly or as specified in the plan documents.
What happens to my CMS Energy 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?
If you leave CMS Energy, you have several options for your 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling it over to an IRA, transferring it to a new employer's plan, or cashing it out, though cashing out may have tax implications.
Is there a loan option available in the CMS Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, the CMS Energy 401(k) Savings Plan may allow employees to take loans against their account balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for CMS Energy at One Energy Plaza Jackson, MI 49201; or by calling them at (517) 788-0550.
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