6 Retirement Myths Every Marsh & McLennan Employee Should Not Fall For!

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider Information: Marsh & McLennan Marsh & McLennan is a global professional services firm offering a wide range of services primarily through its subsidiaries. They do not provide healthcare in the traditional sense but are known for their consulting services related to risk management, insurance, and employee benefits, including health benefits consulting. They work with various healthcare providers and insurance companies to manage and strategize healthcare costs on behalf of their clients. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, significant healthcare cost increases loom on the horizon, primarily driven by the expected sharp rise in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums. States could see premium hikes ranging from 18% to over 60%, attributable to the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and ongoing medical cost inflation. Without these subsidies, many enrollees might face out-of-pocket premium increases exceeding 75%, exacerbating the financial strain on households. This perfect storm of factors underscores the urgency for individuals and employers to prepare for the rising costs and reassess their healthcare strategy in the impending year. Click here to learn more

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 Marsh & McLennan 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 Marsh & McLennan 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 Marsh & McLennan 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 Marsh & McLennan , 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 Marsh & McLennan 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 Marsh & McLennan, 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, Marsh & McLennan retirement benefits are not set in stone. They are subject to change. For example, the significant changes made to Marsh & McLennan’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: Marsh & McLennan stock is a good investment

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Something Marsh & McLennan 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 Marsh & McLennan pension and 401(k) plan (if Marsh & McLennan 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 Marsh & McLennan 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 Marsh & McLennan 401(k) account (If Marsh & McLennan 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 Marsh & McLennan, you may leave some or all of your savings in your Marsh & McLennan 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.