New Update: Rising Oil Costs are Affecting Retirement Plans. Will you be impacted?
6 Retirement Myths Every Western Union Employee Should Not Fall For!
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Crude oil prices remain elevated and volatile, with annualized volatility around 80% and prices ranging between $50 and $120 per barrel over the past six months. Even for companies outside the energy sector, sustained crude price volatility affects the economic environment through inflation, borrowing costs, and consumer spending patterns. Western Union 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. For Western Union 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. Working with a financial advisor helps ensure that energy market uncertainty does not undermine your long-term retirement and financial goals.
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 Western Union 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 Western Union 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 Western Union 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 Western Union , 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 Western Union 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 Western Union, 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, Western Union retirement benefits are not set in stone. They are subject to change. For example, the significant changes made to Western Union’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: Western Union stock is a good investment
Something Western Union 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 Western Union pension and 401(k) plan (if Western Union 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 Western Union 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 Western Union 401(k) account (If Western Union 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 Western Union, you may leave some or all of your savings in your Western Union 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 Western Union. Without a traditional pension, your 401(k) - alongside Social Security - forms the foundation of your retirement income at Western Union. Western Union 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, Western Union 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 Western Union 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 401(k) plan offered by Western Union?
The 401(k) plan offered by Western Union is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
How can employees enroll in Western Union's 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in Western Union's 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Western Union match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Western Union offers a matching contribution to employees who participate in the 401(k) plan, up to a certain percentage of their salary.
What are the eligibility requirements for Western Union's 401(k) plan?
Employees are typically eligible to participate in Western Union's 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of employment, which is outlined in the employee handbook.
Can employees change their contribution rate to Western Union's 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution rate to Western Union's 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan’s rules.
What investment options are available in Western Union's 401(k) plan?
Western Union's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Is there a vesting schedule for Western Union's 401(k) matching contributions?
Yes, Western Union has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period before they fully own those contributions.
How often can employees access their 401(k) account statements at Western Union?
Employees can access their 401(k) account statements online through the benefits portal, typically on a quarterly basis.
What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Western Union?
If an employee leaves Western Union, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the Western Union plan if allowed.
Are there loans available against the 401(k) plan at Western Union?
Yes, Western Union's 401(k) plan may allow employees to take loans against their account balance, subject to specific terms and conditions.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Western Union at , ; or by calling them at .
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