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6 Retirement Myths Every Xcel 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. Xcel Energy 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 Xcel 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 Xcel 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 Xcel 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 Xcel 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 Xcel 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 Xcel 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, Xcel Energy retirement benefits are not set in stone. They are subject to change. For example, the significant changes made to Xcel 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: Xcel Energy stock is a good investment
Something Xcel 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 Xcel Energy pension and 401(k) plan (if Xcel 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 Xcel 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 Xcel Energy 401(k) account (If Xcel 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 Xcel Energy, you may leave some or all of your savings in your Xcel 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 Xcel Energy. Xcel Energy maintains an active defined benefit pension plan, meaning eligible employees continue to accrue benefits based on years of service and compensation. If you are eligible for a lump sum payout, IRS Section 417(e) segment rates determine how the future annuity stream converts to a present-value payment - rising rates compress the lump sum, so monitoring the plan's stability period and lookback month is critical before you lock in your election date. The choice between a single-life annuity, a joint-and-survivor option, or a lump sum (where available) is generally irrevocable once made, and timing that decision relative to interest rate conditions can meaningfully affect your retirement income picture.
On the healthcare side, Xcel 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 Xcel 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 Xcel 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 retirement savings options does Xcel Energy offer to its employees?
Xcel Energy offers a 401(k) Savings Plan that allows employees to save for retirement through pre-tax and Roth after-tax contributions.
How does Xcel Energy match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Xcel Energy provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which is based on a percentage of the employee's contributions, helping to enhance retirement savings.
What is the eligibility requirement for Xcel Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees are eligible to participate in Xcel Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan after completing a specified period of employment, typically within the first year.
Can employees at Xcel Energy contribute to their 401(k) plan while on leave?
Yes, employees can continue to contribute to their 401(k) plan while on certain types of leave, depending on the specific circumstances and plan rules.
What investment options are available in Xcel Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Xcel Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including target-date funds, stock funds, bond funds, and stable value funds.
Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in Xcel Energy's 401(k) plan?
Yes, Xcel Energy has a vesting schedule for the employer match, meaning employees must work for the company for a certain period to fully own the matched contributions.
How can Xcel Energy employees access their 401(k) account information?
Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the Xcel Energy benefits portal or by contacting the plan administrator directly.
What is the maximum contribution limit for Xcel Energy's 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for Xcel Energy's 401(k) plan is subject to IRS regulations, which are updated annually. Employees should check the current limits for accurate figures.
Does Xcel Energy offer a loan option against the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Xcel Energy allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain conditions and limits as outlined in the plan documents.
What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Xcel Energy?
If you leave Xcel Energy, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) savings to another retirement account, leave it in the Xcel Energy plan (if eligible), or withdraw the funds, subject to taxes and penalties.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Xcel Energy at 414 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55401; or by calling them at 612-330-5500.
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