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Is a Lump-Sum Pension Payout the Right Choice for Belden Employees as Interest Rates Rise?

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Healthcare Provider Update: Belden offers health, dental, and vision insurance, along with life and disability coverage. Employees benefit from a 401(k) retirement plan, stock purchase options, and paid time off. The company promotes a culture of inclusion and community engagement, with wellness programs and education assistance available. Beldens total rewards program is designed to support employees physical, financial, and emotional well-being3. Belden With ACA premiums projected to rise sharply in 2026, Beldens comprehensive benefits and inclusive culture help employees avoid the financial strain of marketplace plans. The companys emphasis on preventive care and wellness education further reduces long-term healthcare costs. Click here to learn more

Belden employees who have a lump sum option and are considering taking a lump-sum payment from Belden need to move fast.


You shouldn’t wait much longer to decide, as the Federal Reserve’s planned series of interest-rate increases stands to reduce the size of the payout.

Lump-sum payouts, if available to you from Belden, are calculated by determining the present value of your future monthly guaranteed pension income, using factors based on age, mortality tables published by the Society of Actuaries, and the Internal Revenue Service’s minimum present value segment rates.

There is an inverse relationship between interest rates and lump-sum pension payouts. When rates are low, the calculated payout rises because it takes a higher initial sum to arrive at the same future value of your lifetime monthly payments. As interest rates climb, it takes a lower initial sum to arrive at the same future value of those monthly payments, so the lump-sum buyout decreases.

As a Belden employee, it is important to understand how companies sometimes offer lump-sum pension buyouts to workers at or near retirement, and former employees with vested pension benefits who haven’t begun taking monthly payments. This reduces the total obligations and risk within their plans.


As interest rates rise, more corporations will offer pension buyouts intending to reduce pension obligations on their balance sheet while paying out smaller lump sums.

As a Belden employee potentially being offered a lump-sum payment, it is important to consider the risks associated with this alternative. According to research published in February by MetLife, in an online survey of 1,911 Americans ages 50 to 75 last fall, 34% of retirees who took a lump-sum buyout from their defined-contribution plan depleted that sum within five years.

With that taken into account, it becomes worthy to consider collecting monthly payments for the remainder of one's life as an alternative to the lump sum. Furthermore, given the availability of a survivor benefit, payment would carry on past the owner's death to the end of their spouse's life. Monthly checks provide longevity protection, preventing seniors from depleting their assets during a lengthy retirement.

According to the MetLife survey, 79% of retirees who took a lump sum made at least one major purchase, such as a vehicle, vacation, or a new or second home, within a year of getting their money. Monthly payments can serve as “guard rails” and prevent overspending, providing retirees with an established spending limit.

Although receiving monthly benefits may promote longevity by establishing monthly limits, the alternative of taking a lump sum is a better option for some. Those in poor health may not live long enough to collect all the money in monthly payments, and taking the lump sum now may allow them to leave more money to heirs. Single retirees may also opt for the lump sum since they aren't responsible for providing income to their spouse post-death.

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Some pension plans have capped benefits, so workers who have been with the company for most of their lives might not earn higher monthly payments by sticking around. Under circumstances like these, one may opt to retire with a lump sum prior to the rise of interest rates and work elsewhere.

Those with other assets besides their pension and Social Security may opt to take a lump sum. Having other assets provides enough security to afford the added risk of investing the buyout and seeking a better return. Similarly, seniors who plan to work full or part-time may want to invest part of their lump sum, knowing that their regular paychecks will help them weather a market downturn.

Rising inflation rates may make the lump sum option more attractive compared to the monthly payments. Assuming an annual inflation rate of 3%, a $1,000 monthly payment today will be equivalent to about $744.09 in 10 years. With that in consideration, it becomes beneficial for Belden retirees to sit down with a financial adviser and calculate which option is best for their specific case.

Indexed annuities offer principal protection and the opportunity for investment gains when the market rises, serving as a hedge against inflation. Those retiring from Belden companies should be aware of the high costs associated with many annuities and understand the details before exercising the purchase.

Using a lump sum to buy an annuity can prove to be of benefit when retirees fear the financial instability of their employer. Private-sector workers should inquire about their company's participation in the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp., which covers a portion of their monthly benefits in the event that an employer’s pension fund becomes insolvent.

Democratic Sens. Patty Murray of Washington, Tina Smith of Minnesota, and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin reintroduced a bill that holds sponsors of pension plans accountable for providing detailed information to participants about proposed pension buyouts. The bill, known as the Inform Act, urges sponsors to provide a comparison of benefits participants would receive if they take the buyout or accept monthly payments, as well as an explanation of how the lump sum was calculated.

What is the primary purpose of Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The primary purpose of Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.

How can employees enroll in Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can enroll in Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the benefits portal or contacting the HR department for guidance on the enrollment process.

What types of contributions can employees make to Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and may also be eligible for employer matching contributions in Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan.

Is there a company match for contributions made to Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Belden offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for employer contributions in Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The vesting schedule for employer contributions in Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which means employees earn ownership of the contributions over a specified period.

Can employees change their contribution percentage at Belden?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, usually through the benefits portal or by contacting HR.

What investment options are available in Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Belden'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.

At what age can employees begin to withdraw from Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties?

Employees can begin to withdraw from Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties at age 59½, provided they meet other plan requirements.

What happens to an employee's 401(k) balance if they leave Belden?

If an employee leaves Belden, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, withdraw the funds, or leave the balance in the plan if allowed.

Does Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan allow loans against the account?

Yes, Belden's 401(k) Savings Plan may allow employees to take loans against their account balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
In 2024, Belden announced a significant restructuring plan, which includes layoffs and the consolidation of some manufacturing operations. The company is aiming to streamline its operations and reduce costs amid challenging market conditions. This restructuring involves a substantial reduction in workforce, with a focus on optimizing production and supply chain processes.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Belden at 1 North Brentwood Blvd St. Louis, MO 63105; or by calling them at +1 314-854-8000.

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