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

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GoDaddy employees who have a lump sum option and are considering taking a lump-sum payment from GoDaddy 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 GoDaddy, 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 GoDaddy 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 GoDaddy 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 GoDaddy 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 GoDaddy 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 GoDaddy 401(k) plan?

The GoDaddy 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck on a pre-tax or after-tax basis to help prepare for retirement.

How can I enroll in the GoDaddy 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the GoDaddy 401(k) plan through the company's benefits portal during the open enrollment period or after they become eligible.

Does GoDaddy offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?

Yes, GoDaddy offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps to enhance retirement savings.

What is the eligibility requirement for the GoDaddy 401(k) plan?

Generally, all full-time employees at GoDaddy are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a certain period of service, as outlined in the plan documents.

Can I change my contribution percentage to the GoDaddy 401(k) plan at any time?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to the GoDaddy 401(k) plan at any time through the benefits portal.

What investment options are available in the GoDaddy 401(k) plan?

The GoDaddy 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, index funds, and target-date funds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.

How often can I review my GoDaddy 401(k) account?

Employees can review their GoDaddy 401(k) account at any time through the online portal, which provides real-time updates on account balances and investment performance.

What happens to my GoDaddy 401(k) plan if I leave the company?

If you leave GoDaddy, you have several options for your 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the GoDaddy plan if eligible.

Are there any fees associated with the GoDaddy 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related fees associated with the GoDaddy 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

Can I take a loan against my GoDaddy 401(k) plan?

Yes, GoDaddy allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for GoDaddy at , ; or by calling them at .

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