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Considering a Lump-Sum Pension Payout for KeyCorp Employees?

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for KeyCorp: KeyCorp partners with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield as their primary healthcare provider. This relationship offers KeyCorp employees a broad range of health insurance options and services to ensure their healthcare needs are met efficiently. Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As we approach 2026, significant increases in healthcare costs are anticipated. With the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, many enrollees could face out-of-pocket premium hikes exceeding 75%. This situation is exacerbated by rising medical costs and aggressive rate hikes from major insurers, which in some states might surpass 60%. The combination of these factors suggests a challenging landscape for consumers, potentially prompting healthier individuals to exit the market, thus raising costs for those who remain. As the healthcare industry grapples with these changes, proactive planning for 2026 will be essential for individuals and employers alike. Click here to learn more

Pension buyout clients of KeyCorp should definitely seek the advice of a financial adviser to determine the ramifications of the current market rates to their retirement plan,' suggests Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group. This way, the employees are in a position to make the right decisions that are most desirable in the long run.

'As interest rates rise, it is important for KeyCorp employees to know why they should be concerned about the decreasing value of lump sum pension payments and to seek advice from a professional,' advises Kevin Landis from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group. To find out if a lump sum or monthly payments are more suitable for one’s retirement and lifestyle, it is advisable to consult a financial adviser.

In this article, we will cover:

1. The effects that rising interest rates have on the lump sum pension payments that KeyCorp employees receive.

2. The advantages and disadvantages that employees face in choosing between a lump sum payout and monthly pension payments.

3. The other retirement financial options like indexed annuities and their advantages in the context of inflation and pension plan stability.

This means that KeyCorp employees who have a lump sum option and are thinking of taking a lump sum payment from KeyCorp should act fast. You shouldn’t wait much longer to decide because the Federal Reserve’s planned series of interest rate increases will likely reduce the size of the payout.

Lump-sum payouts, if you have the ability to take them from KeyCorp, are determined by the present value of your future monthly guaranteed pension income, using factors based on age, mortality tables developed by the Society of Actuaries and the Internal Revenue Service’s minimum present value segment rates.

There is a negative correlation 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 rise, it takes a lower initial sum to arrive at the same future value of those monthly payments, thus reducing the lump sum buyout.

As a KeyCorp employee, you need to know that some companies may provide lump sum pension buyouts to workers when they reach retirement age or are close to it, and to former employees with vested pension benefits who have not yet begun to receive their monthly payments. This reduces the total obligations and risk within their plans.

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

As a KeyCorp employee who may be receiving a lump sum payment, it is important to understand the potential drawbacks of this option. According to research conducted in February, MetLife surveyed 1,911 Americans ages 50 to 75 last fall, and found that 34% of retirees who took a lump sum buyout from their defined contribution plan spent that sum within five years.

With that in mind, it is quite reasonable to receive monthly payments for the rest of one’s life instead of a lump sum. In addition, if a survivor benefit is available, payment would continue beyond the owner’s death to the end of the retiree’s spouse’s life. Monthly checks offer longevity protection and prevent seniors from spending their money during a long 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 also act as “guard rails” and can help retirees from spending too much, since there is a set amount of money that retirees can spend each month.

Although receiving monthly benefits may promote longevity by setting monthly spending limits, the opposite option of taking a lump sum is more advantageous for some people. Those in poor health may not live long enough to collect all the money in monthly payments, and thus, they may decide to take the lump sum now and leave more money to their heirs. There is also the single retirees who may go for the lump sum since they do not have anyone to provide for after they are gone.

Some pension plans are capped, so workers who have spent most of their working lives with the company may actually stand to receive higher monthly payments by delaying retirement. If one finds oneself in a situation like that, it may be worthwhile to exit the company and collect a lump sum before interest rates rise and invest the money elsewhere.

Those with other assets, such as a pension and Social Security, may decide to take a lump sum. Having other assets provides enough security to afford the added risk of investing the buyout and trying to get a higher return than the regular paychecks that you will be receiving from your job while you are working part time. In the same way, those seniors who intend to work until full-time or part-time retirement may decide to invest a part of their lump sum, knowing that their regular paychecks will help them survive during a market downturn.

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Given the higher rates of inflation, it might be worth taking the lump sum instead of the monthly payments. At an annual inflation rate of 3%, a $1,000 monthly payment today will be worth about $744.09 in 10 years. This is why it is crucial for the KeyCorp retirees to meet with their financial adviser and determine if it is more advantageous to receive the money in a lump sum or monthly installments depending on their situation.

Indexed annuities are insurance products that provide principal protection and a chance for investment gain during market upturns, thus offering a solution for inflation. It is important that those retiring from KeyCorp companies know about the expensive annuities and better understand their features before purchasing them.

Using a lump sum to buy an annuity can be useful for those who are concerned with the financial stability of their employer when retiring. Workers in the private sector should find out if their company is involved in the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp., which provides some of the payments in case the employer’s pension fund runs out.

Sources:

1. Groom Law Group. 'Issues in Administration, Design, Funding, and Compliance.'  Journal of Pension Benefits , vol. 26, no. 4, Summer 2019, pp. 1-2.  www.groom.com .

2. Vanguard Center for Retirement Research. 'Lump Sum Payment or Monthly Pension?'  Retirement Plan Blog , 2007, pp. 3-5.  www.retirementplanblog.com .

3. Kiplinger. 'The Case for a Lump Sum Pension Distribution.'  Kiplinger , 2020, pp. 1-4.  www.kiplinger.com .

4. Fidelity Investments. 'Lump Sum Payment or Monthly Pension?'  Fidelity , 2021, pp. 2-3.  www.fidelity.com .

5. Accounting Insights. 'IRS Segment Rates: Impact on Pension Plans and Payouts.'  Accounting Insights , 2021, pp. 1-2.  www.accountinginsights.org .

What type of retirement plan does KeyCorp offer to its employees?

KeyCorp offers a 401(k) Savings Plan to help employees save for retirement.

How can KeyCorp employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

KeyCorp employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the benefits department.

Does KeyCorp match employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, KeyCorp provides a matching contribution to employee contributions made to the 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to certain limits.

What is the maximum contribution limit for KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The maximum contribution limit for KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan is determined by IRS regulations and may change annually.

Can KeyCorp employees take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance?

Yes, KeyCorp allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance under certain conditions.

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

KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and other investment vehicles.

How often can KeyCorp employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

KeyCorp employees can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to payroll processing schedules.

Is there a vesting schedule for KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, KeyCorp has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, which determines when employees fully own those contributions.

At what age can KeyCorp employees begin withdrawing from their 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties?

KeyCorp employees can begin withdrawing from their 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties at age 59½.

What happens to KeyCorp's 401(k) Savings Plan if an employee leaves the company?

If an employee leaves KeyCorp, they can roll over their 401(k) Savings Plan balance to another retirement account or leave it in the plan, depending on the balance.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Restructuring Layoffs: In 2023 and 2024, KeyCorp faced restructuring efforts driven by market conditions, which resulted in layoffs across various departments. These layoffs are part of KeyCorp's strategy to manage rising costs and align resources more efficiently. The financial services sector has seen increased pressure due to economic fluctuations and regulatory challenges​ (InvestmentNews). It is important to address this news because of the current economic environment, which has significantly impacted corporate decision-making. The tax and political landscape has also created a more uncertain outlook, making cost management and workforce reductions crucial for businesses like KeyCorp.
KeyCorp (NYSE: KEY) provides employees with stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of their compensation and incentive programs. These RSUs are offered to select employees at the company's discretion, based on performance and role. Employees at KeyCorp typically receive RSUs that vest over time, encouraging long-term retention and performance. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, the stock option and RSU programs were part of broader efforts to retain talent, with eligibility based on management-level roles and tenure within the company
KeyCorp provides comprehensive health benefits to support the well-being of its employees, with a strong focus on both physical and financial wellness. The health benefits offered are centered around three high-deductible health plan options, all of which are managed through UnitedHealthcare and provide preventive care at 100%, even before deductibles are met​ (Key.com)​ (Key.com). The available plans are compatible with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), allowing employees to make pre-tax contributions to cover medical expenses. KeyCorp's healthcare plans also include coverage for prescription drugs through Express Scripts. Additionally, dental and vision plans are offered, and employees who work 30 or more hours per week are eligible for these benefits​ (Key.com). There are also wellness programs such as health screenings, health coaching, and fitness benefits, aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among employees​ (
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for KeyCorp at , ; or by calling them at .

https://carlsoncap.com/articles/nua-net-unrealized-appreciation/ https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/retirement/company-stock https://livewell.com/finance/how-do-interest-rates-affect-pension-payouts/ https://www.milliman.com/en/insight/2023-lump-sums-defined-benefit-plans-much-lower-as-interest-rates-rise https://investor.key.com/financials/annual-reports-and-proxy-statements/default.aspx https://www.investmentnews.com/industry-news/news/401k-lawsuits-keep-piling-up-193992 https://www.key.com/about/benefits/financial-wellness/retirement-savings.html https://scotiabank.investorroom.com/2024-08-12-Scotiabank-announces-agreement-to-acquire-14-9-equity-interest-in-KeyCorp https://www.preqin.com/data/profile/investor/keycorp-pension-plan/93733 https://contracts.justia.com/companies/keycorp-753/contract/57524/ https://www.clevescene.com/news/layoffs-looming-at-key-updated-2506629 https://intellizence.com/insights/layoff-downsizing/leading-companies-announcing-layoffs-and-hiring-freezes/ https://www.wpxi.com/unavailable-location/ https://www.wealthspire.com/ https://www.dol.gov/ https://www.futureplan.com/ https://www.investopedia.com/ https://www.omnicalculator.com/finance/retirement

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