New Update: Rising Oil Costs are Affecting Retirement Plans. Will you be impacted?
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Mondelez International
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Those planning retirement with a pension and Social Security supplemented by savings may want to consider how much spending money they have to work with, and whether or not it will cover necessary expenses.
When planning your retirement budget with unanswered questions about income streams, you may be left wondering how much Social Security you can expect, if your pension affects Social Security, or how taxes are going to work. Here's what you should know about retiring on your pension and Social Security.
When considering whether you qualify for social security and the amount that's entitled to you, several factors come into play. The first requirement is earning enough income over your career to gain 40 Social Security credits , which render you eligible to receive benefits.
Upon meeting that requirement, the Social Security Administration calculates the value  of your benefit. Your average monthly earnings for the 35 years when your income was highest is used in the formula, adjusting numbers to account for the change in average wages across the overall economy during that time. The result is your primary insurance amount (PIA).
Depending on your age when claiming Social Security , the amount received may fluctuate above or below the PIA. Benefits are reduced when taking Social Security before reaching full retirement age. Alternatively, waiting past your retirement date might net you a greater benefit.
Working while you take Social Security  can also influence the benefit amount. When under full retirement age, earning income above a set yearly limit lowers the benefit. On the other hand, earning income while receiving Social Security can increase your benefit if pay is high compared to previous years.
Benefits may also increase over time as the cost of living rises.
When married with fewer than 40 credits, you may be eligible  for a spousal benefit of up to half your spouse's amount at full retirement age. In the event you have enough credits but your earnings record based benefit is less than the spousal benefit, you may be entitled to your benefit plus an additional amount that will match the spousal benefit when added.
If you're divorced and you meet some conditions, you may be eligible for a spousal benefit that's up to half your former spouse's benefit at their full retirement age.
If your spouse has died, you may be eligible for a survivor's benefit  as large as the full amount of your spouse's benefit if you've reached full retirement age, or a smaller amount if you're taking the benefit early.
Receiving a pension doesn't change the Social Security benefits you're eligible for if your employer withheld FICA taxes.
In the event that your employer didn't take FICA taxes out of your paycheck, then the pension received from that employer is considered a noncovered pension. Income from a noncovered pension can reduce your Social Security benefits.
If you have a noncovered pension but you still qualify for Social Security, the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)  may apply to you. For this provision, the Social Security Administration uses a smaller percentage of your earnings in its formula for calculating the PIA, resulting in a smaller benefit. The WEP can cut your benefit by as much as half of your pension amount.
When qualifying for a spousal benefit or survivor's benefit, a noncovered pension can reduce that benefit under the Government Pension Offset (GPO) . This provision cuts your benefit by two-thirds of your pension amount, and you can end up with a $0 benefit if your pension is large enough.
The Social Security Administration doesn't view a pension as earned income . So you don't pay FICA taxes on your pension, and it doesn't add to your earnings record. Essentially, a pension can't add to your Social Security credits, and it doesn't enter into the PIA formula or affect your benefit amount.
When taking Social Security before full retirement age, a pension won't count toward earned income limit.
It may prove beneficial to open an online account  with the Social Security Administration to view a statement of your earnings history. The statement relays how much of your income was subject to FICA taxes for each year you've worked, letting you know if you have enough credits to be eligible for Social Security. Your full retirement age and estimates of what your benefit amount could be under different Social Security age scenarios is also shown.
The Social Security Administration offers a WEP calculator  that shows how a noncovered pension may affect your Social Security benefit amount. You can enter your monthly income from the noncovered pension, your earnings from each year of your Social Security record, and the income you expect to earn in the future to calculate an estimate of your monthly benefit. A GPO calculator  is also available and can help you establish how much your spouse's or survivor's benefits may be cut.
That same shift from growing assets to drawing them down applies directly to the pension decisions in front of you at Mondelez International. Mondelez International has frozen its defined benefit pension to new accruals, meaning your benefit is based on service and compensation accumulated up to the freeze date - but the value already locked in remains a meaningful asset worth analyzing. If a lump sum option is available, IRS segment rates in effect during the plan's lookback period directly affect the present value calculation; rising rates reduce the lump sum amount, so the rate environment at your retirement date matters. Understanding the annuity equivalent of your frozen benefit and comparing it to a potential lump sum is an important step in sequencing your retirement income from multiple sources.
On the healthcare side, Mondelez International 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 Mondelez International's retiree coverage with Medicare Part B and Part D enrollment timing can also reduce duplication and avoid late-enrollment penalties. Connecting your specific Mondelez International 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.
With Social Security regulations being so complex, you may benefit from reaching out to a knowledgeable expert.
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What is the 401(k) plan offered by Mondelez International?
The 401(k) plan at Mondelez International 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 Mondelez International's 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in Mondelez International's 401(k) plan by accessing the employee benefits portal or contacting the HR department for guidance.
Does Mondelez International offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?
Yes, Mondelez International offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, helping to boost retirement savings.
What are the eligibility requirements for Mondelez International's 401(k) plan?
To be eligible for Mondelez International's 401(k) plan, employees typically need to meet certain criteria, such as being a full-time employee and completing a specific period of service.
What investment options are available in Mondelez International's 401(k) plan?
Mondelez International's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.
Can employees take loans against their 401(k) at Mondelez International?
Yes, Mondelez International allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance under certain conditions, providing flexibility for financial needs.
What is the vesting schedule for Mondelez International's 401(k) plan?
Mondelez International has a vesting schedule that determines how much of the company match employees can keep if they leave the company, typically based on years of service.
How can employees change their contribution percentage to Mondelez International's 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their contribution percentage to Mondelez International's 401(k) plan by logging into the benefits portal or contacting HR for assistance.
When can employees start withdrawing from their Mondelez International 401(k) plan?
Employees can generally start withdrawing from their Mondelez International 401(k) plan without penalty at age 59½, subject to specific plan rules.
Does Mondelez International provide financial education regarding the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Mondelez International offers resources and financial education programs to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed decisions.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Mondelez International at , ; or by calling them at .
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