New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Discover the Top 5 Advantages of Continuing to Work in Retirement for Polaris Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Polaris is associated with UnitedHealthcare as its primary healthcare provider. For Polaris employees, the anticipated spike in healthcare costs in 2026 is concerning. With recent projections indicating that Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums could surge by as much as 66% in certain states, many employees may face a substantial financial burden due to the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and ongoing medical cost inflation. This means that individuals reliant on ACA marketplace plans could see their out-of-pocket expenses increase dramatically, complicating budgeting for healthcare needs in the upcoming year. It's crucial for these employees to take proactive measures to navigate the financial landscape they anticipate facing in 2026. Click here to learn more

In the past, retirement has been portrayed as an ending, a grand exit from your years in the workplace. But the rules are shifting. Labor force participation among those aged 65-74 is predicted to reach 32 percent by 2022, up from just 20 percent in 2002.(1) As the Boomer generation ages, more people are viewing retirement as an opportunity to enjoy the rewards of work in a whole new way. Read on to discover some of the benefits you can enjoy after you retire from Polaris.

1. Mental Benefits

Working during your Polaris retirement can help maintain mental agility as you learn new skills. Staying engaged in work helps build 'mental muscle,' which can lessen the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimers(2) and ward off the signs of aging.

2.. Physical Benefits

Staying active during your Polaris retirement years is crucial for continued health. Whether you choose to work full-time or volunteer a few days a week, engaging in some form of work will keep your body moving, and give you opportunities to stay balanced, strong, and healthy.

3. Financial Benefits

Besides the obvious extra income, working during your Polaris retirement may allow you to delay taking Social Security benefits. For every year you wait to take Social Security, your benefits can increase by an average of 8 percent annually.(3) Finding a strategy that works for you can truly pay off.

4. Emotional Benefits

Studies have shown that a sense of purpose has been found to lengthen lifespan and quality of life.4 Working on something you care about, starting a new business, or mentoring others in the workplace can ward off depression and provide a healthy sense of fulfillment and direction in your years or retirement from Polaris.

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5. Social Benefits

One of the risks associated with retirement is increased isolation, which in terms of its impact on your health, has been equated with smoking nearly a pack of cigarettes a day.5 Working with others reduces this risk, giving you a chance to build connections and enjoy meaningful interactions.

Sources

1. AARP.org, February/March 2015

2. Forbes, 2017

3. Social Security Administration, 2017

4. Association for Psychological Science, 2017

What is the Polaris 401(k) plan?

The Polaris 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for their future by contributing a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth basis.

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

You can enroll in the Polaris 401(k) plan by accessing the employee benefits portal or contacting the HR department for assistance with the enrollment process.

What is the employer match for the Polaris 401(k) plan?

Polaris offers a competitive employer match for the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of your contributions up to a certain limit. Please refer to the benefits guide for specific details.

Can I change my contribution rate to the Polaris 401(k) plan?

Yes, you can change your contribution rate to the Polaris 401(k) plan at any time through the employee benefits portal or by contacting HR.

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

The Polaris 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help you diversify your portfolio.

When can I start withdrawing from my Polaris 401(k) plan?

You can start withdrawing from your Polaris 401(k) plan without penalty after reaching the age of 59½, but there are also options for hardship withdrawals under certain circumstances.

Does Polaris offer a Roth 401(k) option?

Yes, Polaris offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to make after-tax contributions that can grow tax-free.

How often can I make changes to my investments in the Polaris 401(k) plan?

You can typically make changes to your investment allocations in the Polaris 401(k) plan on a regular basis, often daily, depending on the plan's rules.

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

If you leave Polaris, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out (which may incur taxes and penalties), or leave it in the Polaris plan if allowed.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Polaris 401(k) plan?

Yes, Polaris has a vesting schedule for the employer match, meaning you will need to work for the company for a certain period before you fully own the matched funds.