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

Is a Rollover into an IRA the Right Move for You as a Brunswick Employee?

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Brunswick: Brunswick Corporation, a well-known manufacturer in the marine and recreational products industry, provides healthcare benefits through its corporate plan in partnership with major insurance providers, including UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Employees typically have access to a variety of coverage options tailored to meet their individual needs. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As Brunswick employees prepare for 2026, they should brace for significant healthcare cost increases resulting from anticipated surges in ACA marketplace premiums. With reports indicating some states may experience hikes exceeding 60%, the landscape of health insurance is shifting dramatically. The potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies is poised to exacerbate the situation, with studies showing that up to 92% of marketplace enrollees could face out-of-pocket premium hikes of over 75%. This combination of factors indicates that Brunswick employees may need to reevaluate their healthcare strategies to manage and mitigate these impending financial impacts effectively. Click here to learn more

Choosing an IRA rollover means that your money remains tax-advantaged and capable of growth, as in a Brunswick-sponsored plan. You may also gain more investment options than what may have been available in your Brunswick-sponsored plan. You may also gain oversight of managing these important retirement assets from your trusted Advisor.

If you roll your retirement plan assets over into an IRA account that you already own through your Advisor, you also receive the benefit of combined statements and holistic investment planning, making it easier to track your overall financial situation.

'Receive the benefit of combined statements and holistic investment planning, making it easier to track your overall financial situation.'

brown rocky mountain beside blue sea during daytime

Some of the benefits of rolling your money into an IRA include:

Tax-deferred growth potential: This generally avoids current income tax and distribution penalties when removed from a Brunswick-sponsored retirement plan.

More investment choices: This allows for additional contributions, if eligible. IRAs can be combined and handled by one provider, thereby reducing trustee costs and consolidating statements. Protection from creditors in federal bankruptcy proceedings. The combined amount of your required minimum distributions (RMDs) can be taken from any of your Traditional, SEP or SIMPLE IRAs.

However, there are also some important considerations that Brunswick should make before rolling over their money into an IRA, these include:

Internal management fees might be higher than in a Brunswick-sponsored retirement plan.
Fees and expenses depend largely on the investments you choose.
Loans from an IRA are not allowed.
Early distributions may be subject to a 10% IRS tax penalty in addition to income tax.
RMDs begin April 1 following the year you reach 70½ and annually thereafter; leaving the money in the former Fortune-500 plan may allow RMDs to be delayed until separation from service.
IRAs are subject to state laws governing malpractice, divorce, creditors (outside of bankruptcy), and other lawsuits; leaving the money in the former Brunswick-plan may provide additional protection against creditors.
Net unrealized appreciation (NUA) is the difference between what you paid for employer securities and their increased value. You lose favorable tax treatment of NUA if the funds are rolled into an IRA.

Hopefully, these insights will be helpful as you plan your retirement from Brunswick.

For more information about this topic, view our e-book here: https://retirekit.theretirementgroup.com/will-your-retirement-plan-retire-with-you-e-brochure-offer

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

The primary purpose of Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by providing a tax-advantaged way to contribute a portion of their salary.

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

Yes, Brunswick offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

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

Employees can enroll in Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What are the eligibility requirements for Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees are generally eligible to participate in Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan after completing a specified period of service, as outlined in the plan documents.

What types of investment options are available in Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Brunswick'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.

Can employees change their contribution percentage to Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

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

The vesting schedule for employer contributions in Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan varies based on the length of service, as detailed in the plan documents.

How often can employees access their account statements for Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can access their account statements for Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan online, typically on a quarterly basis, or they can request them at any time.

Are loans available through Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Brunswick's 401(k) Savings Plan may allow employees to take loans against their vested account balance, subject to certain conditions and limits.

What happens to an employee's 401(k) Savings Plan account if they leave Brunswick?

If an employee leaves Brunswick, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) Savings Plan account to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the plan, depending on the plan's rules.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Brunswick has announced a significant restructuring plan, including a reduction in workforce by 10% to streamline operations and reduce costs. The company is also making changes to its pension plan, shifting from a defined benefit plan to a defined contribution plan.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Brunswick at 26125 North Riverwoods Boulevard Mettawa, IL 60045; or by calling them at +1 847-735-4700.