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 CenterPoint Energy Employee?

Healthcare Provider Update: Provides medical, dental, vision, disability, and wellness programs 5. Employees using ACA coverage should prepare for 2026 premium increases and coordinate with HR Click here to learn more

Choosing an IRA rollover means that your money remains tax-advantaged and capable of growth, as in a CenterPoint Energy-sponsored plan. You may also gain more investment options than what may have been available in your CenterPoint Energy-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 CenterPoint Energy-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 CenterPoint Energy should make before rolling over their money into an IRA, these include:

Internal management fees might be higher than in a CenterPoint Energy-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 CenterPoint Energy-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 CenterPoint Energy.

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

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

What is the purpose of the 401(k) Savings Plan at CenterPoint Energy?

The purpose of the 401(k) Savings Plan at CenterPoint Energy is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their paycheck to a tax-advantaged account.

How can I enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan at CenterPoint Energy?

Employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan at CenterPoint Energy by completing the enrollment process through the companys benefits portal during the enrollment period.

What types of contributions can I make to my 401(k) at CenterPoint Energy?

At CenterPoint Energy, employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and catch-up contributions if eligible.

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

Yes, CenterPoint Energy offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps to enhance retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) at CenterPoint Energy?

The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) at CenterPoint Energy is subject to IRS limits, which may change annually. Employees should check the current limits for the specific year.

When can I start withdrawing funds from my 401(k) at CenterPoint Energy?

Employees can start withdrawing funds from their 401(k) at CenterPoint Energy upon reaching age 59½, or under certain circumstances such as financial hardship or termination of employment.

Are there penalties for early withdrawal from the 401(k) at CenterPoint Energy?

Yes, early withdrawals from the 401(k) at CenterPoint Energy may incur penalties and taxes unless specific exceptions apply, such as disability or financial hardship.

How often can I change my contribution amount to the 401(k) at CenterPoint Energy?

Employees at CenterPoint Energy can change their contribution amount to the 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

What investment options are available in the CenterPoint Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?

The CenterPoint Energy 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 I take a loan against my 401(k) at CenterPoint Energy?

Yes, CenterPoint Energy allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

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

CenterPoint Energy announced a restructuring plan that includes a reduction of its workforce by 5% and the freezing of its pension plan. The company is also shifting to a defined-contribution retirement plan for new employees.

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for CenterPoint Energy employees

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for CenterPoint Energy at 1111 Louisiana St. Houston, TX 77002; or by calling them at 1-713-207-1111.