Healthcare Provider Update: Offers three medical plan options including UHC PPO and Surest, with 100% preventive care coverage. Employees also receive dental, vision, HSAs, FSAs, and wellness incentives 7. With ACA premiums rising and subsidies expiring, Equitys employer-sponsored plans may provide better value and predictability for employees. Click here to learn more
Choosing an IRA rollover means that your money remains tax-advantaged and capable of growth, as in a Equity Residential-sponsored plan. You may also gain more investment options than what may have been available in your Equity Residential-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.' |
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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 Equity Residential-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 Equity Residential should make before rolling over their money into an IRA, these include:
- Internal management fees might be higher than in a Equity Residential-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 Equity Residential-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 Equity Residential.
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 are the eligibility requirements for employees to participate in the Equity-League Pension Plan, and how can they ensure compliance with these requirements to maximize their potential benefits during retirement?
Eligibility for the Equity-League Pension Plan: Employees become eligible to participate in the Pension Plan by working at least two weeks in covered employment during a 12-month period. To maximize benefits, employees should ensure they continue working in covered employment to accumulate Years of Vesting Service (YVS), which solidifies their entitlement to benefits even if they leave the industry(Equity-League_Pension_T…).
How do the contribution limits for the Equity-League 401(k) Plan compare to traditional IRAs, and what strategies can employees deploy to make the most of their contribution options as they approach retirement?
Contribution Limits Comparison: The Equity-League 401(k) Plan has higher contribution limits compared to traditional IRAs. Employees can contribute up to $19,000 annually (or $25,000 if over 50), while traditional IRAs are capped at $6,000 (or $7,000 for those over 50). By taking full advantage of catch-up contributions as they near retirement, employees can significantly boost their retirement savings(Equity-League_Pension_T…).
What approaches can participants in the Equity-League Pension Plan take to effectively manage their individual accounts, and how can they adjust their investment strategies based on changes in their employment status or retirement goals?
Managing Individual Accounts in the Pension Plan: Participants in the Equity-League 401(k) Plan can manage their accounts by selecting from various investment options, including age-based and equity funds. Adjusting investments based on career changes or retirement goals can help employees align their portfolios with their risk tolerance and retirement timeline(Equity-League_Pension_T…).
In what ways can employees of the Equity-League Pension Plan benefit from understanding the vesting schedule, and how can this knowledge impact their overall retirement planning and decision-making process?
Vesting Schedule: Understanding the vesting schedule is crucial for employees. Employees become vested by accumulating five YVS or by satisfying other vesting tests, such as the 25-year test. Once vested, employees secure their pension benefits, regardless of future employment changes(Equity-League_Pension_T…).
What are the tax implications for participants in the Equity-League Pension Trust Fund when taking distributions from their retirement accounts, and how can they optimize their withdrawals to minimize tax liabilities?
Tax Implications for Distributions: When taking distributions from their retirement accounts, employees may face a 10% penalty if withdrawals are made before age 59½. However, rolling over distributions into IRAs can help defer taxes. Employees should consult tax professionals to optimize withdrawals and minimize tax liabilities(Equity-League_Pension_T…)(Equity-League_Pension_T…).
How can employees ensure that their beneficiary designations are current within the Equity-League Pension Plan, and what steps should they take in the event of a life change, such as marriage or divorce, to protect their intended beneficiaries?
Beneficiary Designations: It’s important for employees to keep beneficiary designations current. In the event of life changes such as marriage or divorce, updating these designations ensures intended beneficiaries receive the appropriate benefits. Employees can contact the Fund Office to make updates(Equity-League_Pension_T…)(Equity-League_Pension_T…).
What resources are available for employees of the Equity-League Pension Trust Fund to educate themselves about their retirement rights under ERISA, and how can they utilize these resources to advocate for their interests effectively?
ERISA Resources for Employees: Employees are protected under ERISA, which guarantees certain rights regarding their retirement benefits. The Equity-League Pension Trust Fund provides resources such as the Summary Plan Description, and employees can access legal help if they believe their rights have been violated(Equity-League_Pension_T…).
How does the withdrawal process work for employees of the Equity-League Pension Plan, particularly in the context of normal retirement age and circumstances that may lead to early withdrawals?
Withdrawal Process: Employees can take withdrawals as early as age 60, but benefits will be reduced for each year prior to age 65. Early withdrawals may also incur penalties, so employees should consider the long-term financial impact before opting for early retirement(Equity-League_Pension_T…).
Given the significant assets under management in the Equity-League Pension Trust Fund, how do investment choices within the plan impact employees' potential retirement income, and what factors should be considered when selecting these investments?
Investment Choices: Investment options within the 401(k) Plan impact employees' retirement income. With 19 investment choices, including equity and fixed-income investments, participants should select funds that balance growth and risk, keeping in mind the potential long-term returns(Equity-League_Pension_T…).
What is the best way for employees to contact the Equity-League Pension Trust Fund for inquiries about their benefits or the retirement process, and what specific information should they be prepared to provide to facilitate a productive conversation?
Contacting the Fund for Inquiries: Employees can contact the Equity-League Pension Trust Fund by phone, email, or mail. When making inquiries, employees should provide personal details such as their participant ID and questions about specific benefits to ensure efficient assistance(Equity-League_Pension_T…).