<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=314834185700910&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

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

Learn More

Investing for Income 11 Different Ways for Abbott Laboratories Employees and Retirees

image-table

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Abbott Laboratories: Abbott Laboratories operates as both a developer and provider of various healthcare products and services, focusing on medical devices, diagnostics, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals. Its health care offerings span from advanced medical devices for chronic disease management to diagnostic equipment and nutritional products aimed at enhancing patient care and outcomes. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As we look towards 2026, healthcare costs are anticipated to surge significantly, primarily driven by the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). States may implement record-setting premium hikes, with some rates soaring over 60%. Combined with underlying medical cost inflation and aggressive rate increases from major insurers, consumers could face an alarming rise in out-of-pocket costs-potentially over 75% for many policyholders. This scenario underscores the pressing need for individuals to strategically prepare for the financial landscape in the coming years. Click here to learn more

Fixed-income investing can provide an income stream to protect capital and provide financial independence for Abbott Laboratories employees looking to retire comfortably, said Wesley Boudreaux, of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

'As more Abbott Laboratories employees live longer than expected, an advisor can help you secure the income needed to fund a long retirement through instruments such as bonds and annuities,' said Patrick Ray of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article we will discuss:

1. Creating streams of income for retiring Abbott Laboratories employees.

2. Fixed-income investments include bonds, municipal bonds and preferred stock.

3. Work with a financial advisor to understand investments for retirement income.


Because many Abbott Laboratories employees get more years in retirement, retirees have to carve out streams of income with which to live. That's the goal of investing for income - having enough income to cover your expenses so you can avoid tapping into your principal retirement savings. As a Abbott Laboratories employee, investing for income may be less risky than investing for growth through traditional stock market investments. It's because fixed-income investing aims to help you as a Abbott Laboratories employee preserve your capital so you can draw down ongoing income in interest or dividend form.

That's what makes investing for income a viable option for Abbott Laboratories employees and retirees who like knowing what their investments will provide for them in the future. With this basic understanding of how investing for income can put you on the path to a more predictable retirement outcome than most traditional stock market-based plans can promise, let's look at 11 different ways you can invest for income. Most fixed-income investments are bonds. These have a set amount of interest to pay and a fixed amount to be paid back at maturity, called the par value. What comes to mind first when people think about investing in bonds is government bonds.

Those government bonds are debt securities issued by a government to fund government spending. They're issued by national governments and are considered low risk because they're backed by the government issuing the bonds. One example is a United States debt security backed by the United States. The U.S. Treasury Department also issues U.S. Treasury Bonds. U.S. Treasury Bonds are long-term bonds that mature in 10 to 30 years. But what if you're not a Abbott Laboratories employee who wants to hang your cash for more than 10 years?

So there we have the second way to invest for income:

U.S. Treasury Notes. U.S. Treasury Notes are another type of debt security that the U.S. government issues to fund government spending. The loan also has an advertised interest rate, payable semi-annually until maturity. U.S. Treasury notes are offered at two-, three-, five-, seven- and 10-year terms.

For the Abbott Laboratories employee:

If you think that's still too long to tie up your money, then item # 3 on our list may be for you. U.S. Treasury Bills are short-term debt obligations backed by the United States Treasury Department for terms of one year or less. They come in one, three, six and 12 month maturities. Because they have shorter terms, they will generally charge less interest than the two other options we discussed. We think those are reasonable short-term investments for Abbott Laboratories employees and retirees. What if you want U.S. government bonds? As a Abbott Laboratories employee, maybe you want to put your money where it counts - in something local - that will help local governments with government projects. Look next if that's the case. Municipal bonds are debt securities issued by state and local governments to fund public works and are used mainly to build or improve parks, roads, bridges, libraries or other infrastructure. As a Abbott Laboratories employee, municipal bonds can help preserve capital while earning interest. Some municipal bonds pay no federal taxes and some are tax-free at the state and local levels as well. But interest earned on municipal bonds could affect your social benefits and the tax you might owe on those benefits.

That's why you as a Abbott Laboratories employee should work with a financial advisor who understands retirement planning and saving before you invest in such securities. As a Abbott Laboratories employee you need to know that corporate bonds are debt securities that corporations issue to raise money for ongoing operations, mergers and acquisitions or to expand their business. The term corporate bond is used for debt instruments issued by a corporation with at least one year maturities. Corporate bonds fall under two broad categories. The first is high-grade corporate bonds - investment-grade corporate bonds. The second category is high-yield corporate bonds or junk bonds. The two distinctions are based among other things on the risk that the bondholder assumes by investing in those bonds. Generally speaking, investment-grade corporate bonds will yield less interest than higher-risk, junk bonds. At TRG we work with Abbott Laboratories employees to maximize return with minimum risk. Preferred stocks are equities that pay a fixed dividend and have a par value.

So even if shares' market value drops below par, investors will still receive the fixed dividend payment. Should that company ever redeem or call those shares, those shares are called back at par value. As a Abbott Laboratories employee, you need to know the different classes of equities and stocks to make sound decisions. Mortgage-backed securities are investments secured by a basket of mortgages purchased by the banks that issued them. MBS receives periodic payments similar to bond interest payments. All of the above are options Abbott Laboratories employees and retirees could consider for an investment strategy to generate income. A business development company is a closed-end fund that invests in organizations developing or seeking financial help. BDCs can offer high dividend yields and capital appreciation. BDCs have no par value but have loans to businesses in their portfolios that have par value. People forget about another type of fixed-income investment - Certificates of Deposit (CDs). You pay an agreed rate of interest in return for agreeing not to withdraw money from that account for a specified period of time until the maturity date.

When that CD term ends, the investor gets their principal back. Problem with CDs:

if you have an emergency and need to access those funds now, you could face early withdrawal penalties. You put money in CDs because it is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). All of the amounts insured are capped, so check with your bank that the amount you put in that CD is within the limits of insurance. These are sometimes called money market deposit accounts or money market retirement savings accounts and are also considered fixed-income investments - most are backed by the FDIC - and usually carry a higher rate of interest than a traditional retirement savings account and permit account holders to make occasional penalty-free withdrawals. There are just six transactions per month - transfers or withdrawals. A contract between you and an insurance company under which you pay a lump-sum or series of payments and receive regular disbursements is called an annuity. These investments can provide a monthly income for a retiree but must be funded many years before you get any payout.

How to Invest for Income among the 11 ways to Invest for Income There's one common thread:

you can know how much income your investments will provide. Also know when you will get those interest or dividend payments. We say that by investing for income, you know with greater certainty what your financial future holds - certainty that most common stock investments cannot provide. Find out how fixed income investing or other types of investing works in our Retirement learning Library of ebooks and webinars on investing. Since increasingly many Abbott Laboratories employees will live 20 or 30 years in retirement, you owe it to yourself to build stable streams of income you can count on well into your final years in retirement. What if you are one of the few who make it to 100? Rather than waiting for growth in an uncertain stock market, investing for income can reduce the risk that you run out of money before you run out of life. The first is finding a financial advisor who understands planning for retirement and how to best utilize fixed-income investments.

Working with a financial advisor from The Retirement Group means working with a fiduciary who knows how to help you invest for income. A nationwide organization of financial advisors called The Retirement Group. We only plan for and design retirement portfolios for transitioning corporate employees. And each representative of The Group has been hand-picked by The Retirement Group in select cities throughout The United States. Each advisor was screened for pension expertise, financial planning experience and portfolio construction knowledge. TRG believes in teamwork to find solutions to our clients' problems. A conservative investment philosophy guides the team in constructing client portfolios with laddered bonds / CDs / mutual funds / ETFs / annuities / stocks and other investments.

They handle retirement / pensions / tax / asset allocation / estate / elder care issues. This document uses different research tools and techniques. All attempts to estimate future results involve assumptions and judgments and are therefore only tentative estimates. The law, investment climate, interest rates and personal circumstances will all change and will affect how accurate our estimations are and how appropriate our recommendations are. Such a plan requires ongoing change sensitivities as well as constant re-examination and alteration of the plan. So update your plan a few months before your expected retirement date and do an annual review.

Articles you may find interesting:

Loading...

Nothing contained herein shall be construed as an attempt by The Retirement Group, LLC or any of its employees to practice law or accounting. We look forward to speaking with any tax and/or legal professionals you may select regarding the implications of our recommendations. Through your retirement years, we will continue to update you on issues affecting your retirement via our complimentary and proprietary newsletters, workshops & periodic updates. Or call us at (800) 900-5867.

Sources:

1. Brandon, Emily. '7 High-Return, Low-Risk Investments for Retirees.'  U.S. News & World Report , Feb. 2025,  www.money.usnews.com/investing/articles/high-return-low-risk-investments-for-retirees?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

2. 'Investment Options to Generate Income in Retirement.'  U.S. Bank , Feb. 2025,  www.usbank.com/retirement-planning/financial-perspectives/investment-options-to-generate-retirement-income.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

3. 'The Benefits of a Diversified Retirement Portfolio.'  TIAA , Feb. 2025,  www.tiaa.org/public/learn/lifetime-income/retirement-portfolio-diversification-strategies?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

4. 'Finding Fixed Income Investments for Retirement.'  Charles Schwab , Sept. 2023,  www.schwab.com/learn/story/finding-fixed-income-investments-retirement?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

5.'Fixed Income for Retirement.'  M1 Finance , Jan. 2025,  www.m1.com/knowledge-bank/fixed-income-for-retirement/?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

How does the Abbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan (ARP) determine the eligibility requirements for employees, and how can potential changes in federal regulations impact these requirements? Employees of Abbott Laboratories may need to understand the nuances of eligibility, particularly regarding age and service criteria. Changes in laws governing retirement benefits could pose questions about continued eligibility and could affect when employees can begin pension payments.

Eligibility Requirements & Impact of Federal Regulations: Employees at Abbott Laboratories become eligible for the ARP by being part of a participating division, being at least 21 years old, and residing in the U.S. (with certain exceptions for U.S. employees abroad). Changes in federal regulations could potentially alter these eligibility criteria, especially since such rules often influence age and service requirements for retirement plans. Any changes in legislation regarding retirement benefits might necessitate adjustments in eligibility rules, affecting when employees can begin receiving pension payments.

Can you explain the significance of Vesting Service in the context of the Abbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan? Employees often wonder how their years of service influence their benefit eligibility and the amount they can expect. Understanding the elements that constitute Vesting Service, and the implications of terminating employment before achieving vesting, is crucial for Abbott Laboratories employees planning for retirement.

Significance of Vesting Service: Vesting Service at Abbott Laboratories refers to the time an employee must accumulate to gain entitlement to pension benefits, irrespective of continued employment. This service is critical as it determines the security of an employee's future benefits and the degree of an employee's investment in the company's pension plan. Employees who terminate employment prior to achieving full vesting lose entitlement to accrued pension benefits, making understanding and accruing Vesting Service essential for long-term financial planning.

In what ways does the calculation of Final Average Pay play a role in determining retirement benefits under the Abbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan? The methodology used to calculate an employee's Final Average Pay can significantly impact the retirement income they receive. Employees at Abbott Laboratories should consider how their earnings history and the inclusion or exclusion of certain payments factor into their anticipated benefits.

Role of Final Average Pay in Benefit Calculation: Final Average Pay (FAP) is crucial in determining the pension benefits under the ARP as it represents the average of an employee’s highest earnings over a specified period. Abbott’s ARP calculates pension based on a percentage of the FAP, multiplied by years of eligible service. This calculation means that higher earnings towards the end of an employee's career can significantly increase the pension benefits, incentivizing employees to maximize their earnings potential in their final working years.

What optional forms of payment are available to employees upon retirement under the Abbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan, and how do these choices affect overall pension benefits? Abbott Laboratories employees need to evaluate whether to choose single or joint survivor annuities, among other options, as these decisions can have long-term financial implications for both themselves and their beneficiaries.

Optional Forms of Payment at Retirement: The ARP offers various payment options upon retirement, including single and joint survivor annuities, which affect the benefit's distribution and longevity. These choices impact financial planning for retirement, particularly in ensuring that a spouse or beneficiary may continue to receive benefits after the retiree's death. The selection between these options should align with personal financial needs and considerations for dependents' security.

Different employees may have varying perspectives on the importance of early retirement options offered by Abbott Laboratories. What are the qualifications for early special retirement, and how does this option affect retirement income? Employees contemplating retirement before the standard age should understand how factors such as age, years of service, and the specific provisions of the Abbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan influence their benefits.

Early Retirement Qualifications and Impacts: Early retirement under the ARP is available to employees who meet specific age and service criteria, allowing them to retire with reduced benefits before reaching the normal retirement age. This option can significantly affect retirement income, depending on the number of years ahead of normal retirement age the employee chooses to retire, making it crucial for employees to understand the financial trade-offs involved in retiring early.

How does the Abbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan ensure compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), and what rights do employees have under this act? Abbott Laboratories employees should be informed about their rights regarding plan documentation, required disclosures, and recourse in the event of disputes pertaining to their retirement benefits.

ARP Compliance with ERISA: The ARP is designed to comply with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), providing employees with rights to information about plan features and funding, benefits accrual, and recourse in case of disputes. Compliance with ERISA ensures that employees' retirement benefits are protected under federal law, offering a framework for security and transparency in their retirement planning.

How do Abbott Laboratories employees who experience a medical leave of absence or disability maintain their retirement service credits under the Annuity Retirement Plan? Understanding the interaction between long-term disability benefits, medical leave, and retirement plan participation is essential for employees navigating health-related issues while planning for their retirement.

Impact of Medical Leave or Disability on Retirement Credits: Employees on medical leave or disability continue to accrue service credits under the ARP, ensuring that such periods do not adversely affect their pension benefits. This protection helps employees who are temporarily unable to work due to health issues maintain their trajectory towards earning full retirement benefits.

Given the potential for changes to the Abbott Laboratories Annuity Retirement Plan, how can employees stay informed about their rights and any modifications to the plan’s terms? Employees at Abbott Laboratories should have access to reliable communication channels, including how to receive updates about the retirement plan, which could impact their financial planning.

Staying Informed About Plan Changes: Employees can stay informed about changes to the ARP through regular communications from Abbott Laboratories, access to updated plan documents, and direct inquiries to the Abbott Benefits Center. Staying proactive in seeking information and understanding the implications of plan modifications is essential for effective retirement planning.

What processes should Abbott Laboratories employees follow if they wish to obtain a statement regarding their entitlement to a pension? Employees looking to plan for retirement need clear instructions on how to request this crucial information and understand its importance in their long-term financial strategy.

Obtaining a Pension Statement: Employees wishing to obtain a statement of their pension entitlements under the ARP should contact the Abbott Benefits Center. Clear instructions on how to request this information are crucial for employees to plan accurately for retirement and understand their accrued benefits.

If an employee at Abbott Laboratories has further questions about the Annuity Retirement Plan or requires clarification on the document contents, how can they effectively contact the appropriate department? Knowing how to reach out to Abbott Laboratories' Benefits Center regarding retirement plan inquiries is vital for all employees wanting to confirm their understanding or seek additional information about their retirement benefits.

Contacting the Appropriate Department for Plan Inquiries: For further inquiries or clarification regarding the ARP, employees should contact the Abbott Benefits Center. Knowing the correct contact information and how to reach out effectively is vital for resolving concerns and gaining a deeper understanding of their retirement benefits.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Abbott Laboratories offers an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) that allows employees to purchase company stock at a discounted price through automatic payroll deductions. This plan operates in two periods: an "offering period" where payroll deductions accumulate, and a "purchase period" where those deductions are used to buy Abbott/AbbVie stock. The ESPP is a qualified plan, meaning contributions are made on a pre-tax basis, allowing for tax-deferred growth. Employees can benefit from lower taxes on gains if they hold the stock for at least one year and sell it at least two years after the offering date. This plan helps employees benefit from the company's performance while also providing tax savings. 401(k) Plan - Stock Retirement Plan (SRP) Abbott's 401(k) plan, known as the Stock Retirement Plan (SRP), provides a significant company match. Employees who contribute 2% of their gross pay receive a 5% company match. In 2022, employees can contribute up to $20,500 annually ($27,000 if over age 50), with employer and employee contributions capped at a combined $61,000 ($67,500 if over 50). Contributions are automatically deducted from paychecks, deferring taxes until retirement when the employee might be in a lower tax bracket. Additionally, Abbott’s Freedom 2 Save program automatically contributes up to 5% of an employee’s gross salary to the SRP plan if the employee contributes at least 2% of their income to student loan repayment. This generous matching scheme and additional programs can help employees build substantial retirement savings over time. [Source: Abbott Benefits Guide, 2022, p. 10]
Abbott Laboratories has announced significant layoffs in 2024, including the closure of its Fairfield plant, which will result in nearly 200 job losses due to cost-cutting measures. This comes amidst a broader trend of job cuts in their medtech and diagnostic divisions, particularly as demand for COVID-19 tests diminishes. Additionally, Abbott is cutting 3,000 jobs globally as part of a restructuring effort to streamline operations and improve efficiencies. This news is critical for stakeholders to understand the economic and political pressures influencing these decisions, including rising inflation, shifts in demand for healthcare products, and strategic moves to maintain financial stability in a volatile market​ (Hoodline)​​ (MedTech Dive)​​ (FierceBiotech)​​ (FiercePharma)​​ (Press Herald)​.
Abbott Laboratories offers stock options and RSUs to align employee interests with company goals. Stock options are granted with a predetermined price and vesting period, while RSUs vest over a few years based on performance or tenure. In 2022, Abbott enhanced its equity programs, emphasizing performance-based RSUs. The trend continued in 2023 and 2024, with broader RSU availability and performance-linked stock options. Executives and middle management are the primary recipients, fostering long-term alignment with company performance. [Source: Abbott Annual Reports 2022-2024, p. 34] Abbott’s RSU program provides employees with shares of company stock subject to a vesting schedule based on performance milestones or years of service. Once vested, RSUs convert to stock, and their fair market value is taxed as ordinary income. Proper tax planning around RSUs is crucial to minimize tax liability, as vesting can significantly impact income and tax brackets. Employees need to decide whether to hold or sell the stock after it becomes available, considering that selling within one year of conversion results in higher tax rates compared to long-term capital gains rates for stock held for more than a year. Integrating RSUs into a comprehensive wealth management plan is essential for maximizing their benefits.
New call-to-action

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Abbott Laboratories employees

Loading...

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Abbott Laboratories at 1295 state street Springfield, MA 1111; or by calling them at 1-866-329-6277.

https://cache.hacontent.com/ybr/R516/00472_ybr_ybrfndt/downloads/EmpHandbook.pdf - Page 12,https://abbottbenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/BenefitsHighlightsGuide_2024.pdf - Page 7,https://cache.hacontent.com/ybr/R516/00472_ybr_ybrfndt/downloads/RetirementGuide2023.pdf - Page 22,https://cache.hacontent.com/ybr/R516/00472_ybr_ybrfndt/downloads/HealthcareOptions2024.pdf - Page 19,https://abbottbenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/BenefitsHighlightsGuide_2023.pdf - Page 14,https://abbottbenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/BenefitsHighlightsGuide_2022.pdf - Page 8,https://cache.hacontent.com/ybr/R516/00472_ybr_ybrfndt/downloads/AbbottAnnuityRetirementPlan.pdf - Page 11,https://cache.hacontent.com/ybr/R516/00472_ybr_ybrfndt/downloads/AbbottAbbVieMEPP.pdf - Page 25,https://abbottbenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/BenefitsCenterGuide.pdf - Page 16,https://www.abbott.com/content/dam/abbott/en-us/documents/pdfs/annual-report-2023.pdf - Page 55

*Please see disclaimer for more information

Relevant Articles

Check Out Articles for Abbott Laboratories employees