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Navigating Change: Financial Insights for Divorced Employees of Equitable Holdings

The latest research suggests that divorce rates in the U.S. have been falling in recent decades. Still, many people face the difficult crossroads that comes when their marriage ends.

Getting a divorce is a painful, emotional process. Don’t be in such a hurry to reach a settlement that you make poor decisions that can have life-long consequences. For any of our Equitable Holdings clients who may possibly have to have a divorce, here are a few financial ideas that may help you prepare.

The most important task these Equitable Holdings employees can do is to get their finances organized. Identify all your assets and make copies of important financial papers, such as deeds, tax returns, and investment records. When it comes to dividing up your assets, consider mediation as a low-cost alternative to litigation. Most states have equitable-distribution laws that require shared assets to be divided 50/50 anyway. When a divorce becomes contentious, attorney’s fees can accumulate.

From a financial perspective, divorce means taking all the income previously used to run one household and stretching it out over two residences, two utility bills, two grocery lists, etc. There are other hidden costs as well, such as counseling for you or your children. Divorces also may require incurring one-time fees, such as a security deposit on a rental property, moving costs, or increased child-care.

Finally, dividing assets may sound simple but it can be quite complex. The forced sale of a home or investment portfolio may have tax consequences. Potential tax liability also can make two seemingly equal assets have varying net values. Additionally, when pulling apart a portfolio, it makes sense to consider how each asset will suit the prospective recipient in terms of risk tolerance and liquidity.

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We'd like our Equitable Holdings clients to remember, the information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.

During a divorce, many factors are competing for attention. By these Equitable Holdings employees understanding a few key concepts, they may be able to avoid making costly financial mistakes.

Average Interest Rate

Chart Source: Familyinequality.com, 2019

1. The Wall Street Journal, 2019

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Equitable Holdings?

The 401(k) plan at Equitable Holdings is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save and invest a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

How can employees enroll in the 401(k) plan at Equitable Holdings?

Employees can enroll in the Equitable Holdings 401(k) plan by accessing the benefits portal or contacting the HR department for guidance on the enrollment process.

Does Equitable Holdings offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Equitable Holdings provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps to enhance retirement savings.

What are the contribution limits for the 401(k) plan at Equitable Holdings?

The contribution limits for the Equitable Holdings 401(k) plan are in line with IRS regulations, which can change annually. Employees should check the latest guidelines for the current limits.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) plans at Equitable Holdings?

Yes, Equitable Holdings allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to certain terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.

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

The 401(k) plan at Equitable Holdings offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds, index funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in the Equitable Holdings 401(k) plan?

Yes, Equitable Holdings has a vesting schedule for the company match, which means employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the matched contributions.

How can employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at Equitable Holdings?

Employees can change their contribution percentage by logging into the benefits portal or contacting HR to submit their request.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Equitable Holdings?

If an employee leaves Equitable Holdings, they have several options for their 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it with Equitable Holdings.

Are there any penalties for early withdrawal from the Equitable Holdings 401(k) plan?

Yes, early withdrawals from the Equitable Holdings 401(k) plan may incur penalties and taxes, as per IRS regulations, unless certain conditions are met.