Navigating Change: Financial Insights for Divorced Employees of Westlake

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Westlake Westlake Corporation primarily uses Aetna as its healthcare provider. Aetna offers a variety of health plans for employees, focusing on comprehensive coverage and wellness initiatives to support employees' health needs. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look towards 2026, significant healthcare cost increases are anticipated, particularly due to various economic factors. With many states projecting record premium hikes-some exceeding 60%-the potential expiration of enhanced ACA premium subsidies poses a crucial challenge. This may result in out-of-pocket premiums skyrocketing for most consumers, with estimates indicating increases of over 75% for 92% of policyholders. Coupled with a rise in medical expenses and demands for higher reimbursements from healthcare providers, employees at Westlake and nationwide may find their healthcare costs markedly elevated in the coming year, necessitating careful planning and strategic health coverage choices. Click here to learn more

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 Westlake 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 Westlake 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 Westlake 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 Westlake employees understanding a few key concepts, they may be able to avoid making costly financial mistakes.

1. The Wall Street Journal, 2019