What EOG Resources Employees Should Know About Caring for Aging Parents
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'Many EOG Resources employees underestimate how caregiving responsibilities may influence their long-term planning. To prepare thoughtfully and involve the right professionals, it's important to start these conversations early.' — Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
'Many EOG Resources employees face unexpected pressure when aging parent responsibilities arise. I believe early planning and open family communication can help households navigate these challenges with greater clarity.' — Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article, we will discuss:
Key warning signs that aging parents may need additional support.
Essential legal and health care preparations to help families stay organized.
How to coordinate family involvement and emotional readiness during caregiving.
Many EOG Resources employees in their mid-50s to early 60s come to discover that their retirement planning may have to expand to include the needs of their aging parents. As America’s population grows older, adult children frequently take on caregiving responsibilities for parents facing health issues, financial weaknesses, and cognitive decline. These realities influence family dynamics, investments, estate planning, taxes, and emotional well-being.
“Your parents' financial vulnerabilities become your financial stress unless you plan ahead and take a proactive role,” explains Brent Wolf, CFP®, an advisor at Wealth Enhancement.
Below are key considerations for individuals ages 55 to 65 who are preparing to support elderly parents.
1. Recognize the Early Signs of Cognitive Decline
For many families, cognitive decline in an aging parent typically appears gradually. Early warning signs may include:
- Repeatedly forgetting conversations
- Missing or duplicating bill payments
- Confusion about routine transactions
- Financial decisions influenced by new “friends”
- Unusual wire transfers or unexpected spending changes
Your role is not to diagnose—your role is to observe and speak up early. By addressing concerns promptly, you, your family, and your advisory team can potentially help mitigate the risk of future financial or cognitive harm.
2. Put Durable Power of Attorney and a Trusted Contact in Place
If a parent becomes cognitively impaired without a durable power of attorney, families often face a costly, lengthy conservatorship process. EOG Resources employees can address this by planning ahead.
Consider getting the following key documents in place:
- A trusted contact authorization
- Durable Power of Attorney for finances
- HIPAA releases and health care power of attorney
- Updated beneficiary designations, wills, and trusts
These steps can help reduce uncertainty and lessen the risk of financial exploitation should a parent become more vulnerable.
3. Prepare for Health Care Shock: Medicare Has Gaps
Many households are surprised by how much Medicare does not cover. Common out-of-pocket costs include:
- Long-term custodial care (memory care, assisted living, in-home support)
- Prescription drugs
- Private caregivers and care managers
- Out-of-pocket deductibles and co-pays
To plan effectively, EOG Resources employees should understand:
- What your parents’ insurance covers
- Their likely care expenses
- Whether self-funding or long-term care strategies may fit
- Whether Medicaid planning (with its five-year look-back) should begin early
Health care decisions become more urgent if cognitive decline is a concern.
4. Guard Your Parents Against Financial Abuse
Financial abuse is a growing threat for older adults—including parents of EOG Resources employees. Common scams include:
- Romance schemes
- Fake IRS, FedEx, or government calls
- “Grandchild in trouble” scams
- Caregiver misconduct
- Pressure from acquaintances or distant relatives
- Fraudulent investment pitches
Adult children often hesitate to intervene, but silence can increase risk. Advisors can help monitor accounts, identify unusual activity, and place temporary holds when needed.
5. Organize the “Invisible” Parts of Their Financial Life
By age 80, even financially experienced parents may struggle to keep up with routine obligations such as:
- Required minimum distributions
- Quarterly tax payments
- Charitable documentation
- Insurance renewals
- Online passwords
- Property tax deadlines
- Portfolio withdrawal planning
Advisors can help reduce errors by automating tasks, consolidating accounts, and simplifying processes.
6. Bring the Entire Family Into the Conversation Early
The most challenging situations often arise when adult children learn of issues only after a crisis. EOG Resources employees may benefit from:
- Annual family meetings
- Clear conversations about parents’ wishes
- Defined caregiving and financial roles
- Discussions around independence and dignity
Proactive communication may helps mitigate conflict and avoid last-minute decisions during emergencies.
7. Prepare Yourself Emotionally and Financially
Caring for aging parents can influence:
- Retirement timing
- Your ability to continue working
- Your cash flow
- Your mental and emotional resilience
Advisors can help you develop:
- A dedicated “parent care fund”
- Tax-efficient withdrawal strategies
- Cash flow outlines that factor in elder care
- Estate plans that reflect multigenerational needs
With thoughtful planning, supporting your parents does not have to disrupt your retirement goals—even for EOG Resources employees navigating complex benefits.
8. Build a Team-Based Approach
Families caring for elderly parents often benefit from a coordinated team that may include:
- A financial advisor
- An attorney with experience working with seniors
- Tax specialist
- Geriatric care manager
- Estate planning attorney
- Health care advocates
Working together, these professionals can help manage risk for both parents and adult children through a unified strategy.
Conclusion
Aging is inevitable—but it does not have to create chaos. Early planning, while parents are still capable, can lessen emotional strain, help minimize family conflict, and ideally reduce the likelihood of financial harm.
“The best gift you can give your aging parents is structure, clarity, and a financial advocate who supports them when they can no longer support themselves,” says Brent Wolf.
For EOG Resources employees ages 55 to 65, now is the time to act.
Taking the Next Step
The Retirement Group can help you design a Parent Care Plan that includes financial oversight, health care review, legal preparation, and fraud monitoring.
To speak with a team member who can guide you through each stage of the process, call
(800) 900-5867
.
We are here to support you, your parents, and your family through every stage of life.
What type of retirement plan does EOG Resources offer to its employees?
EOG Resources offers a 401(k) Savings Plan to help employees save for retirement.
Is participation in the EOG Resources 401(k) plan mandatory for all employees?
Participation in the EOG Resources 401(k) plan is voluntary; employees can choose whether or not to enroll.
What is the employer match for contributions made to the EOG Resources 401(k) plan?
EOG Resources provides a matching contribution up to a certain percentage of the employee's salary, which is detailed in the plan documents.
How can employees at EOG Resources enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees at EOG Resources can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What investment options are available in the EOG Resources 401(k) plan?
The EOG Resources 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.
Can EOG Resources employees change their contribution percentage at any time?
Yes, employees at EOG Resources can change their contribution percentage at any time, subject to plan rules.
What is the vesting schedule for EOG Resources' employer contributions to the 401(k) plan?
The vesting schedule for employer contributions at EOG Resources typically follows a set timeline, which is outlined in the plan documents.
Are loans available from the EOG Resources 401(k) plan?
Yes, EOG Resources allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions.
What happens to the 401(k) savings if an employee leaves EOG Resources?
If an employee leaves EOG Resources, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) savings into another retirement account, withdraw the funds, or leave the savings in the EOG Resources plan, subject to plan rules.
Does EOG Resources offer financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?
Yes, EOG Resources provides financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
EOG Resources provides a defined contribution 401(k) plan to its employees as the primary retirement option. The EOG Resources 401(k) plan allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary, which is often matched by the company. For 2024, the IRS limit for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan is $23,000, with an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500 available to those aged 50 or older (Empower) (Investopedia). EOG Resources contributes to the 401(k) plan by matching up to 6% of the employee's salary (Empower).
EOG Resources does not provide a traditional pension plan (defined benefit plan) for its employees, following the trend where many private companies offer defined contribution plans such as 401(k) over pensions (EOG Resources, Inc. ). Instead, the company's focus is on its 401(k) plan, which provides investment options like mutual funds, stocks, and bonds (Investopedia). Employees bear the risk for investment outcomes under this plan, as it does not guarantee specific payouts, unlike traditional pension plans
Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, EOG Resources announced a strategic restructuring plan to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. This restructuring included a reduction of 5% in the workforce, impacting approximately 200 employees. The move was aimed at optimizing operational performance and adapting to fluctuating oil prices. This restructuring is significant due to the current economic environment, where companies are adjusting their workforce to cope with market uncertainties and inflation. The investment and tax implications of such layoffs can affect individual retirement accounts and savings.
Company Benefits and Retirement Plans: EOG Resources has also made changes to its benefits program, including adjustments to its pension and 401(k) plans. The company introduced a new matching policy for its 401(k) plan, which now includes a 4% match compared to the previous 3%. Additionally, the pension plan has been modified to provide more flexibility for early retirement. These changes are crucial in light of the current political climate, which influences retirement policy and tax regulations. Understanding these adjustments can help employees make informed decisions about their retirement planning.
Stock Options & RSUs:
2022: EOG Resources provided stock options and RSUs as part of their employee compensation package. The company used the acronym SO for stock options and RSU for restricted stock units. Eligible employees included executives and senior managers.
2023: EOG Resources continued to offer stock options (SO) and RSUs (RSU) as a significant component of their compensation strategy. These were available to senior leadership and key employees.
2024: For 2024, EOG Resources maintained their practice of issuing stock options (SO) and RSUs (RSU) to eligible employees, including top executives and high-performing staff. The company emphasized these as tools for retention and performance alignment.
URL: EOG Resources Careers
Details: The official website will provide the most accurate and updated information about employee health benefits, including details on plans offered, eligibility, and any recent updates or changes.
LinkedIn (Company Profile)
URL: EOG Resources LinkedIn
Details: The company’s LinkedIn profile often shares updates and posts about employee benefits and company news that may include information on health benefits.
Glassdoor
URL: EOG Resources Glassdoor
Details: Glassdoor provides employee reviews and ratings that often include information about health benefits and employee experiences.
Indeed
URL: EOG Resources Indeed
Details: Indeed also offers insights into employee benefits based on reviews and company profiles.
Payscale
URL: EOG Resources Payscale
Details: Payscale provides salary information and sometimes details about employee benefits, including health-related benefits.
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