What Expeditors Intl. of Washington Employees Should Know About Caring for Aging Parents
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Expeditors International of Washington
Expeditors International of Washington primarily partners with major healthcare providers to offer employee health benefits. Typically, these include national insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem (Elevance Health), and Kaiser Permanente, among others. Employees are encouraged to choose plans that fit their specific healthcare needs.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As we approach 2026, healthcare costs are expected to surge significantly for employees of Expeditors International of Washington, largely driven by the anticipated expiration of enhanced premiums under the Affordable Care Act. Without these subsidies, many individuals could face premium increases exceeding 75%, impacting affordability and access to care. Coupled with rising medical costs and higher drug spending, these changes may create substantial financial burdens for employees and retirees alike, necessitating proactive budgeting and health planning.
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'Many Expeditors Intl. of Washington 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 Expeditors Intl. of Washington 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 Expeditors Intl. of Washington 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. Expeditors Intl. of Washington 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, Expeditors Intl. of Washington 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 Expeditors Intl. of Washington 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. Expeditors Intl. of Washington 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 Expeditors Intl. of Washington 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 Expeditors Intl. of Washington 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 savings plan does Expeditors Intl. of Washington offer to its employees?
Expeditors Intl. of Washington offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
How can I enroll in the 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington?
Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington by completing the enrollment form available through the HR portal.
Does Expeditors Intl. of Washington match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Expeditors Intl. of Washington provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) contributions, subject to certain limits.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington?
The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington follows the IRS guidelines, which are updated annually.
Can I change my contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington?
Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage at any time through the HR portal or by contacting HR at Expeditors Intl. of Washington.
When can I start withdrawing from my 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington?
Employees can typically start withdrawing from their 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington after reaching the age of 59½, subject to plan rules.
Are there any penalties for early withdrawal from the 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington?
Yes, early withdrawals from the 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington may incur penalties and taxes, as per IRS regulations.
What investment options are available in the 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington?
The 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds.
How often can I change my investment options in the 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington?
Employees can change their investment options in the 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington as often as they wish, typically with no restrictions on frequency.
Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington?
Yes, Expeditors Intl. of Washington has a vesting schedule for employer matching contributions, which employees should review in the plan documents.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. offers a robust 401(k) plan with automatic enrollment and company matching contributions. At the end of 2022, Expeditors' 401(k) plan had total assets of $839,061,386, with 9,224 participants. The average retirement account value per participant in 2022 was $90,965. Employees contributed an average of $6,619 annually, with the company matching approximately $1,947 per employee, amounting to 30.92% of employee contributions (Smart 40K Plus). The plan includes automatic enrollment and default investments for employees who do not actively manage their account allocations.
Expeditors does not appear to have a defined benefit pension plan but operates a defined contribution plan, making the 401(k) plan their primary retirement vehicle. The company encourages long-term saving by offering a straightforward employer match, providing employees with additional retirement security. Expeditors' matching contributions totaled $17,965,349 in 2022. The investment growth rate in 2022 was notably affected by market fluctuations, showing a -14.04% growth rate
Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Expeditors International of Washington announced a strategic restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency. This plan included a reduction in workforce across several departments. The decision was driven by the need to adapt to shifting market conditions and optimize operational costs. It is crucial to follow this news due to the current economic environment, which is characterized by volatility and uncertainty in global trade and logistics. Understanding these changes can provide insights into broader industry trends and potential impacts on job security and organizational stability.
Expeditors International of Washington offers stock options and RSUs to certain employees. Stock options are granted based on performance and tenure, while RSUs are typically awarded to senior management and key employees. According to the 2023 Proxy Statement (page 45), the company provides these incentives to align employee interests with company performance.
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