What HF Sinclair Employees Should Know About Caring for Aging Parents
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'Many HF Sinclair 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 HF Sinclair 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 HF Sinclair 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. HF Sinclair 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, HF Sinclair 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 HF Sinclair 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. HF Sinclair 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 HF Sinclair 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 HF Sinclair 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.
The 401(k) plan at HF Sinclair is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are deducted.
How can I enroll in HF Sinclair's 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in HF Sinclair's 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does HF Sinclair match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, HF Sinclair offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees boost their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for HF Sinclair's 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for HF Sinclair's 401(k) plan is set according to IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the latest limits for the current year.
When can I start contributing to HF Sinclair's 401(k) plan?
Employees at HF Sinclair can start contributing to the 401(k) plan after completing their eligibility period, which is typically outlined in the benefits documentation.
What investment options are available in HF Sinclair's 401(k) plan?
HF Sinclair's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.
Can I take a loan against my 401(k) at HF Sinclair?
Yes, HF Sinclair allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain conditions and limits as outlined in the plan documents.
What happens to my 401(k) if I leave HF Sinclair?
If an employee leaves HF Sinclair, they have several options for their 401(k), including rolling it over to a new employer's plan, transferring it to an IRA, or cashing it out (with potential penalties).
How often can I change my contribution amount to HF Sinclair's 401(k) plan?
Employees can typically change their contribution amount to HF Sinclair's 401(k) plan during open enrollment periods or at any time as permitted by the plan rules.
Is there a vesting schedule for HF Sinclair's 401(k) matching contributions?
Yes, HF Sinclair has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
HF Sinclair provides both a pension plan and a 401(k) plan for its employees. The company's pension plan is referred to as the HF Sinclair Retirement Plan, and it generally requires employees to meet certain age and years of service qualifications to be eligible. The pension formula is based on a final average pay calculation, which considers the employee's average salary over the last few years of service.
For the 401(k) plan, known as the HF Sinclair 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, employees are automatically enrolled with a default contribution rate of 6% of eligible earnings. Employees have the flexibility to adjust this contribution rate from 1% to 75% of their eligible earnings. The plan includes a company match, enhancing the retirement savings for participants.
Detailed information about the pension and 401(k) plans, including eligibility criteria, contribution limits, and specific terms, can be found in the HF Sinclair benefits summary documents from 2022 to 2024, accessible through their internal benefits portal. Please refer to the specific benefits document for exact details, including page numbers
Layoffs: In 2023, HF Sinclair implemented significant layoffs at its Sinclair refinery, affecting nearly 100 employees. The decision was met with concern from both state and federal officials due to the economic impact on local communities. This reduction aligns with the company's broader strategy to optimize operations in a challenging economic environment. The layoffs are important to address given the current economic pressures and the impact on the local workforce, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and support for affected employees.
HF Sinclair Corporation offers various employee stock options (ESOs) and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of its equity compensation program. These options and units are made available to employees to align their interests with the company's performance and long-term success.
Stock Options: HF Sinclair provides employees the opportunity to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, known as the exercise price. This option typically vests over a period of time, allowing employees to purchase shares at the set price, regardless of the market price at the time of exercise.
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs): RSUs are another form of equity compensation offered by HF Sinclair. Unlike stock options, RSUs represent a promise to deliver company shares at a future date, subject to vesting conditions such as continued employment or performance milestones. Upon vesting, RSUs are converted to actual shares of HF Sinclair stock.
Eligibility: Both stock options and RSUs are generally made available to a wide range of employees within HF Sinclair, including senior executives, managers, and other key employees. The availability of these equity awards is typically tied to the employee's role, performance, and tenure with the company.
In 2022, 2023, and 2024, HF Sinclair continued to issue these equity compensations as part of their incentive plans, adapting the terms and conditions based on the company’s financial performance and strategic goals. For detailed information on the specific terms and conditions, including vesting schedules and eligibility, you can refer to the company’s investor relations presentations and annual reports.
HF Sinclair offers a comprehensive range of health benefits aimed at supporting the physical, mental, and financial well-being of its employees. For the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, HF Sinclair's health benefits include medical plans with Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA), and incentives like the "Go-to-Doctor" program, which offers premium discounts for completing an annual physical. Employees have access to various healthcare plans, including dental and vision coverage, as well as wellness programs that promote preventive care.
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