What Liberty Energy Employees Should Know About Caring for Aging Parents
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'Many Liberty Energy 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 Liberty Energy 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 Liberty Energy 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. Liberty Energy 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, Liberty Energy 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 Liberty Energy 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. Liberty Energy 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 Liberty Energy 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 Liberty Energy 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 is the 401(k) plan offered by Liberty Energy?
The 401(k) plan at Liberty Energy is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
How does Liberty Energy match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Liberty Energy offers a matching contribution of 50% on the first 6% of employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.
When can employees at Liberty Energy enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees at Liberty Energy can enroll in the 401(k) plan during the initial onboarding process or during the annual open enrollment period.
What types of investment options are available in Liberty Energy's 401(k) plan?
Liberty Energy's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, index funds, and target-date funds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.
Can employees at Liberty Energy take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Liberty Energy allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.
What is the vesting schedule for Liberty Energy's 401(k) matching contributions?
Liberty Energy follows a three-year vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees fully own the match after three years of service.
How can employees at Liberty Energy access their 401(k) account information?
Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the online portal provided by Liberty Energy's plan administrator.
What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Liberty Energy?
If an employee leaves Liberty Energy, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the Liberty Energy plan if they meet the minimum balance requirements.
Are there any fees associated with Liberty Energy's 401(k) plan?
Yes, Liberty Energy's 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
What is the minimum contribution percentage for Liberty Energy's 401(k) plan?
Liberty Energy requires a minimum contribution of 1% of an employee's salary to participate in the 401(k) plan.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Name of Plan: Liberty Energy Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Eligibility: Employees are eligible after 1 year of service.
Years of Service Qualification: Minimum 5 years to be vested.
Age Qualification: Employees can begin receiving benefits at age 65.
Pension Formula: The pension benefit is calculated based on the average of the highest 5 consecutive years of earnings multiplied by a percentage based on years of service.
Name of Plan: Liberty Energy 401(k) Savings Plan
Eligibility: Employees can participate immediately upon hire.
Contribution Limits: Employees can contribute up to the annual IRS limit.
Company Match: Liberty Energy matches up to 6% of employee contributions.
In recent months, Liberty Energy has announced significant layoffs as part of a broader restructuring plan. The company is focusing on streamlining operations and improving efficiency amid challenging market conditions. This decision reflects the current economic environment, where companies are adjusting their workforce to adapt to fluctuating demand and shifting industry dynamics. It's important to follow these developments closely due to their impact on employee job security and company performance.
Liberty Energy provides stock options (SO) and RSUs (RSU) to its employees as part of its compensation package. These incentives are typically offered to employees in senior management, key positions, and high performers within the company.
In Liberty Energy, stock options (SO) allow employees to purchase company shares at a predetermined price, typically vested over a period of time. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are granted with specific vesting conditions and are converted into shares upon meeting those conditions.
The availability of these stock options (SO) and RSUs (RSU) in Liberty Energy is designed to align employee interests with company performance and retention goals
HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan): A health insurance plan with a higher deductible but lower premiums.
HSA (Health Savings Account): A tax-advantaged savings account used in conjunction with HDHPs to pay for qualified medical expenses.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): A health plan that offers a network of healthcare providers and allows for out-of-network care at a higher cost.
FSA (Flexible Spending Account): An account that allows employees to set aside pre-tax money for eligible medical expenses.
EAP (Employee Assistance Program): A program providing confidential counseling and referral services for employees facing personal or work-related issues.
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