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Moog Employees Should be Aware that the Student Loan Payment Pause was Extended Through January 2022

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How Moog employees can benefit from the extended federal student loan payment pause: This paper aims to provide a framework for Moog employees to determine how this temporary relief can most benefit their financial situation,' suggests Tyson Mavar, a representative from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

Wesley Boudreaux of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, suggests that Moog employees should take advantage of the additional student loan payment freeze to review their financial situation and possibly readjust their financial future during the period of no payments.

In this article, we will cover:

The extension of the federal student loan payment pauses: A discussion of the history and future of the payment moratorium, including the last extension date set by the U.S. Department of Education.

The effects on the financial domain for Moog employees: How the payment pause affects both personal and Parent PLUS Loans, important for financial planning especially for those nearing retirement.

Is there a possibility of student loan forgiveness? What is happening with student loans now and what may happen after the pause – and what borrowers should think about.

As a Moog employee, you or many in your area may have expected to begin student loan payments (for yourself or your children) this coming month. The U.S. Department of Education announced on August 6, 2021, that it extended the suspension of federal student loan payments to January 31, 2022. At the time of this writing, the payment moratorium that is currently in effect for millions of federal student loan borrowers was set to expire on September 30, 2021.

The Department noted that this would be the final extension. In his statement, Miguel Cardona, the U.S. Secretary of Education.

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How many payments pauses have there been?

This means that many Moog employees' children may need to track student payment pauses if they attend college. Federal student loan repayment has been paused four times since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in March 2020 for six months (through September 2020). The second and third payment pauses were extended through January 2021 and September 2021, respectively, by presidential executive order. The fourth and final extension has been until January 31, 2022. Therefore, the repayment of federal student loans will begin on February 1, 2022.

Moog employees nearing retirement should be aware that the extended student loan payment pause applies not only to their potential loans but also to Parent PLUS Loans. Parent PLUS Loans are federal loans that parents can take out to help pay for their children's education. The extension offers help for borrowers and parents who may have been expecting loan repayment. It is important for Moog employees to understand this aspect of the extension because it can impact their financial planning and potential expenses in the coming months.

As the end of the pause approaches, the Department of Education will begin notifying borrowers about this final extension and will disseminate resources and information on how to plan for repayment.

Does interest continue to accrue during the moratorium period?

This means that Moog employees should know that there is no accrual of interest during the moratorium period. In other words, the interest rate is zero percent.

Can borrowers make payments if they want to during this time?

Consider, if you are a Moog employee, how borrowers can elect to continue making their monthly student loan payments during the moratorium period. The entire amount of a borrower's payment is applied to the principal. During this period, borrowers may also choose to make partial payments.

Do private student loans qualify for the payment pause?

In addition, Moog employees should remember that private student loans are not included. Only federal government-held student loans are eligible. This includes Department of Education-held Federal Direct Loans (including PLUS Loans), Federal Perkins Loans, and Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans.

Is student loan forgiveness likely when the payment pause ends?

The answer is most likely not. The Biden administration has not taken any steps in this direction and has given no indication that it will do so. While some legislators have expressed support for forgiving a certain amount of federal student loan debt per borrower, the Biden administration has not taken any steps in this direction and has given no indication that it will do so. When the delay expires on January 31, 2022, borrowers must be prepared to begin repaying their loans. The consumer should contact their loan servicer to inquire about requesting an individual deferment or forbearance in the event of continued financial hardship.

The extension of the student loan payment pause for Moog employees can be likened to a temporary suspension of toll fees on a bridge. You are a commuter who frequently uses a toll bridge on your way to work. One day, the bridge authority decides to suspend all toll fees for the next few months.

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Therefore, you can save a lot of money during this period and use the money elsewhere. In the same way, Moog employees, who may have been expecting to start making student loan payments, have an extra period in which they can suspend those payments. This pause gives them a financial relief, enabling them to worry less about other important aspects of their financial planning, like retirement. Just as the toll fees will eventually resume, student loan payments will also resume after the extended pause.

Sources:

  1. At the Request of President Biden, Acting Secretary of Education Will Extend Pause on Federal Student Loan Payments. U.S. Department of Education, 21 Jan. 2021,  www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-administration-extends-student-loan-pause-until-january-31-2022 .

  2. Biden, Joseph R. Jr. 'Statement on Extending the Pause on Federal Student Loan Repayment.' Government Printing Office, 6 Aug. 2021,  www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/DCPD-202100643/pdf/DCPD-202100643.pdf .

  3. Biden Administration Extends Student Loan Pause Until January 31, 2022. U.S. Department of Education, 6 Aug. 2021,  www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-administration-extends-student-loan-pause-until-january-31-2022 .

  4. Li, Jason, et al. 'Economic Implications of Extending the Federal Student Loan Payment Pause.' Brookings Institution, Sept. 2021,  www.brookings.edu/analysis/economic-implications-of-extending-student-loan-pause/ .

  5. Horowitz, Juliana Menasce, and Ruth Igielnik. 'Survey: Challenges of Student Loan Repayment.' Pew Research Center, Oct. 2021,  www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/10/student-loan-repayment-challenges .

How does the transition from the Moog Pension Plan to the RSP(+) Program affect my retirement savings strategy, and what steps should I take to optimize my contributions in light of the changes Moog has implemented to its retirement programs?

Transition from Pension Plan to RSP(+): The transition from the Moog Pension Plan to the RSP(+) Program offers greater flexibility and portability, as the RSP(+) includes both a retirement contribution and a matching contribution. To optimize your contributions, aim for the maximum percentage of your eligible compensation to take full advantage of Moog's increasing match, which phases up to 10% by October 2021. Evaluate your long-term goals and consult a financial advisor for personalized advice.

In what scenarios would remaining in the Current Retirement Program offered by Moog provide a greater benefit compared to the new RSP(+) program, and what factors should I consider when assessing my long-term retirement goals in relation to these two options?

Benefits of Staying in the Current Program: Remaining in the Current Retirement Program may provide greater benefits for long-term employees close to retirement. The Moog Pension Plan offers a defined benefit that provides predictable, stable income, which can be beneficial if you're near retirement age or value a guaranteed income. Weigh the security of the pension against the flexibility and growth potential of the RSP(+) based on your retirement goals.

With the Moog Pension Plan being "frozen" as of December 31, 2019, how does this affect my accrued benefits, and what are the implications for my retirement planning as I approach retirement age and consider other income sources?

Frozen Moog Pension Plan Impact: Since the Moog Pension Plan was frozen on December 31, 2019, your accrued benefits will not grow, but you retain the value you’ve earned. This fixed benefit, payable as an annuity, can still play a role in your overall retirement strategy. As you approach retirement, plan for other income sources, like Social Security or RSP withdrawals, to supplement your frozen pension benefit.

What are the specific vesting timelines for the different retirement options available through Moog, and how do these timelines impact my ability to access benefits if I decide to leave the company before reaching retirement age?

Vesting Timelines: The Moog Pension Plan vests after five years of service, while the RSP(+) retirement contribution vests after three years. The RSP(+) matching contributions are immediately vested for current employees, but newly hired employees face a three-year vesting schedule. If you leave Moog before vesting, you risk losing unvested contributions, so factor in your tenure when planning your exit.

Can you explain the various payment options available when I decide to withdraw from the Moog Pension Plan or RSP(+) account, specifically discussing the benefits and drawbacks of lump-sum distributions versus annuity options offered by Moog?

Payment Options: For both the Pension Plan and RSP(+) Program, Moog offers various withdrawal options. Pension benefits are generally paid as a monthly annuity, whereas the RSP(+) offers lump sum, installments, or partial withdrawals. A lump sum offers flexibility but shifts the investment risk to you, while an annuity provides stable, lifelong payments but limits liquidity.

What investment decisions do employees have the power to make regarding their contributions to the RSP and RSP(+) at Moog, and how might these decisions impact the overall performance of my individual retirement accounts as I prepare for retirement?

Investment Decisions in the RSP(+): Employees control investment decisions within the RSP(+) Program. Moog’s initial contributions are invested in Moog Class B Stock Fund-Restricted, but you can reallocate to other funds. Your choices significantly impact the growth of your retirement savings, so regularly review your investment strategy to ensure it aligns with your retirement timeline and risk tolerance.

How does Moog ensure the security of my retirement benefits under the Pension Plan, and what protections are in place in the event of financial difficulties faced by the company, including the role of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)?

Security of Retirement Benefits: Moog’s pension benefits are backed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), providing a safety net in case of company financial difficulties. However, the RSP(+) accounts are not PBGC-insured, and the value depends on investment performance. Your pension is protected, but careful management of your RSP investments is crucial.

In the event of my death before receiving retirement benefits, what provisions does Moog have in place for disbursing my accrued benefits to my beneficiaries, and how does marital status affect these benefits under the Moog Pension Plan and RSP?

Death Benefits: If you pass away before receiving your Pension Plan benefits and are married, your spouse receives a monthly lifetime benefit. For the RSP(+) Program, your designated beneficiary will receive your account balance as a lump sum. Spousal consent is required if you wish to name a non-spousal beneficiary. Marital status directly impacts the distribution of your retirement benefits.

How can I maximize the company match contributions offered in the RSP and RSP(+) plans, and what specific contribution levels should I aim for to ensure that I am fully leveraging the benefits provided by Moog?

Maximizing Company Match: To maximize Moog’s matching contributions, contribute at least 6% of your eligible compensation initially, increasing to 8% in 2020 and 10% in 2021 to receive the full match. By reaching these thresholds, you leverage the full benefits of Moog's matching, boosting your retirement savings potential.

If I have further questions or need more information on my retirement options, how can I contact Moog's HR Employee Support team for assistance, and what resources are available to help me navigate the transition between retirement plans effectively? These questions are designed to encourage deeper exploration of individual retirement situations and the specific policies within the company’s retirement programs.

Contacting Moog HR for Further Information: For more questions or additional guidance, you can contact Moog's HR Employee Support team via email at employeesupport@moog.com or by calling 844-367-5787. Empower Retirement’s Call Center is also available for technical questions regarding the RSP(+) Program. These resources ensure you have the support needed during your retirement transition​(Moog_Choice_Guide_Retir…).

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Moog has significantly restructured its retirement plans in recent years, transitioning from offering a traditional pension plan to a more modern defined contribution approach. Previously, Moog provided employees with a defined benefit pension plan, but for employees hired after January 1, 2008, this pension plan is no longer available. Instead, Moog created the Retirement Savings Plan Plus (RSP+), which incorporates a 401(k) with enhanced features​ (Moog)​ (Ogorek Wealth Management, LLC). In Moog's 401(k) plan, employees receive a 50% match on the first 10% of eligible pay they contribute, meaning that employees who contribute at least 10% of their salary can receive a full 5% match from Moog​ (Moog). Additionally, Moog makes annual direct contributions to employee 401(k) accounts. The company utilizes Blackrock Life Path funds as the default investment choice for these accounts, with options for employees to switch to alternative funds such as Vanguard, based on their preferences​ (Ogorek Wealth Management, LLC). Moog's pension plan, which was previously available to employees before 2008, followed a more traditional formula based on career-average pay and credited service. However, this pension plan is now closed to new participants, and the company focuses entirely on the RSP+ for retirement savings​
Moog has undertaken significant changes in its operational structure, including a footprint rationalization initiative that led to the sale of two buildings in 2023. This is part of a broader restructuring effort across multiple divisions, including industrial and commercial aircraft, to optimize margins and streamline operations. This restructuring, including adjustments in the aerospace and defense businesses, is crucial as it impacts employee roles and the overall company structure. Addressing these changes is vital due to the current economic environment, as fluctuations in defense budgets and supply chain constraints continue to affect Moog's business model​ (Business Wire)​ (Moog).
Moog Inc. provides stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its employees as part of its equity compensation plans, aimed at aligning employee incentives with company performance. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Moog offered these compensation packages under its equity compensation plan. Stock options at Moog typically vest over a period of three to four years, allowing employees to purchase shares at a predetermined price. Moog's RSUs vest based on the employee's tenure and performance, giving employees shares of stock without requiring an upfront purchase, unlike stock options​ (Moog)​ (PitchBook). Moog's stock options and RSUs are made available to senior employees and executives, often as part of long-term incentive plans. These plans are structured to retain key talent and ensure alignment with shareholder interests. Moog ensures that both stock options and RSUs are accessible to employees who meet performance thresholds and tenure requirements.
Moog Inc. offers a comprehensive health benefits package designed to support their employees and their families across various needs. In 2022, Moog expanded its InHealth Wellness Center located at the East Aurora campus, which now includes a full-service pharmacy and an eye care center​ (Moog). The pharmacy provides reduced copays on prescriptions and discounted over-the-counter products, while the eye care center offers vision exams, safety eyewear, and holistic eye health care with a licensed optometrist​ (Moog). Moog employees enrolled in a Moog medical plan can access most of these services at little to no cost, with offerings such as annual physicals, lab work, vaccinations, physical therapy, and nutrition counseling​ (Moog). In addition to traditional medical, dental, and vision plans, Moog also provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering 24/7 confidential support for personal and professional challenges​ (Moog). Key healthcare-related acronyms used by Moog include EAP (Employee Assistance Program) and the InHealth Wellness Program, which provides financial incentives for participation in wellness activities. Moog also offers voluntary benefits that can enhance the core health plans, alongside disability and life insurance coverage at no cost to employees
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Moog at , ; or by calling them at .

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