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Beyond the 401k Cap: Advanced Retirement Tactics for Albemarle Employees

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Healthcare Provider Update: Offers medical coverage through UnitedHealthcare, dental and vision via MetLife, and emotional health support through Modern Health, plus fertility benefits and HSAs 9. As ACA costs rise, Albemarles enhanced benefitsincluding $1,000$2,000 HSA contributions and wellness incentivesprovide strong financial protection and care access. Click here to learn more

'By leveraging health savings accounts, Roth conversion pathways, annuities, and intentional asset location, Albemarle employees can reduce their lifetime tax burden and establish a diversified suite of retirement income sources.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'By thoughtfully combining health savings accounts, Roth conversion strategies, and strategic asset placement, Albemarle employees can optimize tax efficiency and bolster their retirement income flexibility.' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

  1. Leveraging Health Savings Accounts and tax-advantaged rollovers to extend retirement savings.

  2. Advanced Roth strategies (backdoor and mega backdoor) for high-income earners.

  3. Using annuities and tax-efficient brokerage techniques to diversify and preserve assets.

High-Income Earners’ Advanced Retirement Savings Strategies

Retirement planning presents unique opportunities and challenges for Albemarle employees who have reached the IRS limit on 401k contributions or whose income prevents direct Roth IRA funding. To build on strong saving habits and substantial assets, it help to understand alternative techniques that extend tax-advantaged growth beyond traditional workplace plans.

1. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) as a Long-Term Investment Vehicle

Health Savings Accounts offer a remarkable “triple tax advantage”: contributions reduce taxable income, investment growth is tax-free, and qualified medical withdrawals remain untaxed, making HSAs one of the most efficient savings tools available. Albemarle employees enrolled in a high-deductible health plan can contribute up to the 2025 IRS caps—$4,300 for self-only coverage and $8,550 for family coverage, plus a $1,000 catch-up for those 55 and older. 1  Non-medical withdrawals after age 65 incur ordinary income tax (but no penalty), enhancing flexibility, while premature non-qualified distributions face a 20% penalty, underscoring the need for disciplined planning.

2. The Backdoor Roth IRA: Unlocking Tax-Free Growth

Although direct Roth IRA contributions phase out at higher incomes, Albemarle employees can still tap a backdoor Roth IRA by making a non-deductible contribution to a traditional IRA and immediately converting to a Roth. 2  The IRS’s pro-rata aggregation rules require careful calculation when you hold other traditional IRAs, as conversions consider the aggregate pre- and after-tax balances, potentially triggering tax liabilities. Given the IRA contribution limit of $7,000 ($8,000 for those age 50 and above), working with a financial advisor can help facilitate smooth execution and manage potential tax on conversions.

3. The Mega Backdoor Roth: Supercharging Roth Savings

For those with eligible employer plans, the “mega backdoor Roth” 3  can significantly boost Roth balances by contributing after-tax dollars above standard 401k limits and then rolling them into a Roth IRA or Roth 401k via in-service distributions. With 2025 combined employee/employer contribution caps of $70,000 (or $77,500 including catch-ups), 4  this strategy can create substantial additional tax-free retirement income. Because only about 20% of plans offer the necessary features, confirm with HR whether your Albemarle plan supports after-tax contributions and in-service rollovers, and coordinate with advisors to optimize timing and tax efficiency.


4. Tax-Deferred Annuities to Extend Tax-Advantaged Savings

When you’ve exhausted IRAs and employer plans, tax-deferred annuities provide another avenue to shelter earnings from current taxation. Fixed annuities offer a stable interest rate, while variable annuities invest in market-linked subaccounts—allowing reallocation without immediate tax events. 5  Although earnings and withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income and early withdrawals before age 59½ may incur a 10% penalty, annuities can include income commitments or death benefits. Before adding an annuity, Albemarle employees should evaluate fees, investment options, and the insurer’s strength to confirm alignment with overall retirement goals.

5. Tax-Efficient Techniques in Brokerage Accounts

In addition to having no contribution limits, taxable accounts offer considerable flexibility and asset choice. Albemarle employees can enhance after-tax returns by favoring low-turnover ETFs for tax efficiency, selecting tax-managed mutual funds, and using separately managed accounts (SMAs) for bespoke strategies like tax-loss harvesting. Strategic asset location—placing tax-inefficient bonds in IRAs/401ks and tax-efficient equities or municipal bonds in brokerage—can further reduce annual tax drag. 6  According to Vanguard, disciplined asset placement can boost after-tax wealth by up to 0.30% per year, 7  demonstrating the value of meticulous tax management.

Conclusion

After reaching the contribution limit on your Albemarle 401k, advanced tactics such as HSAs, backdoor and mega backdoor Roth IRAs, tax-deferred annuities, and tax-efficient brokerage strategies allow high-income earners to diversify retirement income sources and mitigate lifetime taxes. Staying informed on IRS rules—like the SECURE 2.0 Act’s changes—and using tools such as Qualified Charitable Distributions can further help manage required distributions and Medicare implications. Proactive planning and professional guidance help make every dollar saved work harder for your retirement goals.

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Sources:

1. Internal Revenue Service. ' Revenue Proclamation 2024-25 .' Accessed 31 July 2025.

2. Fidelity Investments. “ Backdoor Roth IRA: Is It Right for You? ” Fidelity Viewpoints, 19 Dec. 2024. Accessed 13 July 2025.

3. MarketWatch. “ This Roth Strategy Lets Elite Savers Stash $70,000 in Their 401(k) in 2025 ,” by Vanessa Wong, 20 Nov. 2024. Accessed 13 July 2025.

4. IRS. ' 401(k) limit increases to $#23,500 for 2025, IRA limit remains $7,000 ,' 1 Nov. 2024. Accessed 31 July 2025.

5. Investopedia. “ Annuities Taxation Explained: What You Need to Know Before Investing ,” by The Investopedia Team, 15 June 2024. Accessed 13 July 2025.

6. Charles Schwab. “ How Asset Location Can Help Save on Taxes ,” by Hayden Adams, 11 Oct. 2024. Accessed 13 July 2025.

7. Vaguard. ' Asset location can lead to lower taxes. Here's how to get more value, ' 16 Aug. 2024. Accessed 31 July 2025.

What is the primary purpose of Albemarle's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The primary purpose of Albemarle's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by providing a tax-advantaged way to invest their earnings.

How can I enroll in Albemarle's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can enroll in Albemarle's 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the online enrollment process through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Albemarle offer a company match for contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Albemarle offers a company match for contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which enhances employees' savings for retirement.

What are the eligibility requirements to participate in Albemarle's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Generally, all full-time employees of Albemarle are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Savings Plan after completing a specified waiting period.

How much can I contribute to Albemarle's 401(k) Savings Plan each year?

Employees can contribute up to the IRS annual limit set for 401(k) plans, which may change each year. Albemarle will provide updates on the current limits.

Can I change my contribution amount to Albemarle's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time?

Yes, employees can change their contribution amounts to Albemarle's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, typically through the benefits portal.

What investment options are available in Albemarle's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Albemarle's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

When can I start withdrawing funds from Albemarle's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can typically begin withdrawing funds from Albemarle's 401(k) Savings Plan after reaching age 59½, or under certain circumstances such as financial hardship.

What happens to my 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave Albemarle?

If you leave Albemarle, you will have several options for your 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, leaving it with Albemarle, or cashing it out (subject to taxes and penalties).

Does Albemarle offer a loan option against my 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Albemarle allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance under certain conditions and guidelines.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Albemarle recently announced a restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency. This includes a reduction in workforce and changes to benefit programs.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Albemarle at 4250 Congress Street Suite 900 Charlotte, NC 28209; or by calling them at (980) 299-5700.

*Please see disclaimer for more information

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