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Charting Electronic Arts Retirement Success: Five Essential Reads

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Electronic Arts Electronic Arts (EA) partners with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to provide healthcare benefits to its employees. This partnership enables EA to offer a range of health insurance options that cater to the diverse needs of its workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, significant increases in healthcare costs are anticipated. With reports suggesting premium hikes could exceed 60% in certain states, especially for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans, many consumers could face out-of-pocket premium increases of over 75%. Contributing factors include the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, rising medical expenses, and aggressive rate hikes by major insurers, leading to substantial financial pressures for individuals and families relying on these healthcare plans. This perfect storm of rising costs places tremendous strain on consumers, particularly for those in the middle-income bracket, forcing them to reassess their healthcare coverage options. Click here to learn more

“By integrating disciplined market strategies, proactive healthspan practices, and a clear sense of purpose, Electronic Arts employees can create a retirement plan resilient enough to weather uncertainty and enrich their post-career life” – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

“Electronic Arts employees who blend disciplined saving approaches with proactive healthspan management are poised to achieve both financial confidence and improved well-being” – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

  1. The challenges of market volatility, rising health care costs, and potential entitlement changes on retirement planning.

  2. Five must-read books offering strategies on investing, longevity, benefit planning, and lifestyle alignment.

  3. How to integrate financial discipline, healthspan management, and purposeful living for a fulfilling retirement.

For those who are saving for the future, these are uncertain times. Concerns about whether current nest egg tactics will be adequate have increased due to volatile markets, growing health care expenses, and continuous talks about possible reductions to government entitlements. Twenty-five percent of adults with retirement savings have only saved one year’s worth of their current income for the years ahead, according to research by Northwestern Mutual. 1

The financial or lifestyle planning book is one tool that is frequently overlooked during times of market volatility. In addition to providing timeless truths, a well-chosen title can offer readers practical advice, serve as a reminder of important ideas, and present fresh approaches to decision-making. Senior advisors at Wealth Enhancement—Patrick Ray, Tyson Mavar, and Brent Wolf—have chosen the following five books to aid Electronic Arts professionals in navigating the current environment because of their blend of academic rigor and usefulness.

Mastering the Market Cycle  by Howard Marks explores the psychological factors that influence cyclical changes in asset values. According to Marks, investor sentiment—which fluctuates between excitement and fear—often determines the timing and size of market movements, even when underlying value is important. “Fear can take over; it’s to be expected during the lifetime of any long-term investor,” says Brent Wolf. Long-term objectives can be safeguarded by knowing when and why to rebalance or de-risk a portfolio, even though market timing is still difficult to anticipate. Electronic Arts employees can benefit from the clear distinction this book makes between purely emotional reactions and strategic adjustments, essential for remaining disciplined when prices change.

Winning the Loser’s Game  by Charles D. Ellis is sometimes written off as outdated, but it still holds valuable lessons. Tyson Mavar praises it as an “unsung classic,” highlighting how it reinforces core investing principles that have stood the test of time. Ellis promotes long-term dedication, diversification, and steering clear of expensive practices like market timing. His strongest endorsement is for passive investing with inexpensive index funds, which can shield investors from transient noise. For Electronic Arts staff seeking to focus on techniques that boost compounding power and lessen the drag of fees and emotional trading, this book offers a timeless roadmap.

Outlive: The Art and Science of Living a Long Life  by Dr. Peter Attia and Bill Gifford reminds readers that physical health directly impacts retirement readiness. “What good is a healthy portfolio if your body can’t keep up?” asks Patrick Ray. Drawing on clinical data and epidemiological studies, the authors provide evidence-based suggestions for increasing lifespan and healthspan—strength training, mobility exercises, optimal sleep, and targeted nutrition. Actionable procedures for evaluating metabolic health, increasing muscle resilience, and reducing chronic disease risk can help Electronic Arts team members better match longevity forecasts with retirement funding plans and lower the likelihood of incapacitating health events.

Cookin’ Up Your Retirement Plan  by Marcia MacDonald Mantell approaches Medicare and Social Security elections in a conversational, kitchen-table manner. Tyson Mavar also recommends her sequels— What’s the Deal With Women’s Social Security?  and  Developing Your Medicare Recipe —for anyone seeking guidance on making the most of benefits. Mantell breaks down complex regulations into manageable chunks, reducing the possibility of costly errors. While these books don’t directly address market volatility, they reinforce that successful retirement from companies like Electronic Arts depends on more than just investment returns; it also requires well-informed decisions and careful lifestyle alignment.

The Good Life  by Dr. Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz shifts the emphasis from balance sheets to life satisfaction. Based on an 80-year Harvard study of adult development, it finds that strong connections, meaningful hobbies, and community involvement often indicate long-term happiness more powerfully than financial prosperity. According to Patrick Ray, this book serves as an essential reminder for Electronic Arts retirees that money is just one component of a fulfilling retirement. Cultivating purpose, social ties, and enriching interests can yield non-linear returns unmatched by any portfolio.

When combined, these five books offer complementary perspectives on investment methodology, market behavior, healthspan management, and the socioeconomic factors influencing retirement decision-making. Each title has been recommended by seasoned advisors who have guided clients through both bull and bear markets, offering Electronic Arts employees lessons on purpose, cost-effective investing, preventive health care, efficient benefit management, and emotional discipline.

And here's one bonus publication: With more than 1.5 million copies in circulation, Morgan Housel’s  The Psychology of Money  was placed #1 on BookWeb’s Indie Personal Finance Bestseller List in April 2025, reflecting growing demand for behavior-focused investment insights that supplement conventional planning techniques.

Discover five highly regarded retirement planning books that provide professional insights on market cycles, passive index fund strategies, longevity optimization, Social Security elections, and Medicare planning—equipping Electronic Arts pre-retirees and retirees with tried-and-true advice for long-term retirement resilience and portfolio fortitude.

Consider the process of preparing a solid ocean vessel for a long journey: understanding the market cycle gives you the compass you need to navigate choppy waters;  Winning the Loser’s Game  supplies the provisions and medical kit to endure the journey;  Outlive  strengthens the hull against health risks;  Cookin’ Up Your Retirement Plan  equips your lifeboats with Social Security and Medicare expertise; and  The Good Life  charts rewarding ports of call—helping you sail comfortably through both calm seas and storms for Electronic Arts professionals.

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Sources:

1. Northwestern Mutual.  Planning & Progress Study 2025 . 14 Apr. 2025, pp. 1–2.

Other Resources:

1. Baker, Brian F. “ Principles of Investing .”  Marriott Alumni Magazine , BYU Marriott School, June 2025, pp. 9–10.

2. Kennedy, Robert. “ 2024 Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate .”  Fidelity Investments , 8 Aug. 2024, pp. 1–2.

3. LeValley, Donna. “ Five Changes to Social Security in 2025 .”  Kiplinger , 3 Jan. 2025, pp. 1–2.

What is the 401k plan offered by Electronic Arts?

The 401k plan at Electronic Arts is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis, helping them build a nest egg for retirement.

Does Electronic Arts match employee contributions to the 401k plan?

Yes, Electronic Arts offers a matching contribution to the 401k plan, which helps enhance employees' retirement savings.

How can employees enroll in the 401k plan at Electronic Arts?

Employees can enroll in the Electronic Arts 401k plan by accessing the benefits portal and following the enrollment instructions provided.

What is the vesting schedule for Electronic Arts' 401k matching contributions?

The vesting schedule for Electronic Arts' matching contributions typically follows a graded vesting schedule, allowing employees to earn full ownership of the match over a period of time.

Can employees change their contribution percentage to the 401k plan at Electronic Arts?

Yes, employees at Electronic Arts can change their contribution percentage at any time through the benefits portal.

What investment options are available in the Electronic Arts 401k plan?

The Electronic Arts 401k plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.

Is there a loan provision in the Electronic Arts 401k plan?

Yes, Electronic Arts allows employees to take loans against their 401k savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401k plan if I leave Electronic Arts?

If you leave Electronic Arts, you can choose to roll over your 401k balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the Electronic Arts plan if permitted.

Are there any fees associated with the Electronic Arts 401k plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the Electronic Arts 401k plan, which are typically disclosed in the plan documents.

How often can employees access their 401k account information at Electronic Arts?

Employees can access their 401k account information at Electronic Arts anytime through the online benefits portal.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Electronic Arts (EA) offers a comprehensive 401(k) plan for its employees. The plan allows employees to start contributing from their date of hire. If employees do not take action within 30 days of becoming eligible, they are automatically enrolled with a 6% pre-tax deferral rate. Contributions are invested in a Vanguard Target Date Fund based on the employee's age​ (Schwab). EA matches 50% of the first 6% of eligible pay that employees contribute each pay period, with these contributions immediately vested. EA may also contribute an additional match at the end of the year depending on the company's performance. Employees can withdraw from their account at age 59½, upon experiencing a qualified hardship, or after terminating employment
Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, Electronic Arts announced a significant restructuring plan affecting approximately 6% of its global workforce. The company cited a need to streamline operations and focus on key growth areas as reasons for these cuts. This decision comes in the context of broader industry trends where gaming companies are adjusting to fluctuating market demands and technological changes. It is crucial for employees and stakeholders to stay informed about these changes due to the current economic environment, where job security and investment stability are of heightened concern.
Stock Options & RSUs: EA provides stock options and RSUs as part of its compensation package. Stock options allow employees to purchase EA stock at a set price, while RSUs represent a promise to issue EA stock at a future date. Availability: Offered to executives, senior management, and high-performing employees based on performance and tenure.
Electronic Arts (EA) offers a comprehensive set of health benefits that emphasize affordability and support for chronic care management, particularly as healthcare costs have risen in recent years. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, EA’s benefits have focused on maintaining affordable premiums for employees despite rising costs due to inflation and increased utilization of expensive therapies like gene treatments and GLP-1 drugs for conditions such as diabetes and obesity​ (EA Investor Relations)​ (Healthcare Finance News). Key healthcare-related terms and acronyms frequently associated with EA's benefits include Centers of Excellence (COE) for specialized care, GLP-1 drugs for diabetes management, and behavioral health expansions via supplemental Behavioral Healthcare Provider Networks to enhance mental health access​ (Healthcare Finance News)​ (MedCity News). EA has also focused on chronic condition management through navigation services, which help employees manage complex health conditions more efficiently
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Electronic Arts at 209 Redwood Shores Pkwy Redwood City, CA 94065; or by calling them at (650) 628-1500.

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