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Charting Eli Lilly Retirement Success: Five Essential Reads

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Healthcare Provider Update: Eli Lilly's primary healthcare provider initiatives are often tied to their pharmaceutical products and drug distribution networks, which include partnerships with a variety of healthcare systems and organizations to ensure that patients have access to their medications and therapies. Looking ahead to 2026, the healthcare landscape is expected to witness significant cost increases, particularly in health insurance premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. With some states projecting hikes exceeding 60%, many individuals could see their out-of-pocket costs soar by over 75% if enhanced federal premium subsidies are not extended. This surge is driven by a combination of rising medical costs, including both hospital and prescription drug expenses, and the profitability pressures on insurers, prompting them to request substantial rate increases. As a result, consumers, especially those relying on ACA coverage, might face unprecedented financial strain in their quest for adequate healthcare. Click here to learn more

“By integrating disciplined market strategies, proactive healthspan practices, and a clear sense of purpose, Eli Lilly 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.

“Eli Lilly 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 Eli Lilly 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. Eli Lilly 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 Eli Lilly 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 Eli Lilly 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 Eli Lilly 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 Eli Lilly 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 Eli Lilly 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 Eli Lilly 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 Eli Lilly 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 401(k) plan offered by Eli Lilly?

The 401(k) plan at Eli Lilly is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.

How does Eli Lilly match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Eli Lilly offers a matching contribution up to a certain percentage of the employee's salary, which helps to boost retirement savings.

Can employees at Eli Lilly choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?

Yes, employees at Eli Lilly can select from a variety of investment options for their 401(k) contributions, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.

What is the eligibility requirement for Eli Lilly's 401(k) plan?

Employees at Eli Lilly are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific period of employment, usually within the first year.

How can Eli Lilly employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Eli Lilly employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s online benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What are the contribution limits for Eli Lilly's 401(k) plan?

The contribution limits for Eli Lilly's 401(k) plan are set according to IRS guidelines, which can change annually. Employees should refer to the latest IRS limits for specifics.

Does Eli Lilly offer a Roth 401(k) option?

Yes, Eli Lilly provides a Roth 401(k) option that allows employees to make after-tax contributions, which can grow tax-free.

What happens to my Eli Lilly 401(k) if I leave the company?

If you leave Eli Lilly, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Eli Lilly plan if allowed.

Are there any fees associated with Eli Lilly's 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees or investment-related fees associated with Eli Lilly's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

How often can I change my contribution amount to the Eli Lilly 401(k) plan?

Employees at Eli Lilly can typically change their contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's rules 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.
Eli Lilly offers comprehensive employee retirement benefits, including both pension plans and 401(k) plans. The Lilly Pension Plan is a Defined Benefit (DB) plan, where the pension is determined by an employee's earnings and years of service at the company. This pension plan has been updated over the years, with specific attention to tax and regulatory changes. Employees qualify based on their length of service and meet eligibility requirements outlined in Eli Lilly’s internal documents. The Lilly Pension Plan uses a final average pay formula to calculate the pension, meaning the pension is based on an employee's earnings during their final years of employment​ (SEC.gov). Eli Lilly also provides a 401(k) plan known as The Lilly Employee 401(k) Plan. This plan was established to help employees save for retirement, incorporating both employer contributions and employee savings. As of January 1, 2006, it was amended to include an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) within the 401(k). Eligibility for the 401(k) plan includes all regular, full-time employees of Eli Lilly, as well as its subsidiaries and affiliates​ (SEC.gov). The company matches contributions and offers vesting schedules based on years of service. For instance, employees become fully vested after completing five years of service, as outlined in their official documentation​ (SEC.gov). The pension and 401(k) plan information for Eli Lilly has been extensively documented in their official filings with the SEC, where the detailed structure of the plans is outlined, including the qualifications for participation and vesting. Specific sections such as those covering mergers and eligibility requirements for different types of employees, including those under subsidiary plans, are found in their formal pension and 401(k) documentation​ (SEC.gov)​ (SEC.gov).
Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Eli Lilly announced significant restructuring efforts, including the reduction of 3,500 jobs globally. This move is part of their strategy to save $500 million annually, with half of the savings aimed at product launches and R&D efforts. The layoffs are primarily focused on early retirement programs, site closures in New Jersey and Shanghai, and the consolidation of manufacturing locations​ (FiercePharma). This news is critical to address due to the current economic climate, where inflationary pressures and cost-cutting measures are widespread. The political environment also affects the pharmaceutical industry, making it crucial to track how companies like Eli Lilly adjust their workforce to stay competitive​ (FiercePharma).
Eli Lilly provides its employees with both stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of its long-term incentive compensation. These RSUs are issued to employees and are subject to a vesting schedule, typically staggered over a period of time such as one, two, or three years. The goal is to retain employees by ensuring they receive full ownership of the stock only after they have fulfilled a specified period of service with the company​ (BusinessOwnerAdvisor). Stock options at Eli Lilly grant employees the opportunity to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, typically at the market value on the grant date. These options often vest over several years, with employees being able to exercise them once they are vested. RSUs, on the other hand, provide employees with company shares once they are fully vested, and these shares are taxed as ordinary income at the time of vesting. Employees are responsible for deciding whether to sell the shares immediately or hold onto them, which involves considering factors like tax implications and portfolio diversification​ (Eli Lilly and Company)​ (Eli Lilly and Company). RSUs and stock options at Eli Lilly are available to a broad group of employees, typically those in management and other key roles. The availability of these stock-based compensation forms reflects Eli Lilly's commitment to aligning employee incentives with company performance, and they play a crucial role in employee retention​ (BusinessOwnerAdvisor).
Eli Lilly has been making significant strides in its healthcare offerings, particularly through the launch of its digital platform, LillyDirect. This platform focuses on providing support for patients with chronic illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, and migraines. By enabling patients to access telehealth services and facilitating direct home delivery of certain medications, Eli Lilly has made healthcare more accessible and streamlined for patients dealing with these conditions. Additionally, LillyDirect offers educational resources and digital pharmacy solutions, making it easier for patients to refill prescriptions and receive medications at home. This initiative is crucial as it caters to a growing need for convenient healthcare, especially in light of the current economic pressures and the healthcare industry's shift towards digital solutions​ (PYMNTS.com)​ (PYMNTS.com). In the broader context of Eli Lilly's healthcare initiatives, the company's focus on digital healthcare aligns with current trends in healthcare delivery. The importance of platforms like LillyDirect is underscored by the economic and political pressures on the healthcare system, particularly as patients seek cost-effective and accessible treatments. Moreover, the growing political discourse around healthcare reform, coupled with tax implications for pharmaceutical benefits, further highlights the relevance of Lilly's approach. By offering services such as telehealth and home delivery, Eli Lilly is positioning itself at the forefront of healthcare innovation, which is critical for ensuring patient satisfaction in a competitive market​ (PYMNTS.com)​ (HealthCare ME&A Magazine).
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Eli Lilly at Lilly Corporate Center Indianapolis, IN 46285; or by calling them at (317) 276-2000.

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