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New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

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Charting Moog Retirement Success: Five Essential Reads

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Moog Moog Inc. typically provides health benefits through various healthcare providers, including large national insurers such as Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. The specific provider may vary by location and plan options available to employees. Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 for Moog Employees In 2026, Moog employees are likely to face significantly higher healthcare costs, primarily driven by anticipated premium hikes in the ACA marketplace, which could reach up to 66% in some states. As employers like Moog adjust their benefit structures in response to rising medical costs, employees may see changes in deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. With nearly 51% of large employers expected to shift more costs onto workers, understanding these changes and preparing for increased healthcare expenses will be essential for Moog employees navigating their health coverage options. Click here to learn more

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

“Moog 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 Moog 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. Moog 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 Moog 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 Moog 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 Moog 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 Moog 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 Moog 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 Moog 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 Moog 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.

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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