Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Lucent Health Lucent Health serves as a healthcare benefits management company that emphasizes cost management and transparency for employers. They aim to control and mitigate rising healthcare costs through strategic plan design, analytics, and personalized employee engagement to promote wellness. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we move into 2026, healthcare consumers face potential premium hikes that could surpass previous years, driven largely by the anticipated expiration of federal subsidy enhancements. Preliminary analyses reveal that ACA marketplace insurers may raise premiums by an average of 20%, with certain states suggesting increases that could exceed 60%. This perfect storm of heightened medical costs and aggressive insurance rate hikes might lead to out-of-pocket costs soaring by up to 75% for many, significantly impacting affordability and access to necessary health coverage. The ripple effects of these changes could disproportionately affect middle-income Americans, urging proactive considerations for managing healthcare expenses in the coming year. Click here to learn more
'Lucent employees who take the time to create a written retirement plan often move from uncertainty to clarity, using a structured approach to transform savings into a foundation for long-term stability.' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
'Given the complex retirement decisions Lucent employees face, having a written financial plan can provide the structure needed to effectively coordinate income, taxes, and benefits for long-term confidence.' – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article we will discuss:
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The importance of having a written financial plan for retirement.
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Generational and demographic gaps in retirement planning.
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Strategies for managing taxes, risks, and income during retirement.
The Importance of a Written Financial Plan
One of the most important life changes is retirement, but many Americans enter this phase without a clear plan. A financial plan is much more than just a set of figures; it's a strategy that can help turn savings into steady income, account for possible risks, and establish a framework to payfor both anticipated and unforeseen costs. Even careful savers at Lucent run the risk of depleting their funds too soon, paying needless taxes, or taking rash actions that could undermine their long-term stability in the absence of such a strategy.
Yet, despite the critical role of financial planning, research from the Allianz Life 2025 Annual Retirement Study shows that 47% of Americans lack a formal financial plan. 1 Many people regularly make contributions to retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs, so this deficit is not the result of a lack of involvement in savings programs. Instead, it represents a general lack of clarity over how to turn saved money into a practical plan. The poll found that 59% of Americans admit they don't know what else they should be doing outside of making contributions to retirement accounts. 1 This uncertainty applies to Lucent workers as well, just when a methodical approach is most needed.
What the Information Shows
The gap between generations. Forty-two percent of Millennials lack a documented plan. As people age, the problem gets worse; 54% of Baby Boomers and 55% of Generation X say they don't have a written approach. 1 Given that Gen Xers and Boomers are either in or nearing retirement, where the lack of a plan can have serious and immediate repercussions, this is especially concerning and should form a warning for those nearing the end of their careers at Lucent.
Racial division. Different demographic groupings also exhibit planning gaps. Compared to 51% of Black/African American respondents, 41% of Hispanic respondents, and 56% of Asian/Asian American respondents, around 46% of White respondents do not have a documented strategy. 1 These numbers demonstrate the need for more focused financial outreach and education to help address inequalities and offer useful guidance to all.
Additionally, confidence in one's preparedness for retirement is still fragile. Just 45% of Americans say they are aware of how they will turn their retirement assets into income. Furthermore, 53% think that having a retirement account is 'enough.' 1 Many people are ill-prepared for important factors such as tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, steady income streams, and ways to handle inflation or market volatility. This misplaced confidence has clear implications for Lucent employees considering their retirement future.
How Written Plans Help
A financial plan offers several benefits that can help strengthen long-term stability:
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Making money from savings. A written plan can help retirees lower the risk of outliving their resources by establishing organized withdrawal techniques that balance lifespan and income demands.
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Risk management. Inflation, growing medical expenses, and unforeseen market downturns can all be accounted for with holistic planning.
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Efficiency in taxes. Over time, coordinating withdrawals across several account types can help mitigate taxes and preserve resources.
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Confidence and clarity. A plan gives clarity and specific steps to reduce ambiguity, limit emotional decision-making, and build peace of mind.
These advantages are especially relevant for Lucent employees who may have multiple retirement account options and benefits to coordinate.
A Chance for Guidance
Lack of planning is more a sign of a lack of direction than unwillingness. While many people save money, not all understand how to move from sporadic contributions to a long-term financial plan. This underscores the importance of working with financial planners who can provide guidance, assisting investors—including those from Lucent—to navigate difficult choices regarding income, taxes, and long-term stability.
A written strategy is more than just reaching a certain financial goal. It involves creating an income route that is flexible enough to adjust to changing life situations. The existence of a written plan frequently makes the difference between doubt and confidence for people starting or already in retirement.
In Conclusion
The information is clear. The majority of Americans are still unsure of how to turn savings into steady income, and over half do not have a formal financial plan. 1 In a time when taxes, inflation, and medical expenses continue to influence financial choices, organized planning is more important than ever. Whether a strategy is committed to writing often makes the difference between long-term stability and ongoing financial concern. Lucent retirees can better position themselves to manage risks, coordinate resources, and maintain financial independence during retirement by developing a clear, flexible plan.
In March 2025, the T. Rowe Price Retirement Savings and Spending Study also found that 62.5% of respondents with a formal written plan reported feeling more confident about their financial outlook than those without one. 2 Maintaining and updating a written financial plan on a regular basis can help enhance confidence and reduce financial stress.
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Sources:
1. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. ' How Americans feel about retirement in 2025 ,' June 2025.
2. T. Rowe Price, ' Survey reveals the rising importance of financial planning at retirement ,' March 20, 2025.
What is the primary purpose of Lucent's 401(k) Savings Plan?
The primary purpose of Lucent's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.
How can employees at Lucent enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees at Lucent can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the enrollment form available on the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Lucent offer a matching contribution for the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Lucent offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.
What types of investment options are available in Lucent's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Lucent's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.
Can employees at Lucent change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, employees at Lucent can change their contribution percentage at any time by accessing their account through the benefits portal.
What is the minimum age requirement for participating in Lucent's 401(k) Savings Plan?
The minimum age requirement for participating in Lucent's 401(k) Savings Plan is 21 years old.
Are there any fees associated with Lucent's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with Lucent's 401(k) Savings Plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
How often can Lucent employees change their investment allocations in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Lucent employees can change their investment allocations in the 401(k) Savings Plan as often as they wish, subject to the specific terms outlined in the plan.
What happens to the 401(k) Savings Plan if an employee leaves Lucent?
If an employee leaves Lucent, they have several options for their 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling it over to an IRA or a new employer's plan, or cashing it out (subject to taxes and penalties).
Is there a loan option available through Lucent's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Lucent's 401(k) Savings Plan may allow employees to take out loans against their account balance, subject to specific terms and conditions.



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