Why More Anywhere Real Estate Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
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'Anywhere Real Estate employees weighing when to file for Social Security should consider both current health care costs and long-term income needs, so they can stay adaptable as retirement unfolds.' — Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
'Anywhere Real Estate employees can benefit from thoughtfully coordinating Social Security timing with health care expenses so their retirement income stays aligned with their evolving needs over time.' — Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article, we will discuss:
How Social Security filing age affects retirement income.
How Medicare expenses factor into when retirees claim benefits.
Why emotional concerns are shifting filing behavior for many Americans.
Written by Wealth Enhancement advisors Kevin Landis, CPA and Wesley Boudreaux
Advisors in the retirement-income space have long suggested that retirees consider delaying filing for Social Security benefits. For those with a full retirement age (FRA) of 67, waiting until age 70 can result in monthly payments that are around 24% higher.
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And for those with an FRA of 66, the increase if one waits until age 70 is closer to 32%.
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Anywhere Real Estate employees nearing retirement often hear this same message.
However, new national data indicates a growing number of Americans plan to claim Social Security before age 70. Cost pressures and health care related issues are major influences in this trend.
The Retirees’ Reality
Today’s retirees face a very different environment than those in past decades, including less access to traditional pensions, rising health care costs, and mounting everyday living expenses. In the private sector, only about 15% of workers still have access to defined benefit pensions,
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affecting many households and Anywhere Real Estate employees.
According to retirement consultant Wesley Boudreaux, 'most retirees are not choosing to claim early for the sake of it.” Instead, rising medical and living costs are driving earlier benefit decisions because of cash flow pressures.
One major factor? Health care. Nearly 39% of out-of-pocket health care spending by Medicare beneficiaries was equivalent to Social Security payments received, on average, in 2022.
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Medicare Advantage: A Key Planning Factor
Additionally, shifts in Medicare Advantage plans have left many retirees unsure about upcoming costs. Benefit structures can vary significantly by year or by region, causing cost surprises that Anywhere Real Estate workers and their families may need to plan for.
“We are already seeing clients paying more for health care than expected,” said Kevin Landis, CPA. “When medical expenses rise, Social Security often becomes the first lever people pull to handle that burden.”
This is why coordinating Social Security filing decisions with Medicare coverage choices remains important, particularly when plans change annually.
“This is the intersection of Social Security and health care planning,” Landis adds. “Changes in one can influence the other.”
Emotional Considerations Also Matter
Money matters aren’t the only reason retirees claim earlier. Concerns about the future of Social Security have caused many to look for the emotional comfort of taking benefits sooner, including some Anywhere Real Estate workers preparing for retirement.
While benefits are expected to continue—even if trust fund reserves decline in the 2030s—worries about future payouts can play a role.
“It’s not just about math,” Boudreaux explains. “People want control and stability in retirement, even if that means receiving less over time.”
Finding the Right Approach for You
Whether filing early is a good fit depends a lot on health, cash flow needs, and longer-term retirement goals. Thoughtful planning helps maintain flexibility, rather than driving you to respond under pressure.
“The best approach balances today’s needs with what lies ahead,” Landis says. “And that begins with understanding how Medicare and Social Security interact.”
Need Help Reviewing Your Options?
The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement, helps individuals evaluate Medicare electives, analyze Social Security filing alternatives, and design retirement income strategies based on personal goals—including guidance tailored to those employed by Anywhere Real Estate.
📞 Call (800) 900-5867 before your next enrollment period to schedule a Social Security & Health Care Review.
Work toward confidence in your long-term retirement income decisions.
About the Authors
Wesley Boudreaux and Kevin Landis, CPA, provide retirement income and tax planning guidance through Wealth Enhancement, helping people make informed choices about Social Security, Medicare, and financial well-being.
1. Social Security Administration.
When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits: Publication No. 05-10147
. May 2024. U.S. Government Publishing Office, Washington D.C.
2. Topoleski, John J., Elizabeth A. Myers, and Sylvia L. Bryan.
Worker Participation in Employer-Sponsored Pensions: Data in Brief and Recent Trends (R43439)
. Congressional Research Service, 18 Sept. 2024.
3. Medicare Payment Advisory Commission.
Report to the Congress: Medicare Payment Policy – Chapter 11: The Medicare Advantage Program: Status Report
. Mar. 2025, medpac.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Mar25_Ch11_MedPAC_Report_To_Congress_SEC.pdf.
4. Board of Trustees, Social Security.
2025 Annual Report of the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Federal Disability Insurance Trust Funds
. 30 June 2025. U.S. Government Publishing Office, Washington D.C.
What type of 401(k) plan does Anywhere Real Estate offer to its employees?
Anywhere Real Estate offers a traditional 401(k) plan that allows employees to save for retirement on a tax-deferred basis.
Does Anywhere Real Estate provide a matching contribution for its 401(k) plan?
Yes, Anywhere Real Estate provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) accounts, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the eligibility requirement for employees to participate in the Anywhere Real Estate 401(k) plan?
Employees of Anywhere Real Estate become eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically within the first year of employment.
Can employees at Anywhere Real Estate choose how much to contribute to their 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees at Anywhere Real Estate can choose to contribute a percentage of their salary to their 401(k) plan, within IRS limits.
What investment options are available in the Anywhere Real Estate 401(k) plan?
The Anywhere Real Estate 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Are there any fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Anywhere Real Estate?
Yes, Anywhere Real Estate's 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
How often can employees change their contribution amounts in the Anywhere Real Estate 401(k) plan?
Employees at Anywhere Real Estate can change their contribution amounts at designated times throughout the year, usually during open enrollment periods.
Does Anywhere Real Estate offer financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?
Yes, Anywhere Real Estate provides financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.
What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Anywhere Real Estate?
If an employee leaves Anywhere Real Estate, they can roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the plan, depending on the plan's rules.
Is there a loan provision in the Anywhere Real Estate 401(k) plan?
Yes, the Anywhere Real Estate 401(k) plan may allow employees to take loans against their account balance, subject to specific terms and conditions.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Anywhere Real Estate offers employees a 401(k) plan called the "Anywhere Real Estate Group Employee Savings Plan." The plan encourages employees to save for retirement with tax-favored treatment and provides a wide range of investment options to suit different employee preferences. The plan includes automatic enrollment for eligible employees, typically after completing a minimum of one year of service, and allows for immediate vesting in the company match contributions after a certain period of time. The company has also implemented catch-up contributions for employees aged 50 and older, allowing them to contribute additional amounts each year
In January 2023, Anywhere Real Estate announced another round of layoffs following cuts made in mid-2022. The company revealed that it had reduced its workforce by 11% due to declining housing market trends. They are also winding down their RealSure program, a cash-offer service for home sellers. These cuts are part of broader cost-reduction efforts aimed at adapting to ongoing market downturns. The company has committed to focusing more on digital innovations, lead generation, and supporting franchisees
Anywhere Real Estate offers various stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its employees, structured to enhance retention and reward performance. These RSUs are typically awarded to higher-level employees, including executives, as part of a long-term incentive plan. For example, in 2022 and 2023, RSUs were granted based on performance metrics such as the company's revenue and EBITDA targets (Anywhere Real Estate Inc.). The stock options provided to employees allow them to purchase shares of Anywhere Real Estate (NYSE: HOUS) at a set price, which is generally the market price at the time of the grant. These options typically vest over a three-year period
Coverage Extensions (2023-2024):
In 2024, Anywhere expanded its health benefits to address the needs of elder caregiving and menopause support. These additional benefits reflect the company’s focus on supporting employees through various life stages, aiming to cater to both mid-career professionals and retirees (Home Page).
Emphasis on Financial Planning Integration:
The company encourages employees to integrate healthcare planning with financial management, offering resources to help navigate Medicare Advantage and other insurance changes. These services are especially beneficial for those nearing retirement (Home Page).
Digital Healthcare and Accessibility:
Digital health services are a priority for Anywhere, as the company focuses on delivering healthcare resources through online platforms. This digital shift is part of their broader strategy to enhance consumer experiences, integrating healthcare seamlessly into employees' real estate and financial planning
Additional Articles
Check Out Articles for Anywhere Real Estate employees
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Anywhere Real Estate at 175 Park Ave Madison, NJ 7940; or by calling them at (973) 407-2000.
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