Why More Monster Beverage Employees Are Considering Social Security Early — And How Medicare Changes Play a Role
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'Monster Beverage 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.
'Monster Beverage 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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Monster Beverage 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 Monster Beverage 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 Monster Beverage 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 Monster Beverage 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 Monster Beverage.
📞 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 retirement savings plan does Monster Beverage offer to its employees?
Monster Beverage offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
Does Monster Beverage match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Monster Beverage provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the eligibility requirement for Monster Beverage employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?
Most employees at Monster Beverage are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific period of service.
Can employees at Monster Beverage choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?
Yes, employees at Monster Beverage can choose from a variety of investment options for their 401(k) contributions.
How often can employees at Monster Beverage change their 401(k) contribution amounts?
Employees at Monster Beverage can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.
What is the maximum contribution limit for Monster Beverage employees under the 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for employees at Monster Beverage is set according to IRS regulations, which may change annually.
Does Monster Beverage offer any financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Monster Beverage provides financial education resources to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.
When can employees at Monster Beverage access their 401(k) funds?
Employees at Monster Beverage can access their 401(k) funds upon reaching retirement age, or in cases of hardship, as defined by the plan.
Are there any fees associated with Monster Beverage's 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with Monster Beverage's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
How does Monster Beverage communicate changes to the 401(k) plan to its employees?
Monster Beverage communicates changes to the 401(k) plan through emails, employee meetings, and updates on the company intranet.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Name of Pension Plan:
Monster Beverage does not traditionally offer a traditional defined benefit pension plan. Instead, the company may offer retirement savings plans or other benefit programs.
Pension Plan Formula and Qualification:
Information about the absence of a traditional pension plan can be confirmed from Monster Beverage’s annual reports or 10-K filings. For instance, if they have this information, it might be detailed in the financial statements or notes sections. Specific pages should be verified in the latest documents.
Monster Beverage’s 401(k) plan may be named differently, but it is often referred to as the "Monster Beverage Corporation 401(k) Plan."
401(k) Plan Qualification:
Employees generally qualify for the 401(k) plan after completing a certain period of service, typically 30 to 90 days. Eligibility criteria, including minimum age and service requirements, can be detailed in the plan documents or summary plan descriptions.
Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2023, Monster Beverage announced a restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. This included a workforce reduction affecting around 5% of their employees. The move was part of a broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency and adapt to shifting market conditions. Given the economic uncertainties, understanding such changes is crucial as they can impact both job security and company performance.
Stock options are offered with a 4-year vesting schedule, mainly to senior executives. RSUs are granted based on performance and tenure, with increasing availability in 2024.
Monster Beverage Corporation: Their official site provides general information on employee benefits. Specific health benefits details are typically available in the “Careers” or “Employee Benefits” section. Key benefits usually include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as wellness programs.
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