'Murphy Oil 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.
'Murphy Oil 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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Murphy Oil 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 Murphy Oil 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 Murphy Oil 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 Murphy Oil 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 Murphy Oil.
📞 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 plan does Murphy Oil offer to its employees?
Murphy Oil offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.
How can employees of Murphy Oil enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees of Murphy Oil can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Murphy Oil match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Murphy Oil provides a matching contribution to employee contributions, subject to specific terms and conditions.
What is the maximum employee contribution limit for Murphy Oil’s 401(k) plan?
The maximum employee contribution limit for Murphy Oil’s 401(k) plan follows the IRS guidelines, which may change annually.
Can employees of Murphy Oil take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, employees of Murphy Oil may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to plan rules.
What investment options are available in Murphy Oil's 401(k) plan?
Murphy Oil’s 401(k) plan typically offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds.
Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in Murphy Oil’s 401(k) plan?
Yes, Murphy Oil has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which determines when employees fully own the matched contributions.
How often can employees change their contribution amounts in Murphy Oil's 401(k) plan?
Employees of Murphy Oil can change their contribution amounts during designated enrollment periods or as specified in the plan documents.
What happens to my 401(k) if I leave Murphy Oil?
If you leave Murphy Oil, you can roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the plan, depending on the plan’s rules.
Are there any fees associated with Murphy Oil's 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be fees associated with Murphy Oil's 401(k) plan, which are outlined in the plan documents provided to employees.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Plan Name: Review documents to identify the exact name of Murphy Oil's pension plan.
Pension Formula: Determine the formula used by Murphy Oil for calculating pension benefits.
Years of Service and Age Qualification: Find out the required years of service and age qualifications for employees to qualify for the pension plan.
Plan Name: Identify the name of Murphy Oil’s 401(k) plan.
Qualification Criteria: Determine who qualifies for the 401(k) plan at Murphy Oil.
Restructuring and Layoffs: Murphy Oil announced a restructuring plan in early 2024 aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. The company will be laying off approximately 10% of its workforce to improve efficiency and align with current market conditions. This move is significant due to the ongoing economic uncertainty and fluctuating oil prices, which have impacted the energy sector. Addressing this news is crucial for understanding how large energy companies are adapting to economic and political pressures.
Murphy Oil Stock Options (MO): Murphy Oil grants stock options to its executives and key employees as part of their compensation packages. These options typically vest over a period of time, often 3-5 years, and provide employees the right to purchase Murphy Oil stock at a predetermined price.
Benefits Overview: Murphy Oil offers a range of health benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage. They provide both PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan) options. The company also offers a Health Savings Account (HSA) for those enrolled in HDHP.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Includes counseling services and mental health support.
Preventive Care: Coverage for preventive services as mandated by the Affordable Care Act.
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