Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for State Street: State Street Corporation collaborates with various healthcare providers to offer employee benefits, typically leveraging its extensive network through insurers. The primary healthcare provider for State Street employees is UnitedHealth Group, which offers services to ensure comprehensive health coverage and support. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As the healthcare landscape evolves, significant cost increases are anticipated in 2026, particularly for those enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. With the potential expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, many enrollees could face premium hikes exceeding 75%, leading to out-of-pocket costs becoming dangerously unaffordable for millions. Insurers attribute these steep increases to rising medical costs, aggressive premium requests-including New York's staggering 66% increase from UnitedHealthcare-and ongoing pressures from inflation across the healthcare sector. Overall, the combination of these factors underscores a perfect storm of market conditions that could strain consumer budgets significantly come 2026. Click here to learn more
'State Street employees seeking a meaningful and balanced life should recognize that true wealth isn't just about financial stability but also embracing fulfillment in all aspects of life, including health and well-being.' – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.
'Helping State Street employees achieve a fulfilling life requires more than financial strategies; it's about guiding them to live with purpose, balancing wealth with wellness to truly enjoy their success.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.
In this article, we will discuss:
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The connection between happiness and money
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How financial advisors can help clients get 'unstuck'
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The importance of balancing financial, emotional, and physical well-being
It can be difficult for financial consultants to offer more than just a sound financial strategy. A highly influential financial counselor understands that success is based on more than just statistics, even though creating a stable future is crucial. Crafting a happy and satisfying life for clients—balancing not just their financial wellness but also their physical and mental well-being—is the key to true success. State Street employees can feel grounded and rooted in all facets of their lives, not just their finances, according to our three-pronged strategy.
The Connection Between Happiness and Money
There is a widespread misperception that having money inevitably makes one happy. Actually, I've seen a lot of people who are wealthy yet find it difficult to enjoy their prosperity. Even though they are in a position to spend comfortably, some people are inhibited by their fear of doing so. For example, one customer hesitated to book nonstop flights because he was so reluctant to spend money, despite the fact that layovers had a major negative impact on his quality of life. A different customer would routinely skip dinner due to cost rather than health issues.
However, I have also worked with people who struggle with compulsive spending, which is the opposite tendency. They continue to overindulge in the hopes that the future will correct their current financial irresponsibility, even if they have pledged to control their behaviors. Although there are benefits to the 'Carpe Diem' attitude, living extravagantly can harm a client's financial future.
The most important lesson is that the objective is to spend in a way that brings happiness and satisfaction, not to spend the least or the most. It is our responsibility as financial advisors to help clients strike that balance by advising them to engage in fulfilling experiences and endeavors rather than only attempting to reduce costs or satisfy material cravings.
Getting 'Unstuck' Clients
As a financial advisor, one of my most important responsibilities is to assist customers who are feeling 'stuck.' This can take many forms: some people are stuck in a financial mindset that keeps them from appreciating their prosperity, while others are physically ill and lack the stamina to engage in the things they used to enjoy. Many individuals experience mental loneliness or uncertainty about their life's purpose.
The objective is to assist them in being 'unstuck.' This could be advising that a client finally upgrade to first-class when they travel, or urging them to take that long-awaited family trip that they have been putting off for years. It might also entail helping them find new interests, like gardening or photography, or assisting them in getting back into exercise by getting them a personal trainer or joining a gym.
Pickleball is among the most successful activities I've recently introduced to my customers. For many, this inexpensive but incredibly captivating sport has changed their lives. It offers social interaction, which is crucial for mental health, in addition to physical exercise. After learning pickleball, clients have said they feel more motivated and excited about life. Seeing these great changes has been immensely satisfying, and the game has turned into a reason to look forward to something.
Posing Appropriate Questions
Asking the proper questions is the first step in assisting customers in becoming unstuck. I probe them with inquiries that delve deeper into their lives rather than just their portfolios. 'How are you? Are you continuing to be active? What do you most eagerly anticipate?' I can learn more about their priorities thanks to these inquiries. The truth is that relationships, health, or a lack of purpose are more common worries for many people than money.
Advisors can assist clients in identifying the aspects of their lives that they can control and letting go of the things that they cannot by interacting with them on this deeper level. When clients are based on a sense of general well-being, financial decisions become simpler. Addressing clients' emotional, physical, and financial issues enables them to make choices that are in line with their actual preferences.
Encouraging Customers to Lead the Life They Desire
Giving clients financial guidance is only one aspect of helping them become unstuck; another is enabling them to use their wealth in ways that truly bring them joy. You can tell you're having a real influence when your clients walk away from a conversation feeling lighter, more confident, and more excited about their future. In addition to helping their clients accumulate wealth, financial advisors should assist them in creating a worthwhile life.
The function of an advisor goes beyond creating financial plans; it also involves helping clients create life plans that strike a balance between fulfillment and enjoyment. These interventions lay the groundwork for long-term satisfaction, whether it's recommending a trip, fostering a new pastime, or assisting a client in making health-related investments. The goal of wealth is to improve one's life, not only accumulate it.
In summary, managing investments and portfolios is only one aspect of being a financial advisor. Understanding clients' core needs—how they want to spend their time, what brings them joy, and how they may live life to the fullest—is where the true value lies. State Street employees can feel financially confident and pleased in all other aspects of their lives when they can enjoy the wealth they have amassed. In addition to a healthy portfolio, this all-encompassing approach to financial counseling results in a happier, healthier life.
Brian Parker, CFP, managing director and co-founder of EP Wealth Advisors, works with professionals, athletes, entrepreneurs, and executives. He also participates in initiatives promoting women's programming, financial literacy, and charitable giving. Brian sits on various boards that support sports, health, wellness, and youth education.
For senior citizens, consistent physical activity has major health benefits. Even a small amount of regular exercise, like walking, has been shown to significantly lower the chance of developing chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and several types of cancer. According to a study published in Preventive Medicine, for example, walking 3,000 steps a day can reduce the chance of dying prematurely. For people over 60, the advantages are greatest when walking 7,000 to 9,000 steps a day. Strength and endurance training can also improve mobility, balance, and general physical function, leading to a better quality of life and more independence as people age.
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- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
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- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
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- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
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- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
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1. 'The Life-Changing Benefits of Exercise After 60.'
National Council on Aging
, 2021.
www.ncoa.org/article/the-life-changing-benefits-of-exercise-after-60
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2. 'Mental health around retirement: evidence of Ashenfelter's dip.'
BMC Geriatrics
, 2023.
doi:10.1186/s12877-023-02999-x.
3. '4 tips for getting fit at any age, from a sports scientist who studies athletes as old as 92.' Business Insider , 2025.
4. 'Participating in Activities You Enjoy As You Age.'
National Institute on Aging
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www.nia.nih.gov/news/participating-activities-you-enjoy
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5. 'Plan Your Retirement And Improve Your Mental And Physical Health.'
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What is the 401(k) plan offered by State Street?
The 401(k) plan at State Street is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary before taxes are deducted.
How can I enroll in State Street's 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in State Street's 401(k) plan by accessing the enrollment portal through the company’s HR website or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What is the company match for State Street's 401(k) plan?
State Street offers a company match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of employee contributions up to a certain limit.
Are there any eligibility requirements for State Street's 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees must meet specific eligibility criteria, such as length of service and employment status, to participate in State Street's 401(k) plan.
What investment options are available in State Street's 401(k) plan?
State Street's 401(k) plan offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles tailored to different risk tolerances.
Can I change my contribution rate to State Street's 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution rates to State Street's 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.
How often can I change my investment choices in State Street's 401(k) plan?
Employees can typically change their investment choices in State Street's 401(k) plan on a regular basis, often quarterly or as specified in the plan documents.
What happens to my 401(k) plan if I leave State Street?
If you leave State Street, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, leave it in the State Street plan, or cash it out, subject to tax implications.
Does State Street offer financial education regarding the 401(k) plan?
Yes, State Street provides resources and educational sessions to help employees understand their 401(k) plan options and make informed investment decisions.
What is the vesting schedule for State Street's 401(k) plan?
The vesting schedule for State Street's 401(k) plan determines how long you must work at the company to fully own the employer contributions, which may vary based on tenure.