Are Marsh & McLennan Employees Consistently Making These 401(k) Mistakes?

This paper is for Marsh & McLennan employees who will have to know the basics of their 401(k) plans, including the role of the company's contributions and the way the assets are invested in order to understand the basics of the retirement planning process.'

'['Free' means that, as a Marsh & McLennan employee, you can optimize your retirement savings and, thus, your future financial independence by frequently checking and changing your 401(k) contributions, as well as by consulting for a Roth 401(k)].

In this article, we will discuss:

1. How to increase your chances of retirement savings by taking advantage of employer contributions.

2. What are the conditions under which you own the company contributions? Do not miss the money! A simple guide to the basics of stock investing within your 401(k) plan.

3. It is not intended to be an exhaustive treatment of the subject, but rather a general introduction that will help you understand the basics and consider whether or not to participate.

In a time of increasing financial complexity, it is essential to know how to make the most out of your savings, especially when you are planning for your retirement. The 401k plan has been and will be one of the best ways to build wealth over the long term. However, as with any instrument, its effectiveness depends on the user’s understanding of its capabilities and potential risks.

Harnessing Matching Contributions:

Most of the Marsh & McLennan companies provide for matching schemes under which they pay for a certain percentage of the amount an employee places into a 401k. On average, companies match 4.5% of employee contributions, as per Vanguard’s annual report. Although this percentage may not be very high, it can amount to a lot of money over the years. When you include the interest that is charged on the account, this can make for a good retirement portfolio.

Vesting Requirements - Patience Pays:

Vesting refers to the conditions under which an employee is entitled to the company contributions to a 401(k) plan. Two main types are:

Cliff Vesting: Contributions are fully vested at the end of the set period, which is usually three years.

Graded Vesting: The employer’s contributions become vested at 20% annually from the second year and at 100% by the end of the sixth year.

Thus, if you change jobs before your contributions become vested, you will deny yourself access to the money. So, it is important to know your company’s vesting policy.

The Risk of Company Stock:

While it may be tempting to invest in your company’s stock, it’s wise to limit such investments to 5-10% of your total 401(k) assets. This is because too much money is at risk in the event the company is not doing well.

The Dual-Edge of Stock Investments:

Equities, or stocks, shouldn’t be avoided entirely. Although they are risky, very conservative products may not perform well versus inflation, and, thus, reduce your buying power in the future. This is where balanced equity investments come in to help with this.

Sources:

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Articles you may find interesting:

1. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 'Matching Contributions Help You Save More for Retirement.' IRS, https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/matching-contributions-help-you-save-more-for-retirement . Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

2. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 'Retirement Topics - Vesting.' IRS, https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-vesting . Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

3. Empower. 'What is 401(k) Matching & How Does It Work?' Empower, https://www.empower.com/the-currency/work/how-does-401k-matching-work . Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

4 Investopedia. '401(k) Vesting Rules.' Investopedia, https://www.investopedia.com/401-k-vesting-rules-5323652 . Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

5. National Council on Aging (NCOA). 'Leverage Employer Matching Contributions to Your 401(k).' NCOA, https://www.ncoa.org/article/matching-contributions-101-how-to-maximize-your-retirement-savings-now . Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

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: Marsh & McLennan does not typically offer a traditional defined benefit pension plan. Instead, it offers a defined contribution plan. Years of Service and Age Qualification: The detailed eligibility criteria can be found in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) or 10-K filings. Pension Formula: As Marsh & McLennan primarily offers defined contribution plans, a pension formula might not be applicable Name of 401(k) Plan: Marsh & McLennan 401(k) Savings Plan. Eligibility Criteria: Generally available to full-time employees. Eligibility may require a waiting period.

Restructuring and Layoffs: Marsh & McLennan announced a restructuring plan in late 2023 to streamline operations and integrate their various business units more effectively. This restructuring involved the consolidation of certain departments and led to a reduction in workforce by approximately 5%. The move aimed to improve operational efficiency and align with the company’s strategic objectives for growth and innovation. Given the current economic climate, it's crucial for employees and investors to stay informed about these changes, as they impact job security and company performance. Benefit and Pension Changes: In 2024, Marsh & McLennan also updated its benefits package and pension plans. The company introduced enhanced retirement savings options, including increased 401(k) match contributions and expanded investment choices. These changes were made to attract and retain top talent amid a competitive labor market. Additionally, adjustments to the pension plan were implemented to ensure long-term financial stability and compliance with new regulations. These updates are significant in the context of current investment and tax environments, making it essential for stakeholders to review these changes carefully.

Marsh & McLennan (MMC) offers stock options primarily to senior executives and key employees. For 2022 and 2023, stock options were granted based on performance targets and individual roles. Marsh & McLennan (MMC) provides RSUs to a broader range of employees, including mid-level managers and above. In 2023, RSU grants were made as part of a broader incentive plan to align employee interests with shareholder value.

Healthcare Plans: Marsh & McLennan offers comprehensive healthcare plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. They provide various plan options to suit different needs, including PPO and HMO plans. Wellness Programs: The company emphasizes wellness programs and preventive care, with resources such as wellness coaching and fitness incentives.