New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Are Public Storage Employees Consistently Making These 401(k) Mistakes?

Healthcare Provider Update: Public Storage offers its employees health insurance options through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace as well as employer-sponsored plans. The specific healthcare providers utilized may vary, often including major insurers such as UnitedHealthcare and Anthem, which have strong presences in many states. As we approach 2026, significant increases in healthcare costs are anticipated, particularly for those enrolled in ACA marketplace plans. Projections suggest that average premiums could rise by approximately 18%, with certain states potentially experiencing hikes over 60%. The expected expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies will largely contribute to these sharp increases, meaning many Public Storage employees and retirees could face drastic out-of-pocket costs. As the market grapples with rising medical expenses and insurer rate hikes, individuals should be prepared for a challenging landscape in healthcare costs as they plan for the upcoming year. Click here to learn more

This paper is for Public Storage 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 Public Storage 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 Public Storage 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.

What type of retirement savings plan does Public Storage offer to its employees?

Public Storage offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for retirement.

Does Public Storage match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Public Storage provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) contributions, subject to certain limits.

When can employees at Public Storage enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Public Storage can enroll in the 401(k) plan during their initial eligibility period or during the annual open enrollment period.

What is the eligibility requirement for Public Storage employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

To participate in the 401(k) plan at Public Storage, employees must meet specific service and age requirements as outlined in the plan documents.

How can Public Storage employees make changes to their 401(k) contributions?

Public Storage employees can make changes to their 401(k) contributions by logging into the employee benefits portal or by contacting the HR department.

What investment options are available in the Public Storage 401(k) plan?

The Public Storage 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Can Public Storage employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Public Storage allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain conditions and limits.

What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave Public Storage?

If you leave Public Storage, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out your account, or leave it in the Public Storage plan if you meet the minimum balance requirement.

Are there any fees associated with the Public Storage 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related expenses associated with the Public Storage 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

How often can Public Storage employees change their investment allocations within the 401(k) plan?

Public Storage employees can change their investment allocations at any time, subject to the plan's trading restrictions.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

401(k) plan with company match, discretionary profit sharing, stock purchase plan.

Public Storage provides RSUs to its executives and key employees. RSUs typically vest over a period of three years, promoting retention and alignment with company goals.