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

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Preparing to Retire from Moog Within Five Years? Start with This Smart Checklist

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Moog Moog Inc. typically provides health benefits through various healthcare providers, including large national insurers such as Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. The specific provider may vary by location and plan options available to employees. Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 for Moog Employees In 2026, Moog employees are likely to face significantly higher healthcare costs, primarily driven by anticipated premium hikes in the ACA marketplace, which could reach up to 66% in some states. As employers like Moog adjust their benefit structures in response to rising medical costs, employees may see changes in deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. With nearly 51% of large employers expected to shift more costs onto workers, understanding these changes and preparing for increased healthcare expenses will be essential for Moog employees navigating their health coverage options. Click here to learn more

'Moog employees should prioritize proactive retirement planning by carefully evaluating their spending, adjusting their portfolio risk, and factoring in health care costs, all of which can support a more stable and fulfilling retirement journey.' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'By taking a hands-on approach to retirement planning, Moog employees can steer clear of common pitfalls and prepare for the financial demands of retirement, from health care costs to sustainable income strategies.' – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

  1. The importance of proactive retirement planning for Moog employees.

  2. Key steps to take within five years of retirement, including reviewing benefits and spending.

  3. Strategies for managing health care costs and adjusting investment portfolios as retirement approaches.

Planning for retirement requires careful consideration, particularly as your retirement date approaches. Automatic payroll deductions through Moog benefits programs may have made investing feel seamless, but effective retirement planning requires a hands-on strategy. Getting ahead of the curve allows you to refine your retirement plan to align with your objectives.

If you plan to retire from Moog within the next five years, begin taking these five key steps now:

1. Rethink the Function of Employment in Retirement

It’s important to assess whether you plan to continue working in some capacity during retirement. Consulting or part-time work might help ease the transition and provide supplemental income, but it shouldn’t be the core of your strategy. For Moog professionals, unexpected life changes or health issues may make continued work uncertain. Planning for retirement with financial independence—without relying on future earnings—creates a foundation for a smoother experience.

2. Monitor and Comprehend Your Spending

Understanding your current spending is crucial for estimating what you might need later. As a Moog employee, your spending habits could shift post-retirement—especially regarding health care, housing, and lifestyle choices. Evaluating your needs now provides insight into whether you’re on track to meet your retirement objectives. By revisiting your budget and savings patterns today, you can reduce the likelihood of surprises later on.

3. Examine Your Benefits from Social Security

Social Security plays a key role in retirement for many Americans. Begin by checking your information on the Social Security Administration’s website to model different claiming scenarios. For Moog employees, understanding the timing of when to begin collecting benefits—such as delaying until full retirement age—could substantially impact your monthly payments. Including this in your plan will help create a more effective retirement income strategy.

4. Evaluate Your Retirement Funds

Take a close look at your Moog retirement accounts and personal savings. Review how much you’ve saved, how your portfolio is allocated, and what income sources you expect to draw from. Subtract your estimated Social Security income from your expected living expenses to calculate how much you’ll need to withdraw. Depending on your financial needs, you may need to adjust your spending, increase contributions, or delay your retirement date.

5. Reduce the Risk in Your Portfolio

As you near retirement, consider shifting your investment portfolio toward less volatile assets. Moog employees who experience a market downturn early in retirement could face long-term impacts. Lowering exposure to riskier assets may give you more flexibility during market dips. This adjustment can help you preserve principal and draw income from more stable sources in your early retirement years.

Starting early on these five steps can lead to a smoother and more confident transition into retirement. Moog professionals who commit to reviewing and refining their plans now may be better positioned to shape the retirement lifestyle they envision. Proactive planning offers greater clarity into your future finances and more control over your timeline.

Medical expenses are a major factor to incorporate into your retirement planning. According to a 2023 Fidelity Investments report, a 65-year-old couple retiring today is expected to spend an average of $315,000 on health care throughout retirement. Moog retirees should factor this into their savings plans. Allocating funds for future health care needs can help cover both routine and unexpected medical costs, reducing financial pressure later on.

If you're expecting to retire from Moog in the next five years, this checklist provides a structured roadmap to follow. From reviewing your Social Security benefits and investment allocations to preparing for health care costs, these steps are designed to help you maintain financial balance. Evaluating spending, reconsidering the role of post-retirement work, and shifting toward lower-risk investments can help you face retirement with more confidence and fewer surprises.

Think of preparing for retirement like planning a cross-country trip. You wouldn’t hit the road without checking your car, mapping your route, and making sure you have enough fuel. Likewise, Moog employees shouldn’t head into retirement without reviewing finances, factoring in health care, and organizing their resources. With these steps in place, you're better equipped for the journey ahead—and ready to enjoy the ride.

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Sources:

1. 'The Unexpected Cost That Could Ruin Your Retirement.' Investopedia, 4 June 2025.

2. Sloan, Jim. 'I'm a Wealth Manager: This Is How to Reduce One of the Biggest Risks to Your Retirement.' Kiplinger, 2 June 2025.

3. 'Retirees: Tune Out the Noise When Filing for Social Security.' Barron's, 2 June 2025.

4. 'How Often Should You Review Your 401(k) To Maximize Returns?' Investopedia, 4 June 2025.

5. '5 Ways to Track Your Budget in the Years Before You Retire.' Kiplinger, 4 June 2025.

How does the transition from the Moog Pension Plan to the RSP(+) Program affect my retirement savings strategy, and what steps should I take to optimize my contributions in light of the changes Moog has implemented to its retirement programs?

Transition from Pension Plan to RSP(+): The transition from the Moog Pension Plan to the RSP(+) Program offers greater flexibility and portability, as the RSP(+) includes both a retirement contribution and a matching contribution. To optimize your contributions, aim for the maximum percentage of your eligible compensation to take full advantage of Moog's increasing match, which phases up to 10% by October 2021. Evaluate your long-term goals and consult a financial advisor for personalized advice.

In what scenarios would remaining in the Current Retirement Program offered by Moog provide a greater benefit compared to the new RSP(+) program, and what factors should I consider when assessing my long-term retirement goals in relation to these two options?

Benefits of Staying in the Current Program: Remaining in the Current Retirement Program may provide greater benefits for long-term employees close to retirement. The Moog Pension Plan offers a defined benefit that provides predictable, stable income, which can be beneficial if you're near retirement age or value a guaranteed income. Weigh the security of the pension against the flexibility and growth potential of the RSP(+) based on your retirement goals.

With the Moog Pension Plan being "frozen" as of December 31, 2019, how does this affect my accrued benefits, and what are the implications for my retirement planning as I approach retirement age and consider other income sources?

Frozen Moog Pension Plan Impact: Since the Moog Pension Plan was frozen on December 31, 2019, your accrued benefits will not grow, but you retain the value you’ve earned. This fixed benefit, payable as an annuity, can still play a role in your overall retirement strategy. As you approach retirement, plan for other income sources, like Social Security or RSP withdrawals, to supplement your frozen pension benefit.

What are the specific vesting timelines for the different retirement options available through Moog, and how do these timelines impact my ability to access benefits if I decide to leave the company before reaching retirement age?

Vesting Timelines: The Moog Pension Plan vests after five years of service, while the RSP(+) retirement contribution vests after three years. The RSP(+) matching contributions are immediately vested for current employees, but newly hired employees face a three-year vesting schedule. If you leave Moog before vesting, you risk losing unvested contributions, so factor in your tenure when planning your exit.

Can you explain the various payment options available when I decide to withdraw from the Moog Pension Plan or RSP(+) account, specifically discussing the benefits and drawbacks of lump-sum distributions versus annuity options offered by Moog?

Payment Options: For both the Pension Plan and RSP(+) Program, Moog offers various withdrawal options. Pension benefits are generally paid as a monthly annuity, whereas the RSP(+) offers lump sum, installments, or partial withdrawals. A lump sum offers flexibility but shifts the investment risk to you, while an annuity provides stable, lifelong payments but limits liquidity.

What investment decisions do employees have the power to make regarding their contributions to the RSP and RSP(+) at Moog, and how might these decisions impact the overall performance of my individual retirement accounts as I prepare for retirement?

Investment Decisions in the RSP(+): Employees control investment decisions within the RSP(+) Program. Moog’s initial contributions are invested in Moog Class B Stock Fund-Restricted, but you can reallocate to other funds. Your choices significantly impact the growth of your retirement savings, so regularly review your investment strategy to ensure it aligns with your retirement timeline and risk tolerance.

How does Moog ensure the security of my retirement benefits under the Pension Plan, and what protections are in place in the event of financial difficulties faced by the company, including the role of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)?

Security of Retirement Benefits: Moog’s pension benefits are backed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), providing a safety net in case of company financial difficulties. However, the RSP(+) accounts are not PBGC-insured, and the value depends on investment performance. Your pension is protected, but careful management of your RSP investments is crucial.

In the event of my death before receiving retirement benefits, what provisions does Moog have in place for disbursing my accrued benefits to my beneficiaries, and how does marital status affect these benefits under the Moog Pension Plan and RSP?

Death Benefits: If you pass away before receiving your Pension Plan benefits and are married, your spouse receives a monthly lifetime benefit. For the RSP(+) Program, your designated beneficiary will receive your account balance as a lump sum. Spousal consent is required if you wish to name a non-spousal beneficiary. Marital status directly impacts the distribution of your retirement benefits.

How can I maximize the company match contributions offered in the RSP and RSP(+) plans, and what specific contribution levels should I aim for to ensure that I am fully leveraging the benefits provided by Moog?

Maximizing Company Match: To maximize Moog’s matching contributions, contribute at least 6% of your eligible compensation initially, increasing to 8% in 2020 and 10% in 2021 to receive the full match. By reaching these thresholds, you leverage the full benefits of Moog's matching, boosting your retirement savings potential.

If I have further questions or need more information on my retirement options, how can I contact Moog's HR Employee Support team for assistance, and what resources are available to help me navigate the transition between retirement plans effectively? These questions are designed to encourage deeper exploration of individual retirement situations and the specific policies within the company’s retirement programs.

Contacting Moog HR for Further Information: For more questions or additional guidance, you can contact Moog's HR Employee Support team via email at employeesupport@moog.com or by calling 844-367-5787. Empower Retirement’s Call Center is also available for technical questions regarding the RSP(+) Program. These resources ensure you have the support needed during your retirement transition​(Moog_Choice_Guide_Retir…).

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Moog has significantly restructured its retirement plans in recent years, transitioning from offering a traditional pension plan to a more modern defined contribution approach. Previously, Moog provided employees with a defined benefit pension plan, but for employees hired after January 1, 2008, this pension plan is no longer available. Instead, Moog created the Retirement Savings Plan Plus (RSP+), which incorporates a 401(k) with enhanced features​ (Moog)​ (Ogorek Wealth Management, LLC). In Moog's 401(k) plan, employees receive a 50% match on the first 10% of eligible pay they contribute, meaning that employees who contribute at least 10% of their salary can receive a full 5% match from Moog​ (Moog). Additionally, Moog makes annual direct contributions to employee 401(k) accounts. The company utilizes Blackrock Life Path funds as the default investment choice for these accounts, with options for employees to switch to alternative funds such as Vanguard, based on their preferences​ (Ogorek Wealth Management, LLC). Moog's pension plan, which was previously available to employees before 2008, followed a more traditional formula based on career-average pay and credited service. However, this pension plan is now closed to new participants, and the company focuses entirely on the RSP+ for retirement savings​
Moog has undertaken significant changes in its operational structure, including a footprint rationalization initiative that led to the sale of two buildings in 2023. This is part of a broader restructuring effort across multiple divisions, including industrial and commercial aircraft, to optimize margins and streamline operations. This restructuring, including adjustments in the aerospace and defense businesses, is crucial as it impacts employee roles and the overall company structure. Addressing these changes is vital due to the current economic environment, as fluctuations in defense budgets and supply chain constraints continue to affect Moog's business model​ (Business Wire)​ (Moog).
Moog Inc. provides stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its employees as part of its equity compensation plans, aimed at aligning employee incentives with company performance. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Moog offered these compensation packages under its equity compensation plan. Stock options at Moog typically vest over a period of three to four years, allowing employees to purchase shares at a predetermined price. Moog's RSUs vest based on the employee's tenure and performance, giving employees shares of stock without requiring an upfront purchase, unlike stock options​ (Moog)​ (PitchBook). Moog's stock options and RSUs are made available to senior employees and executives, often as part of long-term incentive plans. These plans are structured to retain key talent and ensure alignment with shareholder interests. Moog ensures that both stock options and RSUs are accessible to employees who meet performance thresholds and tenure requirements.
Moog Inc. offers a comprehensive health benefits package designed to support their employees and their families across various needs. In 2022, Moog expanded its InHealth Wellness Center located at the East Aurora campus, which now includes a full-service pharmacy and an eye care center​ (Moog). The pharmacy provides reduced copays on prescriptions and discounted over-the-counter products, while the eye care center offers vision exams, safety eyewear, and holistic eye health care with a licensed optometrist​ (Moog). Moog employees enrolled in a Moog medical plan can access most of these services at little to no cost, with offerings such as annual physicals, lab work, vaccinations, physical therapy, and nutrition counseling​ (Moog). In addition to traditional medical, dental, and vision plans, Moog also provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering 24/7 confidential support for personal and professional challenges​ (Moog). Key healthcare-related acronyms used by Moog include EAP (Employee Assistance Program) and the InHealth Wellness Program, which provides financial incentives for participation in wellness activities. Moog also offers voluntary benefits that can enhance the core health plans, alongside disability and life insurance coverage at no cost to employees
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