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

Healthcare Provider Update: Offers medical, dental, vision, FSAs, HSAs, and supplemental insurance options like critical illness and accident coverage 5. As ACA premiums surge, PBFs tax-advantaged accounts and group-rate insurance help employees manage rising healthcare expenses. Click here to learn more

For PBF Energy employees approaching retirement, the current Q1 2026 market environment — defined by surging oil prices and geopolitical uncertainty — underscores the need for a carefully structured retirement income plan that balances growth potential with downside protection.

Energy markets are experiencing historic volatility in March 2026, with Brent at approximately ~$107/barrel and WTI at ~$94/barrel, reflecting a supply shock triggered by geopolitical disruptions in the Persian Gulf.

Liquefied natural gas markets are under extraordinary pressure in Q1 2026, with Asian LNG spot prices near ~$18/MMBtu and European TTF at approximately ~$16.90/MMBtu, as the Middle East conflict continues to restrict critical export routes.

The extraordinary Q1 2026 oil market rally offers PBF Energy employees approaching retirement a potential window to diversify appreciated energy holdings and reduce sequence-of-returns risk — a critical consideration when converting a concentrated equity position into a sustainable retirement income stream.

'PBF Energy 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, PBF Energy 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 PBF Energy 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 PBF Energy 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 PBF Energy 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 PBF Energy 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 PBF Energy 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 PBF Energy 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 PBF Energy 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. PBF Energy 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. PBF Energy 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. PBF Energy 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 PBF Energy 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, PBF Energy 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.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

A workforce reduction changes the timeline but not the value of the benefits you have earned -- and understanding exactly what PBF Energy owes you at separation is the first step in protecting that value -- PBF Energy maintains an active defined benefit pension plan, meaning eligible employees continue to accrue pension benefits based on service and compensation. Understanding what your accrued benefit is worth -- and how it interacts with Social Security and any 401(k) savings -- is a key component of the income plan The Retirement Group helps PBF Energy employees build before they retire.

For specific healthcare plan options at PBF Energy -- including which medical plans are available, whether an HDHP or HSA option is offered, and what retiree coverage looks like -- employees should confirm current details directly with HR or the company benefits portal, as those details are subject to annual open enrollment changes. Keep in mind that employer-sponsored coverage ends at separation from PBF Energy, which means the full cost of healthcare -- individual market, COBRA, or spousal coverage -- becomes part of your retirement expense from day one. The Retirement Group works with PBF Energy employees to project the full cost of healthcare coverage across the retirement timeline and integrate it into the income plan.

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.