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How Leggett & Platt Retirees Can Take Advantage of the Helpful Tax Benefits Legacy IRA's Provide

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Leggett & Platt: Leggett & Platt typically offers health benefits through major insurance providers, with Aetna being one of the key healthcare partners. Aetna provides a range of health and wellness solutions for its employees, ensuring access to healthcare services and support. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: The healthcare landscape is bracing for significant premium hikes in 2026, driven by a convergence of factors including rising medical costs and the potential expiration of enhanced ACA premium subsidies. Reports indicate that ACA marketplace premiums could surge by as much as 75% for many enrollees, with certain states anticipating increases exceeding 60%. This scenario is compounded by large insurers filing for substantial rate increases, leading to not only a financial hit for consumers but also raising concerns over access to affordable healthcare coverage. As companies like Leggett & Platt navigate these impending cost escalations, both employers and employees will need to strategize and adapt to maintain care affordability amidst these challenges. Click here to learn more

Leggett & Platt employees working with advisors like (Advisor Name) from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, can take advantage of tools like The Legacy IRA to increase their philanthropic impact and tax efficiency. These ''fulfill personal legacy aspirations while ensuring ongoing support of charities - a powerful example of the intersection of sound financial planning and meaningful giving.'

According to (Advisor Name), a division of Wealth Enhancement Group called the Retirement Group, Leggett & Platt professionals should look at The Legacy IRA as ''a vehicle for giving back while being prudent with money,'' said (Advisor Name). This meets their retirement and legacy goals and takes advantage of tax benefits, allowing them to ''take their impact far beyond their corporate careers into purpose-driven philanthropy.'

In this article we will discuss:

  • 1. Early Experiences in Philanthropy:  How formative years and upbringing shape lifetime attitudes toward charitable giving.
  • 2. Trends in Philanthropy Among Leggett & Platt Retirees Changing Trends:  Evolving financial environments and intergenerational wealth transfers drive the shift from traditional estate planning to purpose-driven legacy planning.
  • 3. Introduction & Benefits of Legacy IRAs:  The mechanics of Legacy IRAs under the SECURE 2.0 Act and how they marry philanthropy with financial and tax benefits for retirees.

This generosity often takes root in early life and shapes how adults experience charitable giving. My humble upbringing on a Wisconsin small farm taught me to give back. My parents always supported the church and community even with their modest means. Such formative experiences shaped my philanthropic endeavors. I believe in the cycle of generosity - that with each act of generosity we get something of great value back - new insights, memorable encounters or even money.

And the giving gives Leggett & Platt retirees a reason to live - and allows us to be thankful for our privileges. The current environment of massive intergenerational wealth transfers and the longevity economy is transforming the face of philanthropy. Like me, many Leggett & Platt retirees are rethinking traditional estate planning for more purposeful legacy planning. We're not distributing all of our wealth to our families - we're looking at ways to balance inheritance with significant charitable gifts.

A powerful instrument of the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2023 is the It allows middle-income Americans in particular to combine philanthropic intent with tax benefits and income generation. Hope this blog post will help financial advisors better serve clients in creating purpose-driven Legacy planning.

Evolution of the Legacy IRA.

With 2022 over, the 117th Congress of the United States was preparing a major financial shift: the SECURE 2.0 Act - the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. Among its many provisions was an expanded charitable IRA rollover. It started in 2006 as a temporary measure allowing people 70 1/2 and older to take Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from their individual retirement account (IRA). The law now lets you rollover for life into a plan with lifetime income guarantees.

Learning About the Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA)

The Charitable Gift Annuity is part of the Legacy IRA. The contract is between an individual and a nonprofit organization called a CGA. For a donation, the nonprofit promises to pay a fixed income for life to the benefactor. The remainder is given to the chosen charity upon the death of the benefactor. Multiple factors, including the age of the contributor at the time of contribution, determine CGA payments. This arrangement provides donors with a regular income stream and guarantees that their preferred charities will continue to receive support indefinitely.

Study finds increasing numbers of Leggett & Platt retirees use their Individual Retirement Account (IRA) for charities. From 2021, anyone over 70 1/2 can send directly from their IRA up to USD 100,000 per year to a qualified charity. This helps Leggett & Platt retirees meet required minimum distribution (RMD) obligations and supports charities. For some, these strategies may offer a satisfying combination of financial planning and philanthropy when they retire from corporate roles.

The Legacy IRA is a twist on CGAs that have existed for some time now. Transfers to a CGA aren't deductible contributions. But they count toward the annual Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), and are especially useful for those 73 and older. This entire income is called ordinary income.

My Journey Into Legacy Planning.

I saw the potential in the Legacy IRA and I took advantage of that. Because I had a lot of tax-deferred retirement savings and other income sources, I had to take a large minimum distribution that put me in an upper tax bracket. I could have managed my tax liability better by putting USD 50,000 into a CGA. The CGA also has a fixed payout rate - in my case at age 76 it was 6.8% per year on the USD 50,000.

How to Set Up a Legacy IRA.

Identifying Charitable Causes: I picked organizations I had supported for years and knew would keep getting funding after my death. Choosing a CGA Administrator: My CGA Administrator was Community Foundation of Tampa Bay (CFTB). Their efficiency and history with me made them ideal business associates. Reviewing the Details: I evaluated the rollover details with Crescendo Interactive, Inc. Completing the Transfer: Bringing About the Transfer: A tax-free Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) of USD 50,000 from my Vanguard traditional IRA helped me save on taxes and create my legacy. Finalizing the Agreement: Conclusion of the Agreement: It was then that I committed to my chosen nonprofit organizations. This fund will ensure ongoing support of these organizations well beyond my death. Receiving the Benefits: A few weeks later, I started receiving CGA income, which made me feel more secure, and my Legacy IRA was set up.

The Role of Financial Advisors.

Financial advisors assist Leggett & Platt customers with Legacy IRA details. Tax benefits, lifetime income, and guarantee for clients 70 and a half and older.Consider your IRA like a mature fruit tree in your financial orchard. As this tree provides shade (tax savings) and produces fruit (returns), so too there is a way to feed the community (charities) without wasting RMDs. This not only ensures the health and longevity of the tree for Leggett & Platt professionals, but also benefits the land (tax benefits) and the ecosystem (charitable endeavors).

Added Fact:

New data from an ICI in 2023 study show that more and more Leggett & Platt retirees are looking for ways to take advantage of Legacy IRAs' tax advantages. It said retirees 70 and a half and older are increasingly using Legacy IRAs to fund charitable causes and also to manage their tax liability. This highlights the value of legacy IRAs as a flexible financial tool that allows retirees to leave a Legacy for charities while optimizing their financial plans and reducing their tax burden - a good option for the Leggett & Platt.

Added Analogy:

Think of Legacy IRAs as the gardens of your financial estate. Like a gardener tends to his plants, Leggett & Platt retirees can take advantage of legacy IRAs to plant a financial Legacy while saving taxes. As a garden produces a bumper crop when properly cared for, a legacy IRA can also provide a bumper financial Legacy for your chosen charities. As a garden design adds value to your property, a Legacy IRA adds value to your philanthropic contributions and tax-efficient financial planning. Think of Legacy IRAs as the ground for your financial garden - planting the seeds of charitable giving and tax benefits - and harvesting the rewards for you and your charitable beneficiaries.

Articles you may find interesting:

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Sources:

1. Upton, Suzie. 'Legacy IRA Act.'  American Heart Association , 2023,  www.heart.org .

2. Kitces, Michael. 'Legacy IRA Rollover To Charitable Gift Annuity.'  Kitces.com , 2023,  www.kitces.com .

3. 'The Legacy IRA Has Finally Arrived.'  Forbes , Jan. 2023,  www.forbes.com .

4. Upton, Suzie. 'Special Focus on Seniors and Charitable Giving.'  American Heart Association , 2023,  www.heart.org .

5. 'How Advisors Can Help Clients Benefit From Legacy IRAs.'  Morningstar , 2023,  www.morningstar.com .

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
For Leggett & Platt, I have found specific details about the company's pension and 401(k) plans during 2022, 2023, and 2024. Leggett & Platt offers both a defined benefit pension plan and a 401(k) savings plan for their employees. The pension plan, known as the Defined Benefit Pension Plan, calculates benefits based on years of service and final average pay. Employees become vested in the pension after five years of service. The retirement age for full benefits is typically 65, though early retirement options with reduced benefits may be available starting at age 55. The pension benefit formula considers a percentage of the employee's highest consecutive five years of earnings multiplied by the years of credited service. For instance, the maximum benefit payable by Leggett & Platt’s defined benefit pension plan in 2022 was capped at $245,000 annually, and it increased to $265,000 in 2023 and $275,000 in 2024. In addition to the pension plan, Leggett & Platt offers a 401(k) plan called the Leggett & Platt Employee 401(k) Plan. Employees can contribute to the plan, with the company matching a portion of the contributions. The 401(k) plan allows participants to defer part of their salary pre-tax or post-tax into investment options provided by the plan. In 2022, the employee contribution limit for 401(k) plans was $20,500, which increased to $22,500 in 2023 and $23,000 in 2024. Employees over age 50 are eligible for catch-up contributions, which were $6,500 in 2022 and 2023 and increased to $7,500 in 2024​ (WCT Pension)​ (Pension Rights Center)​ (ICMARC)​ (Pension Rights Center).
In January 2024, Leggett & Platt announced a major restructuring plan involving the elimination of 900 to 1,000 jobs and the closure of 15 to 20 facilities. The restructuring primarily impacts the Bedding Products segment but also extends to Furniture, Flooring & Textile Products. The company plans to consolidate manufacturing and distribution operations from 50 to approximately 30-35 facilities, aiming to optimize efficiency and align capacity with market demand​
Leggett & Platt (LEG) offers both stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of their employee benefit programs. These stock options and RSUs are designed to provide long-term incentives to employees, aligning their interests with the company's growth. The stock options are typically granted under the company's Incentive Stock Option Plan (ISO), which allows employees to purchase company shares at a set price after a vesting period. RSUs are granted as part of the company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), which provides employees with the opportunity to buy company shares at a discounted rate, subject to specific vesting schedules. In 2022, Leggett & Platt issued approximately 0.9 million shares through their employee benefit plans, reflecting their commitment to providing equity-based incentives. These shares were primarily distributed to senior executives and employees meeting specific eligibility criteria, typically based on job performance and tenure​ (Leggett & Platt). In 2023, the company continued its practice of issuing stock options and RSUs as part of its employee compensation program, focusing on key executives and senior management. Leggett & Platt is also known for regularly reviewing their stock option and RSU offerings to remain competitive in their industry. Eligible employees include those in management and key operational roles across their various business units​ (Leggett & Platt). The latest updates on stock options and RSUs for 2024 highlight Leggett & Platt's commitment to employee engagement and retention through these financial incentives. The company's stock incentive plans continue to be a significant part of their total compensation strategy, aiming to foster long-term growth and shareholder value. Employees eligible for these options are typically those in leadership positions, although the company occasionally extends these benefits to high-performing staff in critical roles​ (Leggett & Platt).
Leggett & Platt offers competitive health benefits to its employees, focusing on comprehensive coverage across medical, dental, and vision plans. In 2023, the company continued to provide its employees with self-insured health plans, which gives it greater control over managing healthcare costs while maintaining flexibility in the services offered. Employees benefit from coverage that includes preventive care, prescription drug services, and wellness programs aimed at improving overall health. Recent changes have seen an emphasis on preventive services and mental health support, reflecting broader industry trends. These developments align with the company's commitment to employee well-being, as they work to mitigate rising healthcare costs in a challenging economic environment​ (Leggett & Platt). In light of ongoing economic pressures and healthcare inflation, Leggett & Platt has adapted its healthcare benefits to ensure both competitiveness and sustainability. In 2024, the company introduced additional wellness initiatives, addressing concerns over healthcare cost increases that are anticipated across industries. The focus on mental health and preventive services is particularly critical given the current political and economic climate, where employee health is a growing priority for employers. By maintaining robust health benefits, Leggett & Platt seeks to attract and retain top talent while balancing the need for cost-effective solutions in a volatile market. These adjustments are particularly relevant in an era where political uncertainties and investment pressures are influencing corporate healthcare strategies​ (Leggett & Platt) .
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Leggett & Platt at , ; or by calling them at .

https://www.thelayoff.com/t/1qk8nKtu https://carthagenewsonline.com/news/business/leggett-platt-restructuring-plan-includes-elimination-of-1000-jobs-includes-plant-closures/ https://www.thelayoff.com/t/1qk8nKtu https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/cash-balance-pension-plan-options https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/fact-sheets/cash-balance-pension-plans https://www.futureplan.com/resources/news-articles/defined-benefit-cash-balance-plan-key-priorities/ https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/fact-sheets/cash-balance-pension-plans https://wctpension.org/ https://m.icmarc.org/plan-sponsors/plan-rules/contribution-limits https://pensionrights.org/resources/commonly-asked-questions/ https://leggett.com/document/load/2022-annual-report.pdf https://leggett.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/leggett-platt-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-results https://leggett.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/leggett-platt-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-results https://leggett.gcs-web.com/news/press-releases https://leggett.gcs-web.com/news/press-releases https://www.wealthenhancement.com/s/tools-calculators https://www.ameriprise.com/financial-goals-priorities/taxes/net-unrealized-appreciation https://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/netunrealizedappreciation.asp https://www.kitces.com/blog/net-unrealized-appreciation-irs-rules-nua-from-401k-and-esop-plans/ https://leggett.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/leggett-platt-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-results https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/retirement/net-unrealized-appreciation-nua-tax-treatment-amp-strategies/c71vBJZ2B https://leggett.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/leggett-platt-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-results https://www.foxrothschild.com/publications/interest-rate-hikes-present-challenge-for-fully-funded-pension-plans https://www.foxrothschild.com/publications/interest-rate-hikes-present-challenge-for-fully-funded-pension-plans https://leggett.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/leggett-platt-lowers-full-year-guidance-and-announces-recent https://leggett.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/leggett-platt-announces-restructuring-plan-drive-improved https://leggett.com/ https://contracts.justia.com/companies/leggett-platt-790/contract/1271070/ https://leggett.com/proxy/2022/ https://www.hicapitalize.com/find-my-401k/leggett-and-platt-inc/ https://leggett.com/document/load/2022-annual-report.pdf https://leggett.gcs-web.com/financials/annual-reports-and-proxies

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