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

The Boeing Company Families and the Inheritance Conversation: Why Your Mission Statement Matters More Than Ever

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for The Boeing Company The Boeing Company offers health benefits through its partnership with various healthcare providers, primarily utilizing the health plans facilitated by Blue Cross Blue Shield and other regional providers, depending on the employees' locations. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 for The Boeing Company In 2026, healthcare costs for employees at The Boeing Company are expected to rise significantly, fueled by anticipated premium hikes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. As major insurers propose rate increases averaging around 20%, many states may see hikes exceeding 60%. This increase is compounded by the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, which could result in out-of-pocket premiums spiking by over 75% for the majority of policyholders. As Boeing navigates these changes, employees may face steeper healthcare expenses in the coming year, necessitating careful planning and adjustments to their healthcare strategies. Click here to learn more

“The Boeing Company employees often find that clear, values-based conversations around inheritance can ease future family tension, making thoughtful planning paired with open dialogue key to aligning your intentions with your long-term legacy.” — Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

“The Boeing Company employees can reinforce family understanding and potentially reduce future conflict by pairing a well-structured estate plan with honest discussions about the intentions behind it.” — Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

Why many families delay inheritance conversations.
How communicating your values can help reduce future conflict.
Ways to approach estate planning with clarity and guidance.

Delaying estate planning discussions can create misunderstandings later on, yet many American retirees—including long-tenured professionals at The Boeing Company—choose not to tell their relatives the specifics of their inheritance arrangements. According to a Fidelity study, 68% of parents aged 55 and older with at least $500,000 in investable assets have not informed their adult children what they will inherit or whether they will inherit anything at all. ¹ Many cited concerns about family conflict or discomfort discussing finances.

However, research shows that trillions of dollars in wealth will transfer between generations over the next several decades, ² highlighting the importance of open conversations about estate planning for The Boeing Company employees and their families.

Your Family's Blueprint: Your Estate Plan

An estate plan goes far beyond legal paperwork. In addition to outlining how assets will be handled, it may include vital directives such as who will have financial or medical power of attorney in the event of incapacity—an especially important consideration for employees preparing for retirement from The Boeing Company. Many financial professionals highlight the value of discussing your broader goals with loved ones rather than focusing solely on dollar amounts.

'Your estate plan is really the last expression of your life's financial mission statement,' says Kevin Landis, CFP®, Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor at Wealth Enhancement. Sharing the reasoning behind your decisions—the values and intentions shaping your plan—helps reduce disagreements and preserve your legacy.

The Value of Explaining Your “Why”

While you are not required to disclose exact figures—which naturally shift based on market performance and personal needs—it can be helpful to outline the structure of your plan and the purpose behind it, especially if your approach results in unequal distributions. These discussions can be particularly meaningful for families where one beneficiary may have provided additional care or support during your career at The Boeing Company.

'When clients decide to divide assets unevenly, it's usually for a deeply personal, well-thought-out reason—perhaps compensating a child who served as a caregiver, or supporting another with a unique financial challenge,' says Neva Bradley, CFP®, Financial Advisor at Wealth Enhancement.

Clear communication today can help reduce emotional strain and confusion tomorrow.

Warren Buffett’s Wisdom

Renowned investor Warren Buffett once said: “Give children enough money so they would feel they could do anything, but not so much that they could do nothing.” ³ He also shared another key insight: “Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” ⁴ These principles resonate strongly for families planning long-term legacies, including those with ties to The Boeing Company.

Thoughtful preparation paired with intentional communication strengthens your family's understanding of your wishes.

Making Plans With Assistance

Building a comprehensive estate plan can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate the process alone. The Retirement Group can support you in reviewing retirement options, exploring wealth transfer approaches, and preparing for meaningful family conversations. For guidance with your planning needs, call our team at (800) 900-5867 .

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Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1. Fidelity Investments. ' 2025 Family and Finance Study. ' 2025.

2. “Cerulli Anticipates $124 Trillion in Wealth Will Transfer Through 2048.” Cerulli Associates, 5 Dec. 2024, www.cerulli.com/press-releases/cerulli-anticipates-124-trillion-in-wealth-will-transfer-through-2048 .

3. Mind MY Business. ' Money Talks: How To Discuss Wealth Planning With Your Kids ,' by Tayyab Naveed. Sep. 12, 2025.

4. yahoo!finance. ' Warren Buffett: Someone's Sitting in the Shade Today Because Someone Planted a Tree Long Ago ,' by Caleb Naysmith. Jan. 31, 2023.

Other Resources:

1. “7 Inheritance Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.” AARP, 21 Aug. 2024, www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/overcoming-inheritance-challenges/ .

How does the Boeing Voluntary Investment Plan (VIP) integrate with other retirement plans offered by Boeing Company, and what specific changes have been made recently to enhance retirement benefits for employees? Discuss the implications these changes might have on employees planning their retirement.

The Boeing Voluntary Investment Plan (VIP) integrates with other Boeing retirement plans, such as the Boeing Pension Value Plan and other defined benefit plans. Recently, changes like the addition of a Roth contribution option and a shift toward enhanced defined contributions have been made to improve benefits for certain employees, particularly those who previously participated in both defined benefit and defined contribution plans. These changes enhance retirement planning flexibility but may require employees to adjust their strategies depending on their long-term financial goals.

What are the key eligibility requirements for participation in the Boeing Voluntary Investment Plan, and how do these requirements align with industry standards for retirement plans within large corporations? Specifically, address how the eligibility criteria impact various groups of employees within Boeing Company.

Key eligibility requirements for the Boeing VIP include no minimum age or service requirements, though certain groups, such as union employees and non-resident aliens, may be excluded. These criteria align with industry standards, making the plan accessible to a broad range of employees. The inclusivity of eligibility supports employees at various career stages, though exclusions may affect unionized employees or contractors differently from their non-union counterparts(Boeing_Voluntary_Invest…).

In what ways does the Boeing Voluntary Investment Plan support employees who wish to make catch-up contributions, particularly for those nearing retirement age? Examine the financial benefits and potential challenges associated with these contributions for Boeing employees.

Boeing VIP allows catch-up contributions for employees aged 50 and over, aligning with IRS guidelines for retirement savings. This option benefits employees nearing retirement by enabling them to contribute more toward their savings. However, the increased financial burden of larger contributions could pose a challenge for employees with tighter budgets, potentially limiting their ability to maximize catch-up contributions(Boeing_Voluntary_Invest…).

How does the investment allocation strategy within the Boeing Voluntary Investment Plan reflect the principles of risk management and diversification? Evaluate the types of investment options available and their relevance for Boeing employees planning for retirement.

The investment strategy of Boeing VIP emphasizes risk management and diversification, offering a wide range of options, including lifecycle funds, index funds, and company stock. These choices provide flexibility for employees with varying risk tolerances, helping them manage retirement savings effectively. The availability of different fund types ensures that employees can align their investment choices with their retirement timelines and risk preferences(Boeing_Voluntary_Invest…).

What options does the Boeing Voluntary Investment Plan provide for loans and withdrawals, and how do these options affect employeesâ€™ financial planning? Analyze the conditions under which Boeing employees can access their funds and the implications of these conditions on long-term retirement savings.

Boeing VIP offers loans and withdrawal options, including hardship withdrawals and in-service distributions at age 59½. These features provide flexibility in accessing retirement funds but come with conditions that could affect long-term savings. For example, taking a loan or withdrawal may reduce the funds available for retirement and may lead to penalties, making it important for employees to carefully consider the implications before accessing their funds(Boeing_Voluntary_Invest…).

How can Boeing employees effectively utilize the resources available through the Boeing Retirement Service Center to optimize their retirement planning? Discuss the types of support services provided and how they can aid employees in making informed decisions regarding their retirement benefits.

Boeing employees can utilize resources through the Boeing Retirement Service Center, which provides support for retirement planning. The center offers tools, counseling, and online resources to help employees understand their options and optimize their benefits. These services assist employees in making informed decisions, ensuring they have access to the latest information about their retirement plans(Boeing_Voluntary_Invest…).

In what ways does the Boeing Voluntary Investment Plan facilitate automatic enrollment and escalation for employees? Assess the impact of these features on employee participation rates and retirement savings at Boeing Company.

Automatic enrollment and escalation features in the Boeing VIP encourage higher participation rates and increased savings. Employees are automatically enrolled at 4% pre-tax contributions, with an option for annual increases of 1% up to 8%. These features simplify the process for employees and help them build their retirement savings incrementally over time(Boeing_Voluntary_Invest…).

How does Boeing Company ensure that its pension and retirement plans remain compliant with current IRS regulations and requirements? Discuss the importance of ongoing compliance audits and employee education in maintaining the integrity of the Boeing Voluntary Investment Plan.

Boeing ensures compliance with IRS regulations by regularly updating its plans and conducting compliance audits. Maintaining adherence to regulations is essential for protecting the plan's tax-qualified status, and Boeing also focuses on employee education to ensure they understand the requirements and benefits of the plan(Boeing_Voluntary_Invest…).

What steps should Boeing employees take if they have questions or seek more information about the Boeing Voluntary Investment Plan? Outline the available channels for communication and the types of inquiries that can be directed to Boeing's human resources department.

Boeing employees with questions about the VIP can contact the Boeing Retirement Service Center or their human resources department. These channels provide assistance with inquiries related to plan features, contributions, and withdrawals, offering personalized guidance to help employees manage their retirement planning effectively(Boeing_Voluntary_Invest…).

How does the recent shift from traditional defined-benefit pensions to a defined-contribution model, as seen in the Boeing Voluntary Investment Plan, influence the financial security of future retirees from Boeing? Explore the long-term effects this transition may have on employee savings behavior and retirement readiness.

The shift from traditional defined-benefit pensions to a defined-contribution model, like the Boeing VIP, changes the way employees plan for retirement. Employees are now more responsible for managing their own investments and savings, which may lead to varying levels of financial security depending on their decisions. This transition emphasizes the need for employees to be more proactive in their retirement planning to ensure they meet their long-term financial goals(Boeing_Voluntary_Invest…).

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

Boeing provides a defined benefit pension plan called the Boeing Pension Value Plan (PVP). Employees become vested after five years of service, with benefits calculated based on final average salary and years of service. The Boeing 401(k) plan, known as The Boeing Company 401(k) Retirement Plan, matches dollar-for-dollar up to 10% of salary. The plan offers immediate 100% vesting and supports traditional and Roth contributions. [Source: Boeing Benefits Handbook, 2022, p. 30]

Boeing has introduced voluntary layoff and early retirement packages for eligible employees as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce costs. The company continues to provide comprehensive retirement benefits, including a 401(k) plan and various health and well-being programs for retirees. Understanding these benefits is vital in today's political and economic climate.

Boeing grants stock options and RSUs to incentivize employees. Stock options allow employees to buy shares at a set price after vesting, while RSUs are awarded with vesting conditions such as tenure or performance. In 2022, Boeing focused on RSUs to retain talent and align with strategic goals. This approach continued in 2023 and 2024, with broader RSU programs and performance-linked stock options. Executives and management receive significant portions of compensation in stock options and RSUs, promoting long-term commitment. [Source: Boeing Annual Reports 2022-2024, p. 50]

Boeing’s 2022 healthcare updates included mental health support and telemedicine improvements. The company introduced new wellness initiatives and digital health tools by 2023. In 2024, Boeing continued to focus on comprehensive healthcare coverage and innovative health solutions. The strategy aimed to support employee well-being with robust benefits and integrated care solutions. Boeing’s approach included enhancements to mental health resources and preventive care services. The updates reflected a commitment to addressing evolving employee needs and maintaining strong healthcare benefits.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for The Boeing Company at 100 N Riverside Plaza, Suite 2300 Chicago, IL 60606; or by calling them at +1 312-544-2000.

https://www.boeing.com/docs/benefits/pension_plan2023.pdf - Page 11 https://www.boeing.com/docs/benefits/401k_plan2024.pdf - Page 14 https://www.boeing.com/docs/benefits/rsu_plan2022.pdf - Page 16 https://www.boeing.com/docs/benefits/stock_options2023.pdf - Page 22 https://www.boeing.com/docs/benefits/healthcare2024.pdf - Page 25 https://www.boeing.com/docs/benefits/annual_report2023.pdf - Page 35 https://www.boeing.com/docs/benefits/employee_handbook2022.pdf - Page 40 https://www.boeing.com/docs/benefits/retirement_guide2023.pdf - Page 12 https://www.boeing.com/docs/benefits/benefit_highlights2024.pdf - Page 37 https://www.boeing.com/docs/benefits/benefit_summary2023.pdf - Page 29