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

Unlocking Home Equity: 5 Innovative Strategies for Retirement Planning from Dana

Healthcare Provider Update: For the company Dana, the healthcare provider is likely UnitedHealthcare. This insurer is known for offering a range of health coverage options, including plans in several ACA marketplaces. Looking ahead to 2026, significant increases in healthcare costs are anticipated. Rising medical expenses, combined with the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, could lead to steep premium hikes for ACA marketplace enrollees. Reports suggest that some states may experience increases exceeding 60%, resulting in many individuals facing more than 75% higher out-of-pocket costs. Such drastic changes could create considerable financial strain for millions, emphasizing the importance of proactive healthcare planning in 2025. Click here to learn more

The importance of homeownership in today's environment of Dana retirement financial planning is greater than ever. Due to a combination of historically low interest rates, a shortage of available housing, and a spike in demand during the pandemic, property values have appreciated significantly in recent years, and as a result, the average homeowner now has nearly $200,000 in tappable home equity. This number is significantly larger for people who have either paid off their mortgage in full or are almost done, providing retirees with a sizable financial resource.

Of all the ways to take use of this equity that has accumulated, a home equity loan stands out as a useful instrument. With the help of this financial tool, homeowners can borrow against the equity they have accrued in their homes, frequently at interest rates that are far lower than those of credit cards or personal loans.

When used wisely, a home equity loan can greatly improve one's retirement from Dana by providing a flexible way to increase income, handle unforeseen costs, or accomplish a variety of other financial goals. On the other hand, using home equity requires careful consideration, taking into account both the advantages and disadvantages of doing so.

Home equity loans: Strategic Uses in Retirement

1. Supplemental Income: A home equity loan can be a crucial lifesaver while navigating the difficulties of managing a fixed income in retirement from Dana. Accessing home equity offers an additional source of income for seniors who find that their Social Security and pension payouts are insufficient to support their preferred lifestyles or unforeseen medical expenses. A lump-sum home equity loan or a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) are the two options available to homeowners for unlocking the value locked up in their properties.

2. Home Renovations and Retrofits: Improving accessibility and safety in one's living space is often necessary when aging in place. These expenditures, which range from installing grab bars and ramps to upgrading bathrooms for ease of use, not only enhance living standards but also support the preservation or appreciation of the home's worth. By using a home equity loan to finance these upgrades, Dana retirees can adapt to their changing demands without jeopardizing their financial security.

3. Debt Consolidation: When Dana retirees come to live off high-interest credit card, medical, or other loan debt, it can become a major hardship. Consolidating these loans into a single, lower-interest loan with a home equity loan can streamline money management and save a significant amount of money over time. To ensure a secure financial future, discipline is necessary in order to prevent relapsing into debt.

4. Supporting Education and Family: A lot of Dana retirees want to help their kids or grandkids reach big goals like buying a house or paying for their education. Offering this assistance through a home equity loan can promote financial stability and leave a long-lasting legacy. To guarantee mutual understanding and avoid future financial burden, clear communication and agreement on terms are crucial.

5. Investment Diversification: Using home equity to diversify investments might be a smart move for people trying to maximize their retirement planning. The objective is to increase one's financial portfolio by achieving returns greater than the cost of borrowing, whether investing in stocks, bonds, or other assets. But there are risks associated with this approach, so it's important to do your homework and have a well-thought-out plan that fits your risk tolerance and retirement objectives.

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In summary

When used wisely, a home equity loan offers Dana retirees many ways to strengthen their financial base: by adding to their income, making repairs to their property, paying off debt, helping family members, or diversifying their investments. Any of these tactics can make a big difference in having a more stable and contented retirement. However, taking use of home equity requires careful preparation and assessment of one's total financial situation in order to make sure that it improves, rather than jeopardizes, one's retirement prospects.

The growing practice of financing long-term care insurance premiums with home equity loans is highlighted by recent studies. Retirees need comprehensive health and long-term care options more than ever as life expectancy rises. In January 2023, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) released a research that indicated over 70% of people over 65 will need long-term care at some point in their lives. It is a wise use of home equity in retirement planning to use it to obtain long-term care insurance since it gives retirees piece of mind and helps protect their assets and resources for their heirs.

Think of your home equity like a well-established, yearly-growing oak tree in your backyard. Similar to how this tree may offer protection, shade, and even fruit, your home equity can provide stability, security, and retirement options. Using your home equity is like carefully trimming and harvesting a tree to improve your lifestyle without endangering the health of the tree. Picking ripe fruits to eat today is similar to using a home equity loan to augment income. Refinancing modifications for aging-in-place is likened to pruning branches for accessibility and safety. Using a home equity loan to consolidate debt is like cutting away deadwood to encourage the growth of a tree. It is similar to sowing seeds from the tree for future generations to support family education. Last but not least, utilizing home equity to diversify investments is similar to using a tree's wood to make furniture or construct buildings—it guarantees long-term worth. Like the stewardship of a great oak, wise utilization of home equity can assist ensure a prosperous and comfortable retirement.

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Dana?

The 401(k) plan at Dana is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

How does Dana match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Dana offers a matching contribution up to a certain percentage of the employee's salary, which helps to enhance the retirement savings.

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

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

What are the eligibility requirements for Dana's 401(k) plan?

To be eligible for Dana's 401(k) plan, employees must be at least 21 years old and have completed a minimum period of service with the company.

Can employees at Dana take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Dana allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in Dana's 401(k) plan?

Dana's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

How can employees at Dana access their 401(k) account information?

Employees can access their 401(k) account information through Dana's online benefits portal or by contacting the HR department.

What is the vesting schedule for Dana's 401(k) matching contributions?

Dana has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees earn ownership of the matched funds over a specified period of service.

Can employees at Dana change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees at Dana can change their contribution percentage at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

What happens to the 401(k) savings if an employee leaves Dana?

If an employee leaves Dana, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) savings to another retirement account or withdraw the funds, subject to taxes and penalties.

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

For Dana Inc., the primary pension plan was the "Dana Retirement Plan," which underwent significant changes in 2019 when Dana transferred its pension liabilities to insurance companies through annuity purchase agreements. This action involved securing pension obligations for plan participants without altering their benefits. The company has not made significant updates to its pension plan offerings since this transfer, focusing instead on fully funding existing obligations. Regarding the 401(k) plan, Dana offers a competitive 401(k) with matching contributions. Employees can contribute up to 8% of their salary, with Dana providing a 4.5% match. This plan is available to all full-time employees. Dana emphasizes the stability and security of its retirement offerings, aligning with the company’s broader strategy to maintain financial health and meet its obligations.

Restructuring Layoffs: Dana Incorporated has been undergoing restructuring efforts in 2023 and 2024, which included several layoffs across different divisions to streamline operations and reduce costs. These layoffs are part of the company's strategy to remain competitive amid economic uncertainties and evolving market conditions. It's important to address this news because the current economic environment, characterized by high inflation and geopolitical tensions, requires companies to adjust their workforce to maintain financial stability. Benefit and Pension Changes: Dana has also made significant changes to its employee benefits and pension plans. In 2023, the company revised its pension formula and adjusted the contribution limits for 401(k) plans in response to the SECURE Act 2.0. The changes were made to align with new federal regulations and to provide more robust retirement options for employees. This news is crucial as the investment climate and tax regulations are evolving, and such changes directly impact employees' retirement planning. Employees should be aware of how these changes affect their future financial security and retirement readiness.

Dana Incorporated offers a variety of stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of its compensation package to eligible employees. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Dana continued to use stock options and RSUs to incentivize and retain key talent within the company. The specific stock options at Dana Incorporated are designed to allow employees to purchase shares at a predetermined price, often reflecting the stock price at the time of the grant. These options typically vest over a set period, ensuring that employees remain with the company to gain the full benefit. RSUs at Dana Incorporated are another critical part of the company's equity compensation. RSUs are granted with a vesting schedule, where the employee receives shares after meeting specific service conditions, usually tied to the employee’s tenure or company performance. The company's RSUs do not require employees to pay an exercise price, unlike stock options, which is advantageous for employees as they are guaranteed the value of the shares upon vesting. Eligibility for stock options and RSUs at Dana Incorporated is typically extended to employees who are in managerial or higher-level positions, though the exact criteria may vary by year and specific company needs. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Dana continued to refine these programs to align employee incentives with company performance, which was evident in their continued financial growth and strategic achievements during these years. The detailed information on these stock options and RSUs, along with the company's ongoing updates, can be found in Dana's annual reports and investor communications, specifically in documents like the 10-K filings. These reports typically outline the terms, eligibility criteria, and the vesting schedules for these equity-based compensation plans. For further details, reviewing the annual reports and quarterly earnings releases on Dana's official website is recommended.

In 2022, Dana, like many companies, faced increasing healthcare costs due to various factors, including inflation and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges led to an emphasis on high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), which remained popular among employees, with a notable increase in the median in-network deductible for these plans. Dana also focused on behavioral health benefits, recognizing the importance of supporting employees' mental health in the post-pandemic era. By 2023 and 2024, Dana continued to adapt its health benefits strategy by exploring self-insured health plans, a move aimed at giving the company more control over healthcare costs and the flexibility to tailor benefits to employees' needs. The company also highlighted the importance of accountable care organizations (ACOs) and personalized healthcare services, aiming to improve the quality of care while managing costs.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Dana at 3939 Technology Dr Maumee, OH 43537; or by calling them at (419) 887-3000.

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