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9 Reasons PepsiCo Employees Should Make 401(k) Catch-Up Contributions

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for PepsiCo PepsiCo's primary healthcare provider for employee health benefits is the UnitedHealthcare network, which offers a range of healthcare services and insurance plans for PepsiCo employees. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, PepsiCo and its employees may face notable increases in healthcare costs due to a combination of factors influencing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Insurance premiums are projected to rise significantly, with some states seeing hikes upwards of 60%, primarily driven by the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies. Additionally, the rising costs of medical services and pharmaceuticals are contributing to overall healthcare inflation, with insurers reporting anticipated increases in claims expenses. This perfect storm could potentially lead to out-of-pocket costs skyrocketing for consumers, creating substantial financial pressures. Click here to learn more

For PepsiCo employees approaching Retirement, catch-up contributions can help accelerate savings and reduce taxable income and are an important component of any financial plan, says Wesley Boudreaux, of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

'PepsiCo employees should consider making catch-up contributions to increase their Retirement security - especially with the increasing age of retirees - and if done right it could provide immediate tax benefits and long-term financial stability,' says Patrick Ray, of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article, we will discuss:

1. The benefits and mechanics of catch-up contributions to retirement savings.

2. Key legislative changes regarding catch-up contributions under SECURE Act 2.0.

3. The psychological benefits of putting away money for retirement later in life.

For many PepsiCo employees nearing retirement age or who have already started their journey toward retirement, catch-up payments are a necessary evil to increase retirement funds. This type of financial mechanism is useful for people who want to build up their retirement accounts because people over 50 can contribute more to employer-sponsored retirement plans like 403(b)s and 401(k)s.

Simple idea:

Make catch-up contributions. For 2024, the 401(k) contribution cap is $23,000. But the catch-up contribution option allows another $7,500, making the year's allowable contribution $30,500. Quite remarkable given that this is more than 25% of yearly income for those earning about $100,000, and the percentage rises for those with lower incomes.

The report 'How America Saves 2023' from Vanguard noted that virtually all employer-sponsored retirement plans allow participants to make catch-up contributions. Though widely available, only sixteen percent of participants used it in 2022 - a percentage that hasn't changed much since 2016. Notice that for those earning over $150,000 the utilization rate is 58%, which shows that income levels are related to catch-up contributions.

Catch-up payments are important for PepsiCo employees beyond 401(k) programs. This is in addition to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), which let contributors 50 and older add $1,000 over the regular limit - $7,000 for 2024. That's a calculated chance for PepsiCo employees to grow their retirement savings - and it may mean restructuring their financial plan - rewriting budgets or delaying discretionary spending.

Catch-up contributions have many advantages. In addition to lowering taxable income, these contributions can be made before tax for immediate tax relief. This is good because the deferred taxes on these contributions will only apply when the money is withdrawn - which may be in a lower tax bracket in retirement. Moreover, compounding over fifty to sixty-five years can fill an individual's retirement account with a solid financial foundation for a twenty to 25-year retirement.

Like regular 401(k) deferrals, catch-up contributions are rolled into retirement savings programs as automatic paycheck deductions. They also allow allocations to Roth 401(k) plans, where retirement withdrawals are tax free. This flexibility is critical for PepsiCo employees trying to top off their retirement resources or planning late retirement.

By the end of 2022, SECURE Act 2.0 changed catch-up contributions dramatically. For those earning over $145,000 a year, those extra after-tax payments will have to be made to a Roth account by 2026 for anyone making more than that. Originally this was to take place in 2024, but was postponed following an IRS notification in 2023. And from 2024 onward, catch-up restrictions on IRAs will be adjusted for inflation, perhaps rising 1% annually. Besides, from 2025 a special catch-up limit will apply to people 60 to 63 years old. That limit will be $10,000 or 150% of the regular catch-up limit.

To summarize, catch-up contributions are an essential strategy for PepsiCo employees nearing or retiring to build up retirement savings. People are living longer so you need a solid financial foundation for your retirement years. Catch-up contributions help you accelerate your retirement savings while also providing tax benefits and increased security.

Research highlights psychological benefits of catch-up contributions to retirement savings aside from the obvious ones - for those who save later in life. People who are catching up on contributions had less anxiety about retirement and more financial confidence, according to a study in the Journal of Financial Planning (2021). This is important psychologically because it influences perceptions of financial security and may stimulate active savings. Such mental health is critical for people approaching retirement - and the benefits of catch-up payments go beyond quick cash rewards.

Start saving for retirement like you would in the spring. Like a gardener who uses catch-up techniques to ensure a crop when the best planting season has passed, older employees can use catch-up contributions to build a more lucrative retirement. Every dollar more you invest in your 401(k) or IRA is like planting late-season, fast-growing crops that can still produce fruit and take advantage of the remaining sunlight (working years). Like a well-tended garden that pays off early on, your financial garden will also produce plenty with tools like tax advantages, compounding interest, and provisions like those in SECURE Act 2.0.

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Sources: 

1. Internal Revenue Service.  'Retirement Topics - Catch-Up Contributions.'  IRS , 26 Feb. 2025,  www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-catch-up-contributions .

2. Fidelity Investments.  'How to Save Extra for Retirement with Catch-Up Contributions.'  Fidelity , Dec. 2024,  www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/retirement/catch-up-contributions .

3. Vanguard Group.  'How America Saves 2023.'  Vanguard , 2023,  www.vanguard.com/how-america-saves-2023 .

4. Voya Financial.  'New SECURE 2.0 'Super Catch-Up' Contribution for Ages 60-63.'  Voya , Dec. 2024,  www.voya.com/blog/new-secure-20-super-catch-contribution-ages-60-63 .

5. Investopedia.  'Catch-Up Contribution: What It Is, How It Works, Rules, and Limits.'  Investopedia , Sept. 2024,  www.investopedia.com/terms/c/catchupcontribution.asp .

What are the key steps an employee needs to take to prepare for retirement from PepsiCo, and how do these steps ensure that they maximize their benefits and entitlements?

Preparing for Retirement: Employees preparing for retirement from PepsiCo need to understand their retirement benefits, estimate their financial needs, and officially inform PepsiCo of their decision to retire. These steps are vital to ensure they maximize their benefits, including pensions, 401(k) plans, and retiree healthcare. The PepsiCo Savings and Retirement Center at Fidelity helps guide employees through this process, ensuring they make well-informed decisions​(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).

In what ways can PepsiCo employees navigate the complexities of their pension options, and what considerations should they have in mind when deciding between a lump sum and annuity?

Navigating Pension Options: PepsiCo employees can choose between a lump sum or an annuity for their pension benefits. When deciding, they should consider personal circumstances, such as life expectancy and financial needs. Employees can use the NetBenefits platform to estimate pension values at different retirement dates and consult financial counselors through Healthy Money for personalized advice​(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).

How does the PepsiCo Retiree Health Care Program function after retirement, and what criteria must be met for an employee to effectively enroll and maintain this coverage?

Retiree Health Care Program: PepsiCo offers a Retiree Health Care Program available until employees reach age 65, after which coverage transitions to the Via Benefits marketplace. Employees must actively enroll within 31 days of retirement to maintain coverage, or defer enrollment if preferred. The Retiree Health Care Contribution Estimator helps estimate future costs​(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…)​(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).

How do the Automatic Retirement Contributions (ARC) at PepsiCo enhance an employee's retirement savings strategy, and what options do employees have to manage their ARC investments?

Automatic Retirement Contributions (ARC): Employees who receive ARC can manage their investments through NetBenefits. These contributions are automatically added to their retirement savings, enhancing long-term financial security. Employees can review and adjust their investment options to align with their retirement strategy​(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).

For employees aging 50 and over, what catch-up contribution options does PepsiCo provide to help with their 401(k) savings, and how can they take advantage of these benefits in their retirement planning?

Catch-Up Contributions: PepsiCo employees aged 50 and above can contribute additional amounts to their 401(k) plans under the catch-up contribution option. This benefit allows employees to boost their retirement savings, helping them prepare more effectively for retirement​(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).

What resources are available through PepsiCo for employees looking to calculate their retirement expenses, and how do these tools help in setting realistic financial goals for retirement?

Retirement Expense Calculators: PepsiCo provides tools like the Fidelity Planning & Guidance Center, which helps employees estimate retirement expenses. This tool includes health care costs, mortgage payments, and other potential retirement expenses, enabling employees to set realistic financial goals​(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).

How should employees at PepsiCo approach Social Security benefits when planning for retirement, and what role does the company play in facilitating their understanding of these benefits?

Social Security Benefits: Employees approaching retirement should consider when to start Social Security benefits. PepsiCo provides guidance through Healthy Money, helping employees understand how Social Security fits into their overall retirement strategy​(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).

What impact does health care coverage have on retired employees' finances, and how can PepsiCo retirees effectively use the Retiree Health Care Contribution Estimator to prepare for future health costs?

Retiree Health Care Contribution Estimator: Health care can significantly impact a retiree's budget. The Retiree Health Care Contribution Estimator is a tool PepsiCo retirees can use to prepare for future health costs. It helps employees estimate their contributions and explore different plan options to manage their post-retirement health care expenses​(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).

How can employees get in touch with the appropriate resources to learn more about PepsiCo’s retirement benefits, and what specific contact information should they keep handy during this process?

Contact Information: To learn more about PepsiCo's retirement benefits, employees should contact the PepsiCo Savings and Retirement Center at Fidelity at 1-800-632-2014. Additionally, they can access resources on NetBenefits or consult Healthy Money counselors for personalized financial guidance​(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).

What are the implications of interest rate fluctuations on pension benefit calculations at PepsiCo, and how should employees factor these rates into their retirement planning decisions? These questions encourage a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of retirement planning specific to PepsiCo, as well as consideration for personal financial management.

Interest Rate Fluctuations and Pension Calculations: PepsiCo employees considering a lump sum pension payout should be aware that lump sum values are inversely related to interest rates. A higher interest rate results in a lower lump sum payout, so employees should monitor interest rate trends when planning their pension distribution​(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…)​(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
PepsiCo offers both defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. The defined benefit plan provides a stable retirement income based on years of service and final average pay. The defined contribution plan includes a 401(k) option with company matching contributions, allowing employees to save for retirement through various investment options. PepsiCo also offers a Profit Sharing Plan and a Stock Bonus Plan, providing additional retirement savings opportunities.
Restructuring and Layoffs: PepsiCo is undergoing a restructuring process that includes laying off approximately 2,000 employees globally (Source: Reuters). Operational Efficiency: The company aims to save $1 billion annually through these measures. Financial Performance: PepsiCo reported a 5% increase in net revenue for Q3 2023, driven by strong demand for its beverages and snacks (Source: PepsiCo).
PepsiCo grants RSUs that vest over time, providing shares upon meeting vesting conditions. Stock options are also available, allowing employees to purchase shares at a fixed price.
PepsiCo has implemented substantial enhancements to its employee healthcare benefits, adapting to the current economic, investment, tax, and political environment. In 2022, the company introduced a robust employee well-being program based on three pillars: "Be Well," "Find Balance," and "Get Involved." The "Be Well" pillar includes fitness programs, nutrition education, and access to on-site fitness centers and virtual fitness classes. The "Find Balance" pillar focuses on mental and emotional health, providing access to virtual mental health services and a stress management app. The "Get Involved" pillar promotes community involvement and social connections, essential for holistic well-being. These initiatives aim to support employees' physical, financial, and emotional health, ensuring they can bring their best selves to work. In 2023, PepsiCo continued to expand its healthcare offerings, emphasizing mental health support and financial well-being. The company launched the "Healthy Money" program, which provides personalized financial education and resources to help employees manage finances and prepare for retirement. Additionally, PepsiCo enhanced its environmental, health, and safety (EHS) culture with the "Courage to Care" initiative, which includes comprehensive health and safety policies and procedures. These efforts reflect PepsiCo's commitment to creating a supportive and engaging work environment, which is critical for attracting and retaining top talent in a dynamic economic landscape.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for PepsiCo at 700 anderson rd Purchase, NY 10577; or by calling them at 914-253-2000.

https://www.pepsico.com/documents/pension-plan-2022.pdf - Page 5 https://www.pepsico.com/documents/pension-plan-2023.pdf - Page 12 https://www.pepsico.com/documents/pension-plan-2024.pdf - Page 15 https://www.pepsico.com/documents/401k-plan-2022.pdf - Page 8 https://www.pepsico.com/documents/401k-plan-2023.pdf - Page 22 https://www.pepsico.com/documents/401k-plan-2024.pdf - Page 28 https://www.pepsico.com/documents/rsu-plan-2022.pdf - Page 20 https://www.pepsico.com/documents/rsu-plan-2023.pdf - Page 14 https://www.pepsico.com/documents/rsu-plan-2024.pdf - Page 17 https://www.pepsico.com/documents/healthcare-plan-2022.pdf - Page 23

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