<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=314834185700910&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

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

Learn More

Exploring Retirement Destinations: Where Should Sysco Employees Consider Living Abroad?

image-table

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Sysco Sysco partners with Aetna to provide its healthcare benefits to employees. Those enrolled in Sysco's national medical plan have access to various services through Aetna, including options for MinuteClinic appointments. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look ahead to 2026, Sysco employees can expect substantial increases in healthcare costs, reflecting broader trends in the industry. Nationwide, health insurance premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans are set to rise significantly, with some states forecasting hikes of over 60%. This surge is driven by a combination of expiring federal premium subsidies and ongoing medical cost inflation, leaving many enrollees at risk of facing out-of-pocket premium increases exceeding 75%. Consequently, it's imperative for individuals to prepare strategically to mitigate financial impact as these shifts unfold. Click here to learn more

Sysco employees who are planning to change their lifestyle and work abroad are advised to start planning early to ensure that their lifestyle and career fit the foreign country,' advises Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group at Wealth Enhancement Group.

Tyson Mavar of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, explains the legal and tax consequences of leaving the country for Sysco employees.

In this article we will discuss:

1. Trends and Motivations for Relocation: Examining the reasons behind it Sysco employees and other Americans are leaving the country for, including political climate and lifestyle issues.

2. Practical Aspects of Immigration: Exploring, Looking at different immigration paths and procedures to different countries like Canada, Mexico, and some countries in Europe and the differences between them.

3. Benefits and Challenges of Living Abroad: Exploring the financial and social implications of moving, the taxes, health care, and society, to help people who want to become expats make the right decision.

The idea of living abroad has always been attractive to many people, including the Sysco employees who are interested in the changed political systems, better health care, and affordable retirement options that lead to a better quality of life. Jean-Francois Harvey is a Miami-based attorney who notes that more than political reasons, more Americans are considering life abroad. Harvey's experience in immigration is particularly valuable for those who are planning to make some major changes.

Although political events such as Supreme Court hearings and presidential debates can lead to a revision of the quality of life one wishes to lead, the underlying motive is often a desire to live a better life. Harvey says, “The vast majority of people who are interested in changing the game in the United States require a Plan B as elections draw near.” It is not always necessary to have a country nearby as the choice of destination.

While Mexico and Canada are the favorite neighboring nations for the Sysco employees due to their proximity, some of them also have eyes on European countries like Spain and France due to the linguistic familiarity and easy visa procedures.

The process of moving is different and depends on the country. Using the Express Entry system, Canada has a process in place to quickly move skilled workers through a simplified process that could take as long as two years. This is because family ties in Canada can fast track this process. However, Mexico offers a retirement scheme that is suitable for those who want to spend their latter years in a tropical climate and must show proof of financial stability through their savings or regular income.

Mexico does not allow direct real estate purchases by foreigners but there are legal ways of making such acquisitions through existing entities. Europe presents a variety of immigration options, and laying claim to citizenship through parents or ancestry is still valid in many countries, including Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy. Also, the new digital nomad visas are a modern approach for professionals who want to live in Europe and continue working remotely abroad, not only benefiting the applicants but also their families.

Moving is a process that is accompanied by legal and tax consequences that occur when moving to another country and the treaties that prevent the double taxation of the same income when working there. This makes it easier to go back to the U.S. when needed. If you are a Sysco employee thinking about moving, you must consider the legal, administrative, and living conditions that accompany moving to another country.

Social infrastructure, healthcare, cost of living, and cultural considerations are important to think about in order to ensure that the move will help to meet personal and professional goals. In general, moving abroad is a complex process of assessing one’s lifestyle, career, and life situation. It is crucial to know the immigration laws and advantages of living in different countries. Although it is difficult to get permanent residency, it is worth it for financial and personal growth. A 2021 Expat Insider survey revealed that more than 80% of American expatriates 60 and older are better off financially since moving abroad.

Retirement is especially attractive in countries like Portugal and Mexico due to the low costs of living and the favorable tax treatments for retirees, which make the option of living abroad more appealing for people who want to stretch their retirement budget and quality of life. Leaving the United States for another country is like setting course on a ship. Just as a seasoned navigator picks a destination according to weather, cultural richness, and good ports, so should expatriates pick factors like quality of life and healthcare.

When you know how to avoid the pitfalls when it comes to immigration laws, then your transition to your new life abroad will be as smooth as sailing in calm waters.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Loading...

Sources:

  1. Expat.com. 'Retirement Abroad: Trends and Top Destinations in 2025.' Expat.com, 2025. In this article, the role of retirees is seen as balancing lifestyle adjustments with financial needs through part-time work, consulting or business ownership while moving abroad, with the focus being on the semi-retirement lifestyle.

  2. PlanWell Financial Planners. 'Expat Retiring Abroad? Rules on Taxes, Social Security, and Benefits.' PlanWell Financial Planners, 2024. The source outlines tax obligations, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), and potential tax pitfalls of retiring abroad, which are crucial for retirees' financial planning.

  3. van Sambeck, Becca. 'The Pros and Cons of Retiring Abroad.' Kiplinger, 22 Oct. 2023. According to Kiplinger, the advantages of retiring abroad include lower living costs and new cultural experiences; however, challenges such as cultural adaptation and complicated taxation affect U.S. retirees living abroad.

  4. TrueNorth Wealth. 'Retiring Abroad: Pros, Cons, and Considerations.' TrueNorth Wealth, 2024. TrueNorth Wealth offers advice on financial, legal, and personal planning for retiring abroad, with a focus on how complex international tax laws, healthcare, and social environments affect retirees.

  5. International Living. '2025's Best Countries to Retire.' International Living, 2025. In this article, the best retirement destinations are evaluated based on cost of living, healthcare, and overall quality of life, which can help retirees determine where they can best stretch their retirement dollars and enjoy a better standard of living.

What type of retirement plan does Sysco offer to its employees?

Sysco offers a 401(k) Savings Plan to help employees save for retirement.

Does Sysco provide a matching contribution for its 401(k) plan?

Yes, Sysco provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.

At what age can Sysco employees start participating in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Sysco employees can typically start participating in the 401(k) Savings Plan as soon as they meet the eligibility requirements, usually at age 21.

How can Sysco employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Sysco employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What investment options are available in Sysco's 401(k) Savings Plan?

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

How much can Sysco employees contribute to their 401(k) plan each year?

Sysco employees can contribute up to the IRS limit for 401(k) contributions, which is adjusted annually.

Does Sysco allow employees to take loans from their 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Sysco allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) Savings Plan under certain conditions.

What happens to a Sysco employee's 401(k) account if they leave the company?

If a Sysco employee leaves the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) account to another retirement plan, cash out, or leave it with Sysco.

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

Yes, Sysco employees can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to certain guidelines.

Is there a vesting schedule for Sysco's matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Sysco has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own those contributions.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Sysco offers a defined benefit pension plan that was frozen on December 31, 2012. Employees hired before this date continue to accrue vesting service. Benefits are calculated based on 1.5% of eligible career earnings through the freeze date. Additionally, Sysco provides a generous 401(k) plan with automatic and matching contributions. The company automatically contributes 3% of eligible pay to employees' 401(k) accounts, and matches 50 cents for every dollar contributed up to 6% of pay. Employees are automatically enrolled at a 3% contribution rate, with annual increases until reaching 6%.
Layoffs and Restructuring: In 2024, Sysco implemented layoffs across various departments without publicly detailing the reasons. This follows similar restructuring efforts in previous years aimed at improving financial performance amidst economic challenges and rising supply chain costs (Sources: Peek Career, Layoff Insider). Union Strike: In early 2023, union workers at Sysco's Indianapolis distribution hub went on strike, demanding better wages, benefits, and shorter working hours. This labor unrest highlights ongoing challenges in employee relations and operational disruptions (Source: WBOI). Financial Performance: Despite the layoffs, Sysco reported strong financial health in 2024, with initiatives to enhance core business operations, invest in infrastructure like new distribution centers, and expand its electric vehicle fleet (Source: Sysco).
Sysco includes RSUs in its compensation packages, vesting over a specific period and converting into shares. Stock options are also provided, enabling employees to purchase shares at a predetermined price.
Sysco has made several significant updates to its healthcare benefits over the past few years, reflecting the company's commitment to supporting employee well-being amidst rising healthcare costs. For 2023, Sysco maintained stable premiums for medical, dental, and vision plans for non-union employees despite the general trend of increasing healthcare costs. Additionally, Sysco expanded its benefits to include domestic partner coverage across all Health & Welfare plans, such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and critical illness coverage. These changes highlight Sysco's efforts to adapt to the evolving needs of its workforce and ensure comprehensive coverage for employees and their families. In 2024, Sysco introduced several enhancements, including increased contribution limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). The HSA limit for individual coverage rose to $4,150, while family coverage increased to $8,300, with catch-up contributions allowed for those 55 and older. The FSA limit also saw an increase, allowing employees to save up to $3,200. Sysco continues to offer various wellness programs, such as Headspace for mental health and Bloom for pelvic health, reflecting a holistic approach to employee well-being. These updates are particularly crucial in the current economic, investment, tax, and political environment, where healthcare costs and access are major concerns for employees.
New call-to-action

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Sysco employees

Loading...

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Sysco at 1390 enclave pkwy Houston, TX 77077; or by calling them at 1-281-584-1390.

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

*Please see disclaimer for more information

Relevant Articles

Check Out Articles for Sysco employees