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Navigating Retirement Changes: What PepsiCo Employees Need to Know About the Upcoming Pension Freeze

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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

Understanding the perspectives and preparedness levels of PepsiCo employees who are nearing or have entered retirement is crucial as the landscape of retirement planning evolves.  A comprehensive analysis was conducted through the 21st annual retirement survey by Allspring Global Investments , which offers significant insights into the preparedness and confidence levels of retirees and those close to retirement.


The survey, carried out by Escalent for Allspring from September 5 to September 28, 2023 , involved 320 financial advisors, 763 retirees (average age 70), and 752 individuals approaching retirement (average age 61). Participants with investable assets of at least $200,000 demonstrated varied readiness and understanding of their financial futures.

Contrary to the 40% of financial advisors who believe their clients are prepared for retirement, the findings showed that 65% of retirees and near-retirees feel they are on track for a secure future. This indicates a potential overconfidence among retirees, particularly concerning crucial retirement planning elements.

The study   also examined various other subjects including general financial planning , Medicare, and Social Security. Only 44% of near-retirees and just over 50% of retirees felt they had adequate knowledge about Social Security, whereas a mere 11% of advisors agreed. A similar gap was observed in Medicare planning, with 46% of retirees and 30% of near-retirees confident in their understanding, compared to only 8% of advisors. General financial literacy showed only 14% of advisors felt as confident as 65% of retirees and 54% of near-retirees.


Ron Cohen, head of Allspring's defined contribution investment-only distribution, commented, 'Investors are entering retirement less prepared than they think.' Among the surveyed near-retirees, 53% reported having sought expert advice, aligning with the previous year’s figures.

A key trend noted in the poll is the reliance on advisor services provided by employers through 401(k) or 403(b) plans. Among top companies, including those from PepsiCo, 60% acknowledged the availability of these services, and 47% would consult an advisor associated with their workplace plan as often as they would seek external advice, underscoring the role of employers in retirement planning.

The survey   also explored the timing of retirement, revealing diverse experiences : 37% retired earlier than planned, 6% later, and 39% wished they had retired sooner to enjoy life more. Eighteen percent felt their retirement timing was just right. Retirees indicated a need for $1.1 million, while near-retirees estimated at least $1.6 million for a comfortable retirement.

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In related developments,  Atria Wealth Management Solutions Inc. is set to be acquired by LPL Financial Holdings Inc.  for $805 million, with additional potential paymenst up to $230 million, expanding its network. Founded in 2017 with support from Lee Equity Partners, Atria manages several broker/dealer subsidiaries and plans to integrate its assets into the LPL platform by mid-2025.

Dan Arnold, LPL's president and CEO, highlighted the acquisition's aim to enhance LPL's services and support for retirement plan specialists. Also, the Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) announced impressive enforcement results for 2023, recovering $1.44 billion through various actions. Lisa Gomez, assistant secretary of labor overseeing EBSA, emphasized their role in protecting employee benefits and ensuring fair processes.

These findings and developments underscore the importance of well-informed decisions and adequate preparation time in retirement planning from PepsiCo. The dynamic nature of the sector and the critical role of regulatory oversight in protecting retirees' interests are evident. Recent research by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) shows that regular consultations with licensed financial planners typically increase retirement income by 20%, underscoring the value of professional financial advice.

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.
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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