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Is Renting the Right Choice for First Horizon Employees as They Transition into Retirement?

Healthcare Provider Update: First Horizon offers health, dental, and vision insurance tailored to individual and family needs. Employees benefit from HSAs, FSAs, disability coverage, and parental leave. The company provides a 401(k) with up to 6% matching, adoption reimbursement, and wellness programs. Additional perks include tuition reimbursement, mentoring, and digital wellness platforms3. First Horizon With ACA premiums projected to rise sharply, First Horizons employer-sponsored plans and financial wellness tools help employees avoid the volatility of marketplace costs. Their matched savings and flexible spending options provide a buffer against rising healthcare expenses. Click here to learn more

As retirement approaches, First Horizon employees face the critical decision of whether to buy or rent a property. Downsizing from a larger family home can have significant financial and lifestyle impacts, especially if maintaining the property has become burdensome or costly.

Comparing the Costs of Buying and Renting

One of the primary benefits of selling a larger home and opting to rent is the potential for financial freedom. For instance, selling a home for $300,000 and investing the proceeds at a 6% annual return could yield $18,000 in the first year. This amount can substantially offset rental costs after taxes, reducing or eliminating the ongoing expenses of homeownership.

Renting offers flexibility in addition to financial advantages. For First Horizon employees uncertain about their permanent residence or considering relocation within the next three to five years, renting is a practical choice. It avoids the financial risks associated with real estate market fluctuations, where temporary home appreciation might not cover upfront costs such as real estate commissions and closing fees.

Assessing Available Housing

When deciding whether to buy or rent in retirement, it's crucial to evaluate your projected lifestyle needs and financial situation. Comparing the annual rent for similar properties in your area with home prices can provide valuable insights. Utilize resources like NerdWallet.com's Rent vs. Buy calculator to make an informed decision.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Buying vs Renting

Leasing:

Flexibility to relocate
No responsibility for upkeep or repairs
Lower utility and insurance costs
No need for a substantial down payment
Risk of eviction if the property is sold

Owning:

Stability of long-term residence
Potential to build home equity
Maintenance and property tax expenses
Potential financial loss if the market declines
Capital gains tax implications on sale

Retirement Mortgages

For First Horizon employees considering homeownership in retirement, obtaining a mortgage should not be dismissed. Given the current economic climate with variable mortgage rates and a competitive housing market, a strategic approach is advisable: consider financing part of the purchase and investing the remainder. This method keeps funds liquid for other needs like healthcare, potentially yielding higher returns from investments than home appreciation.

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Additionally, the emotional aspects of this decision are significant. Homeownership offers a sense of security and fulfillment, while renting in a retirement community can provide a stress-free living environment without the concerns of home maintenance.

Trends in the Housing Market Right Now

Rising mortgage interest rates and limited housing inventory have complicated the home-buying process. Conversely, rental markets are stabilizing as price increases return to pre-pandemic levels, offering renters more predictable costs.

In conclusion, First Horizon employees should base their decision to buy or rent in retirement on personal preferences and sound financial judgment. The choice ultimately depends on individual financial situations, desired lifestyle, and long-term stability. Both options have distinct pros and cons. Thorough research will ensure your retirement living arrangements enhance your quality of life.

Retirees considering renting should understand the benefits of age-restricted communities. These communities often provide amenities and services tailored for seniors, such as social events, on-site medical facilities, and transportation services. A study by the American Seniors Housing Association published in January 2021 found that residents in these communities report higher satisfaction and a greater sense of community compared to those in non-age-restricted settings, significantly enhancing retirement quality of life.

Choosing between a luxurious cruise and purchasing a vacation home is analogous to deciding whether to buy or rent in retirement. Renting offers the flexibility and freedom to experience diverse locations without maintenance worries, similar to the benefits of a cruise. On the other hand, purchasing a home entails a significant initial investment and ongoing maintenance, akin to owning a vacation home, but provides stability and familiarity. The choice depends on an individual’s lifestyle preferences, financial circumstances, and desire for flexibility or permanence in their retirement years.

What type of retirement savings plan does First Horizon offer to its employees?

First Horizon offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does First Horizon provide matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

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

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in First Horizon's 401(k) plan?

Employees at First Horizon are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific period of service, typically within the first year of employment.

How can employees at First Horizon enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in First Horizon's 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

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

First Horizon offers a variety of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Can employees at First Horizon take loans against their 401(k) balance?

Yes, First Horizon allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance under certain conditions, as outlined in the plan documents.

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

The vesting schedule for First Horizon's matching contributions typically follows a graded schedule, which means employees earn ownership of the match over a period of time.

Are there any fees associated with First Horizon's 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with First Horizon's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

How often can employees at First Horizon change their 401(k) contribution amount?

Employees at First Horizon can change their 401(k) contribution amount at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

What is the maximum contribution limit for First Horizon's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for First Horizon's 401(k) plan is set by the IRS and may change annually; employees should refer to the latest IRS guidelines for specifics.

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

First Horizon National Corporation offers both a pension plan and a 401(k) plan to its employees. The First Horizon National Corporation Pension Plan is a defined benefit corporate pension fund that was established in 1946. This pension plan provides retirement, death, and disability benefits to eligible employees and their beneficiaries. The assets of the pension plan are managed by the Pension, Savings, and Flexible Compensation Committee, with First Tennessee Bank National Association serving as the trustee (PitchBook). In addition to the pension plan, First Horizon provides a 401(k) plan where employees can save for retirement with contributions matched by the company up to 6% of their pre-tax income. The 401(k) plan also includes various savings and money management tools, such as Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), which allow employees to set aside pre-tax income for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, First Horizon announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. The bank plans to cut approximately 5% of its workforce over the next year as part of this initiative. This move is in response to increasing operational expenses and the need to enhance efficiency in a challenging economic environment. This news is particularly relevant as it reflects broader trends in the banking sector where institutions are adjusting their workforces to remain competitive amidst economic uncertainty.

First Horizon Corporation (FHN) provides a comprehensive employee stock option and Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) program aimed at retaining top talent and incentivizing long-term performance. First Horizon offers both stock options and RSUs to eligible employees, primarily those in executive or senior management roles. These awards generally vest over a period of three to five years, with specific performance metrics tied to company performance and stock price. Employees who meet certain job levels and performance criteria are eligible to participate in these equity compensation plans. In 2022, First Horizon offered RSUs that vest annually, providing employees with ownership stakes in the company. By 2023 and 2024, the bank continued this program with slight adjustments, including expanded eligibility and adjusted performance criteria (

First Horizon Health Benefits Overview Company Website: The official First Horizon website provides the most direct and accurate information. Glassdoor: This site often has employee reviews and details about health benefits, including recent changes or feedback from employees. Indeed: Similar to Glassdoor, Indeed might have employee reviews and specific information about health benefits and any recent updates. LinkedIn: Sometimes companies post updates about employee benefits or changes in health-related policies here. Benefits.gov: This site provides general information about employee benefits and might have relevant details or changes affecting First Horizon.