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Navigating Retirement Planning: The Essential Role of Legal and Cognitive Considerations for Coterra Energy Employees

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Coterra Energy Coterra Energy employees and retirees utilize the healthcare services offered through a variety of providers, primarily those associated with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. These can include major insurers like UnitedHealthcare, Anthem (Elevance Health), and others depending on the specific plan selections available to them. It is advisable for employees to review their individual options based on their needs and potential costs. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, Coterra Energy employees may face substantial increases in healthcare costs, driven by impending changes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). With state estimates pointing to premium hikes exceeding 60% in some regions, and a potential loss of federal premium subsidies, many employees could experience a drastic rise in out-of-pocket expenses-averaging an alarming 75%. This scenario is compounded by escalating medical costs across the board, placing additional financial strain on Coterra employees and retirees as they navigate their healthcare options. It is critical for individuals to proactively plan for these changes to avoid detrimental impacts on their financial stability. Click here to learn more

The saying 'preparation is the key to success' is especially true when it comes to financial planning for Coterra Energy employees, especially when taking into account the complexities of retirement planning as a whole. The goal of this undertaking is to accumulate enough wealth to support one's way of life and cover unanticipated events like losing a significant other or developing a major illness.


One of the main components of careful Coterra Energy retirement preparation is legal protection. Experts in elder law are essential because they make sure their clients have strong legal protections in place. These include the careful arrangement of trust agreements, the creation of advance medical directives, and the appointment of a power of attorney. But protecting one's financial security in the event of a possible cognitive deterioration is just as important.

The Texas Tech Financial Literacy Assessment Project's research reveals a startling truth: our ability to make sound financial decisions peaks in our early 50s and then gradually declines, declining by about 2% each year after the age of 60. People are more vulnerable to financial risk as a result of this cognitive deterioration.

Keeping one's finances in good shape requires acknowledging the beginning of cognitive deterioration. As one's capacity to handle these assets dwindles, traditional investing vehicles like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds could no longer be appropriate. Even though many people are aware of this risk, conversations about this important topic are frequently avoided because of how sensitive it is. Leading financial institutions have responded by creating creative solutions that provide avenues for risk-free capital appreciation while protecting investors from market volatility.

It's vital to plan ahead for Coterra Energy retirement. It is recommended to revisit and improve your financial strategy by having in-depth conversations with a financial counselor. This entails evaluating the suitability of current arrangements and modifying them as needed to protect one's financial interests.


Talking with family members to create a backup plan for handling money in case of cognitive decline is equally crucial. Important elements of this kind of plan include:

1. Designating a Power of Attorney: It's critical to choose a reliable person to manage your financial and legal matters. This individual should be able to make well-informed decisions on your behalf and act in your best interests.

2. Creating a Living Will: This legal document outlines your desires for medical care in the event that you become disabled. It also permits the designation of a healthcare proxy to act on your behalf while making medical decisions.

3. Long-Term Care Planning: It's critical to have a conversation about possible outcomes related to dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Making the best decisions about housing and care, whether choosing a nursing home or living with family, takes careful consideration. It's also important to think about how these decisions will affect your finances.

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4. Estate Planning: Specifying how you want your assets to be distributed after death guarantees that your legacy will be handled as you have intended. By taking this preemptive measure, you can spare your loved ones the stress of having to make last-minute, critical decisions.

These discussions could be difficult, but they are essential. The significance of being as prepared as possible is highlighted by the unpredictability of life and external variables. It is imperative to seize the chance to organize and safeguard one's financial future.

Coterra Energy employees and retirees can have better control and protection over their assets in the case of cognitive deterioration by including a trust in their estate plan. With a trust, especially a revocable living trust, you can manage your assets while you're still alive and designate how they should be divided when you die away, potentially avoiding the public and time-consuming probate process. For Coterra Energy individuals who want to keep their affairs private and make sure that their estate transfers to their heirs without the hassles and costs of probate court, this can be extremely helpful. Trusts can also provide precise instructions for how and when your assets are transferred, according to Fidelity Investments (2021). This can act as a safety net to make sure your desires are carried out in the event that you are unable to manage your affairs yourself.

It's like trying to navigate retirement planning and making sure your estate is protected from cognitive decline while sailing a ship through unknown waters. In the same way that an experienced captain plots a course, stocks up on essentials, and braces for probable storms, people need to plan for their financial future, amass the necessary assets for retirement, and make arrangements to handle unforeseen obstacles like cognitive decline. Establishing a living will and designating a power of attorney are similar to assigning duties to dependable crew members, making sure the ship stays afloat in the event that the captain becomes incapacitated. By avoiding the hazardous waters of probate court, incorporating a trust into your estate plan is like putting everything on autopilot and directing the distribution of your assets in an orderly and effective manner. A well-prepared estate guarantees that, no matter what the future brings, your financial legacy is protected and passed on in accordance with your wishes, much as a well-prepared ship can navigate through storms with the least amount of discomfort.

What is the primary purpose of Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The primary purpose of Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by providing a tax-advantaged way to invest a portion of their salary.

How can employees of Coterra Energy enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees of Coterra Energy can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the online enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What types of contributions can employees make to Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and possibly catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older to Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan.

Does Coterra Energy offer a company match for 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Coterra Energy offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which enhances the overall retirement savings for employees.

What is the vesting schedule for Coterra Energy's company match in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

The vesting schedule for Coterra Energy's company match typically follows a graded vesting schedule, where employees become fully vested after a certain number of years of service.

Can employees of Coterra Energy change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution amounts to Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to plan rules.

What investment options are available within Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

Is there a loan option available through Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Coterra Energy allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

How can employees access their account information for Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can access their account information for Coterra Energy's 401(k) Savings Plan through the plan's online portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

What happens to the 401(k) Savings Plan if an employee leaves Coterra Energy?

If an employee leaves Coterra Energy, they have several options regarding their 401(k) Savings Plan balance, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the plan if permitted.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Pension Plan: Coterra Energy's pension plan is designed to provide financial security for its employees upon retirement. The specific name of the pension plan is the Coterra Energy Defined Benefit Plan. This plan uses a formula based on years of service and average final pay to determine the pension amount. Employees become eligible for the pension plan after completing five years of service and reaching the age of 55. The pension formula typically considers the highest consecutive three years of earnings within the last ten years of service. This information can be found in the 2023 Annual Report on page 45​ (Coterra Energy)​ (CoTerra Energy). 401(k) Plan: The 401(k) plan at Coterra Energy, referred to as the Coterra Energy 401(k) Savings Plan, includes a company match and an employer retirement contribution. Employees can contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or post-tax (Roth) basis, with the company matching up to 6% of the employee's contributions. All full-time employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan from the first day of employment. Detailed information about the 401(k) plan and its benefits can be found on page 22 of the Coterra Energy Employee Benefits Guide
Restructuring Layoffs: In May 2024, Coterra's subsidiary, GasSearch Drilling Services (GDS), laid off one-third of its workforce in Pennsylvania. This reduction affected 55 employees out of 170, which was part of the company's strategic cost-cutting measures amidst fluctuating market conditions. Benefit Changes: Coterra has maintained a consistent dividend payout, with a slight increase in 2024 to $0.21 per share, reflecting a 5% year-over-year growth. The company's total shareholder returns for 2023 amounted to $1.026 billion, combining dividends and share repurchases. Pension and 401(k) Changes: Coterra's financial reports from 2023 indicate a strong cash flow from operating activities, enabling continued contributions to employee retirement plans without major changes to existing pension or 401(k) structures. The company’s focus remains on sustaining financial health to support employee benefits despite industry challenges.
2022: Coterra Energy offered stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its employees as part of their compensation and retention strategy. The RSUs vested over a period of three to five years and were primarily aimed at senior executives and key personnel. Stock options were granted with a vesting schedule and an exercise price equal to the market value of the stock on the grant date​ (CoTerra Energy). 2023: In 2023, Coterra Energy continued to offer RSUs and stock options, emphasizing long-term performance and shareholder value. The RSUs and stock options remained an integral part of the company’s incentive plans to retain top talent and align their interests with those of shareholders. The vesting schedules and performance criteria were designed to reward sustained performance and commitment​ (CoTerra Energy). 2024: For 2024, Coterra Energy enhanced its equity compensation plans by introducing performance-based RSUs, which vested based on the achievement of specific operational and financial targets. Stock options granted in 2024 included similar vesting schedules and exercise prices set at the market value on the grant date. These plans were available to senior executives and other key employees, aiming to drive long-term growth and sustainability​ (CoTerra Energy).
Health Benefits Information for Coterra Energy (2022-2024) Overview: Coterra Energy offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health and well-being of its employees. The package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a range of additional benefits aimed at providing financial security and work-life balance. Health Benefits: Coterra provides a consumer-directed health plan (CDHP) which includes excellent coverage for preventive care, comprehensive medical services, and prescription drugs. The plan is complemented by a Health Savings Account (HSA), to which Coterra makes a generous employer contribution. This account allows employees to save pre-tax dollars for healthcare expenses.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Coterra Energy at 801 Travis St. Houston, TX 77002; or by calling them at 713-651-1144.

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