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How Iron Mountain Employees Can Avoid Costly Retirement Mistakes

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Iron Mountain: Iron Mountain does not directly provide healthcare services. Instead, it is known for its information management and data storage services. However, Iron Mountain's employee health benefits are generally managed through various insurance providers depending on their employment policies. Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As 2026 approaches, healthcare costs are anticipated to rise significantly, creating challenges for employers and employees alike. Record increases in health insurance premiums, particularly within the Affordable Care Act marketplace, could exceed 60% in some states. A recent PwC survey forecasts healthcare costs for businesses to climb by 8.5%, prompting many employers to shift more expenses onto employees. This environment of soaring premiums, coupled with the potential expiration of federal premium subsidies, places added financial strain on millions of insured individuals, as out-of-pocket healthcare costs could rise dramatically. Click here to learn more

'Iron Mountain employees should focus on long-term investment strategies that are grounded in historical performance rather than reacting to market trends or the allure of fleeting opportunities like gold or real estate, as these can lead to poor financial outcomes in retirement.' – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Iron Mountain employees can strengthen their retirement outlook by avoiding the common pitfall of buying high and selling low, instead embracing a disciplined, long-term approach to investing that prioritizes sound financial principles over market speculation.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

  1. The pitfalls of overvaluing gold, real estate, and savings accounts in retirement planning.

  2. The risks associated with the common mistake of buying high and selling low.

  3. Strategies to make smarter long-term investment decisions to strengthen your financial outlook.

The most recent Gallup poll provides yet another concerning look at how many American investors, including those with Iron Mountain, make retirement investment choices that could ultimately cost them a lot of money. For decades, countless investors have placed their financial future at risk by making ill-timed investments in assets such as real estate, savings accounts, or gold that are frequently volatile or fail to deliver long-term returns. Despite the age-old adage to avoid buying high and selling low, the most recent research indicates that many investors have not learned from their mistakes.

Gold: A Cautionary Tale

Depending on the state of the market, gold has been a recurrent trend in the financial sector, going up and down in value. Despite its inherent volatility, many investors appear to accept it as a long-term investment, particularly as its price rises. Gold is now regarded by 23% respondents as the best long-term investment, up from 14% only a few years ago, according to the most recent Gallup poll. The recent spike in gold prices, which hit a record high of $3,444 an ounce, is likely the cause of this increase. Historical evidence, however, presents a different image.

When gold hit its previous high in 2011, 34% of Gallup survey respondents said it was the best investment option. Over the following few years, however, the value of gold fell by almost 50%, leaving many investors with large losses. In actuality, gold, like many other assets, has the potential to be a bubble—its value can fluctuate significantly, putting investors at risk of purchasing at the peak and selling at a loss.

Gold is not the only metal that goes through this cycle of purchasing high and selling low. It exhibits the same pattern as other assets, such as stocks and real estate. The price swings of gold serve as a warning: chasing assets after they have already experienced a sharp increase in value might have devastating results, especially for Iron Mountain employees looking to improve their financial outlook.

Misplaced Confidence in CDs and Savings Accounts

The pervasive notion that certificates of deposit (CDs) and savings accounts are sound long-term investments is one of the most concerning trends identified by Gallup's survey. These low-risk, low-return solutions were the top pick for long-term gain for 13% of respondents. There is a clear misinterpretation of how investments operate here.

These financial instruments have not historically produced sufficient long-term returns. In actuality, the S&P 500 has beaten short-term deposits in over 75% of five-year periods, 85% of 10-year periods, and more than 90% of 15-year periods since the 1920s. For example, over a 10-year period, the S&P 500 has, on average, tripled in value, yielding a 200% return. Conversely, throughout the same time span, CDs and savings accounts have only produced returns of 45% to 70%. Simply stated, it is unlikely that money held in a CD or savings account will grow at the pace required for a comfortable retirement, a key concern for Iron Mountain employees nearing retirement.

The Stock Market: A Lost Chance

The relationship between the stock market and investors has also been troubling. According to Gallup's survey, even in bull markets, many are generally hesitant or completely skeptical about investing $1,000 in the stock market. One of the greatest strategies to build wealth over time has been the stock market, especially the S&P 500. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has risen from about 2,700 to about 42,800 since 1990. Public mood has, however, been especially positive at the wrong times, most notably in the late 1990s and right before the market crashed in 2007.

The time frame before January 2000, when 67% of Gallup respondents said they were confident in the stock market, is a revealing illustration. For those who had invested at the peak of the market, this was just before the dot-com bubble burst, wiping out a significant amount of value. The public has frequently expressed confidence about the stock market after it has already increased, only to be let down when the market corrects itself, despite this history. For Iron Mountain employees, understanding this pattern is critical for making smarter investment choices.

The Most Overrated Investment Is Real Estate?

This year, 37% of respondents chose real estate as the 'best long-term investment,' continuing its 13-year trend at the top of the Gallup poll. Given the historical propensity of the property market to rise in value, this trend is not surprising. However, from a financial perspective, real estate has frequently performed worse than other investments.

Real estate has only increased in value at an average annual pace of 4.2% since the 1920s. Long-term returns from the stock market, gold, and even Treasury bonds are higher than this rate. Nonetheless, there are non-monetary advantages to property, such as the opportunity to live rent-free. Those who own their homes and are exempt from paying a landlord will find this especially alluring.

However, there are other expenses to take into account. The costs associated with owning, such as upkeep, property taxes, insurance, and real estate agents' fees, may reduce the returns. Additional expenses for rental properties include hiring a property manager and managing renters, some of whom may suddenly vacate or fall behind on their payments.

The leverage that real estate provides—buying a property with 20% down and borrowing the remaining 80%—is frequently linked to its allure. Real estate prices have increased in recent decades as home ownership has become more affordable due to declining mortgage rates. However, the benefit of leverage is lessened now that mortgage rates are higher than they were 20 years ago. Given the possibility of future price drops and the fact that housing costs are still at all-time highs, it is uncertain if real estate will continue to yield substantial returns. This uncertainty should be carefully considered by Iron Mountain employees planning for retirement.

Purchasing High and Selling Low: The Risk

In the stock market, real estate, or gold, investors have frequently made the mistake of buying high and selling low. Many make the basic error of acting in this way. Real estate was the go-to investment during the height of the housing boom in 2000. However, the public abandoned the market when it crashed in 2008, at the same time that mortgage rates dropped and housing became more affordable. The gold market followed the same pattern, and the stock market is showing comparable patterns.

The takeaway from this is straightforward: rather than following trends and responding to market swings, investors should create a long-term plan founded on sound financial principles. This is true even though real estate is frequently a wise investment in specific situations. Focusing on the fundamentals, such as an asset's potential for long-term growth rather than its immediate price fluctuations, is essential for making wise investment decisions—especially for Iron Mountain employees.

In Conclusion

A clear reminder of how investors continue to mismanage their retirement funds can be found in the Gallup survey. Whether it’s overvaluing gold, placing too much trust in savings accounts and CDs, or repeatedly misjudging the stock market and real estate, these mistakes can have long-term consequences. It’s important to understand that investments should be chosen based on their historical performance and long-term potential, not based on short-term trends or hype. By making informed, rational decisions and sidestepping the pitfalls of buying high and selling low, Iron Mountain employees can better strengthen their financial outlook.

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Sources:

1. Arends, Brett. 'This is How Americans are Blowing Their Retirement Money — Again.' MarketWatch, 20 May 2025,  www.marketwatch.com/retirement-blunders-2025 .

2. Brenan, Megan. 'Stocks Fall, Gold Rises; Real Estate Still Best Investment.' Gallup, 5 May 2025,  www.gallup.com/retirement-investments .

3. Advisor Perspectives Team. 'Gold Gains in Gallup's Latest Poll.' Advisor Perspectives, 18 May 2025,  www.advisorperspectives.com/gallup-gold-investment .

4. CBS News Staff. 'Should Seniors Invest in Gold with the Price So High?' CBS News, 22 May 2025,  www.cbsnews.com/gold-investment .

5. Kiplinger Staff. 'Is Financial Advice From a Professional Worth $8,000?' Kiplinger, 26 May 2025, www.kiplinger.com/financial-advice-worth.

What is the Iron Mountain 401(k) plan?

The Iron Mountain 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save and invest a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

How can I enroll in Iron Mountain's 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in Iron Mountain's 401(k) plan by accessing the benefits portal or contacting the HR department for guidance on the enrollment process.

What is the employer match for Iron Mountain's 401(k) plan?

Iron Mountain offers a competitive employer match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

At what age can I start participating in Iron Mountain's 401(k) plan?

Employees at Iron Mountain can typically start participating in the 401(k) plan as soon as they meet eligibility requirements, which usually begins after 30 days of employment.

How much can I contribute to Iron Mountain's 401(k) plan annually?

The contribution limits for Iron Mountain's 401(k) plan align with IRS guidelines, allowing employees to contribute up to the maximum limit set for the year.

Does Iron Mountain offer a Roth 401(k) option?

Yes, Iron Mountain provides a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to make after-tax contributions that can grow tax-free.

Can I take a loan from my Iron Mountain 401(k) plan?

Yes, Iron Mountain's 401(k) plan allows eligible employees to take loans against their account balance under certain conditions.

What happens to my Iron Mountain 401(k) if I leave the company?

If you leave Iron Mountain, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it with Iron Mountain.

How often can I change my contribution amount to Iron Mountain's 401(k) plan?

Employees can typically change their contribution amount to Iron Mountain's 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.

Are there any fees associated with Iron Mountain's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Iron Mountain's 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Iron Mountain offers a defined contribution plan known as The Iron Mountain Companies 401(k) Plan. This plan, a profit-sharing arrangement, allows participants to direct the investment of their retirement accounts. Employer contributions under this plan are variable and depend on the company's quarterly or annual profits. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, employees of Iron Mountain could elect to defer part of their compensation, contributing to their 401(k) account. This plan includes automatic enrollment for employees and features elective contributions that are deducted directly from payroll​ (Iron Mountain)​ (QDRO.com). The Iron Mountain 401(k) Plan permits employee-directed accounts, meaning that if an employee does not select investment options, their assets are placed in a default investment account. Employee contributions are matched up to 6% by Iron Mountain, encouraging employees to take advantage of this benefit​ (Iron Mountain). The plan is a classic example of a cash or deferred arrangement under Code section 401(k).
In 2023 and 2024, Iron Mountain experienced notable changes that impacted both its workforce and employee benefits. Two significant WARN notices were filed, leading to the layoff of 132 employees across Indiana and Virginia​ (Iron Mountain)​ (Yahoo Finance). This restructuring aligns with the company's broader strategic focus on integrating new acquisitions, such as Regency Technologies. While Iron Mountain remains committed to long-term growth, these layoffs suggest a tactical pivot amid shifting customer demands and the broader economic environment. The layoffs highlight the need for Iron Mountain to adapt to both the evolving information management sector and the external economic pressures. It is crucial to address this news due to the complex economic, investment, tax, and political environment that drives restructuring efforts today.
Iron Mountain provides stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to eligible employees as part of its compensation strategy. In 2022, Iron Mountain expanded its use of RSUs to attract and retain key talent, emphasizing its shift toward equity-based compensation. Stock options are generally offered to senior management and top performers, giving them the right to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, while RSUs are granted to employees across various levels as part of their long-term incentive plan. These RSUs typically vest over a period of three to five years, aligning with Iron Mountain’s long-term performance objectives​ (Iron Mountain)​ (Iron Mountain)​ (Iron Mountain). In 2023, Iron Mountain continued to emphasize RSUs, especially for employees involved in strategic growth areas such as data centers and digital transformation. The focus was on retaining talent critical to the company's innovation-driven goals. In 2024, Iron Mountain further increased the scope of RSUs to mid-level employees, broadening participation in equity programs across the organization. Stock options and RSUs are accessible to top-performing employees, senior management, and those in strategic growth roles at Iron Mountain
Iron Mountain offers a range of health benefits for its employees, with specific provisions evolving over the years 2022 to 2024. Their benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance options, along with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), which are widely used across the company​ (Iron Mountain Daily News). The healthcare-related acronyms and terms commonly referenced by Iron Mountain employees include PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), HSA (Health Savings Account), and EAP (Employee Assistance Program). Telehealth options are also part of their healthcare benefits, providing access to virtual care services
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Iron Mountain at , ; or by calling them at .

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/retirement/net-unrealized-appreciation-nua-tax-treatment-amp-strategies/c71vBJZ2B https://carlsoncap.com/articles/nua-net-unrealized-appreciation/ https://creativeplanning.com/insights/financial-planning/how-to-use-the-net-unrealized-appreciation-nua-strategy-in-your-401k/ https://www.ironmountain.com/resources/solution-guides/p/powering-precision-in-retirement-and-pension-plans https://qdro.com/retirement-qdro/THE-IRON-MOUNTAIN-COMPANIES-401K-PLAN/ https://www.principal.com/businesses/trends-insights/2023-pension-lump-sums-dropping-new-years-ball https://investors.ironmountain.com/news-and-events/press-releases/press-release-details/2024/Iron-Mountain-Reports-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-2023-Results/default.aspx https://www.foxrothschild.com/publications/interest-rate-hikes-present-challenge-for-fully-funded-pension-plans https://reason.org/data-visualization/2022-investment-results-for-state-pension-plans/ https://investors.ironmountain.com/news-and-events/press-releases/press-release-details/2024/Iron-Mountain-Reports-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-2023-Results/default.aspx https://stockanalysis.com/stocks/irm/employees/ https://finance.yahoo.com/news/iron-mountain-reports-third-quarter-104500518.html https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/iron-mountain-to-acquire-itrenew-for-725-million/ https://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/news/local-news/2022/02/im-eyes-savings-in-retiree-health-costs/ https://www.warntracker.com/company/iron-mountain https://intellizence.com/insights/layoff-downsizing/leading-companies-announcing-layoffs-and-hiring-freezes/ https://www.marketbeat.com/stocks/NYSE/IRM/dividend/#google_vignette https://www.milliman.com/en/insight/2023-lump-sums-defined-benefit-plans-much-lower-as-interest-rates-rise https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/cash-balance-pension-plan-options

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