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Tesla Employees: Discover the Rising Trend of 'Work for Pleasure' in Your Retirement Journey

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BBB Update

Key individual tax changes from Trump's 'big beautiful' bill
Current law vs. final legislation

Current law Final legislation
Standard deduction
$15,000 single; $30,000 married filing jointly for 2025 $15,750 single; $31,500 married filing jointly for 2025
'Bonus' deduction for older adults
$1,600 for age 65 and older for 2025; $2,000 unmarried / not surviving spouse for 2025 $7,600 for age 65 and older; $8,000 for unmarried / not surviving spouse; both from 2025 through 2028
State and local tax deduction (SALT)
$10,000 limit through 2025 $40,000 limit for 2025; increases by 1% through 2029; reverts to $10,000 in 2030
Child tax credit
Max credit of $2,000 per child through 2025; refundable portion $1,700 for 2025 Max credit of $2,200 per child; refundable portion $1,700 for 2025
Estate and gift tax exemption
$13.99 million single; $27.98 million married filing jointly for 2025 $15 million single; $30 million married filing jointly for 2026
Tax on tips
N/A Deduct up to $25,000 per year from 2025 though 2028
Overtime pay
N/A Deduct up to $12,500 per taxpayer from 2025 through 2028
Auto loan interest
N/A Deduct up to $12,500 per taxpayer from 2025 through 2028
Auto loan interest
N/A Deduct up to $10,000 of annual interest on new loans from 2025 through 2028
Trump Accounts for child savings
N/A One-time $1,000 credit to account per child born between 2025 through 2028
Charitable deduction for non-itemizers
N/A after 2021 $1,000 single; $2,000 married filing jointly; permanent after 2025

Source: CNBC

A recent Fidelity Investments poll illuminates new trends in the ever-changing retirement planning landscape.  Notably, 66% of respondents envision a phased-in approach to retirement, which deviates from the conventional full-stop strategy.  This choice shows a shift towards flexible retirement solutions across generations, as evidenced by the significant interest shown by both Gen Zers and millennials.

The wide-ranging implications of this trend point to the necessity of flexibility in retirement advice and planning when preparing to retire from Tesla. The departure from traditional retirement models highlights a more comprehensive reassessment of retirement goals and work-life balance, reflecting shifting perspectives toward the end of your Tesla career. Advisors who want to fulfill their Tesla clients' complex needs must have a thorough understanding of these preferences as retirement planning continues to change.


A growing number of retirees who desire social connection and intellectual stimulation in addition to financial security are adopting the idea of 'Work for Pleasure' in phased retirement, a viable option for Tesla employees.  According to an American Psychological Association study, continuing to work after retirement can enhance mental well-being, increase life satisfaction, and facilitate the transition to complete retirement. Retirement is now seen as a new chapter with opportunity for learning, growth, and contribution rather than as an end. This is especially true for seasoned professionals from high-ranking roles. 

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Retirement is becoming less and less like the unexpected curtain call at the end of a play and more like a well planned art display. Similar to how an exhibition progressively moves from one theme and era to another, providing visitors with an extensive array of experiences, the modern retirement trip, as defined by Fidelity Investments, takes place in stages. With this method, people can combine the elegant brushstrokes of their personal passions and hobbies with their professional creations. Today's retirees and soon-to-be retirees find joy and fulfillment in doing work that pleases them, much like an artist who paints for the love of art even after their formal career has concluded. This is creating a retirement experience that is as nuanced and fulfilling as a well-curated gallery.

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

Tesla offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does Tesla match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Tesla provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) plans, subject to certain limits.

What is the maximum employee contribution percentage allowed for Tesla's 401(k) plan?

Employees at Tesla can contribute up to the IRS limit, which is typically 100% of their salary up to a specified dollar amount.

Can Tesla employees choose between traditional and Roth 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Tesla offers both traditional and Roth 401(k) contribution options for employees.

How often can Tesla employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Tesla employees can change their contribution amounts at any time, subject to plan rules.

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

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

Is there a vesting period for Tesla's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, Tesla has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which typically requires employees to work for a certain period before they fully own the match.

Can Tesla employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Tesla allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

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

If you leave Tesla, you can roll over your 401(k) to another retirement account, cash it out, or leave it with Tesla, depending on the plan rules.

Are there penalties for early withdrawal from Tesla's 401(k) plan?

Yes, early withdrawals from Tesla's 401(k) plan may incur penalties and taxes unless specific conditions are met.

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: Tesla planned to lay off 10% of its workforce (around 14,000 employees) in 2024 due to slowing sales and economic pressures. The layoffs primarily affected salaried employees. Company Benefit Changes: Severance packages and support for affected employees were provided. Tesla continues to invest in expanding its Gigafactories and enhancing its Full Self-Driving service. (Sources: Markets Insider, Engadget)
Tesla offers stock options (SOs) and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). SOs allow employees to purchase stock at a fixed price after vesting. RSUs vest over four years. In 2022, Tesla emphasized performance-based RSUs. In 2023, Tesla continued with RSUs as the primary equity compensation. By 2024, Tesla expanded RSU programs. Executives, management, and broader employees are eligible. [Source: Electrek; Tesla Motors Club; Tesla Annual Report 2023, p. 50]
Tesla offers a comprehensive healthcare benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of its employees. For 2023, Tesla provided various health insurance options, including high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), covering a wide range of medical, dental, and vision services. Employees benefit from free Aetna medical insurance, Delta Dental, and VSP vision coverage. The company also emphasizes mental health, offering resources like counseling services and wellness programs aimed at promoting overall well-being. In 2024, Tesla continues to enhance its benefits package with a focus on holistic employee wellness. The company offers comprehensive support for family building, including fertility benefits and parental leave. Tesla also provides fitness perks such as on-site gyms and fitness classes. These enhancements are particularly important in the current economic and political climate, where healthcare affordability and accessibility are significant concerns. By continuously updating its benefits, Tesla ensures its employees are well-supported, fostering a healthy and productive work environment.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Tesla at , ; or by calling them at .

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

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