<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=314834185700910&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Learn More

Discover the Best Places for Light & Wonder Employees to Retire in New England

image-table

Healthcare Provider Update: Offers a wide range of benefits including medical coverage through Aetna, FSAs, life and disability insurance, and retirement plans 1. As ACA premiums rise and subsidies expire, Light & Wonders flexible plan options and preventive care coverage offer employees a stable and cost-effective alternative to marketplace plans. Click here to learn more

Despite New England's reputation for high living costs, difficult tax laws, and harsh winters, this region continues to attract retirees with its beautiful seasons and rich historical backdrop.  According to a national movers research conducted annually by United Van Lines, Vermont and Rhode Island were the most popular retirement locations in the United States in 2023.  This realization inspires a closer look at the area's retirement appeal, considering factors such as cost of living, safety, access to healthcare, and cultural vibrancy, especially for Light & Wonder employees.

Connecticut: The Twofold Allure of Middletown

Beginning in Connecticut, Middletown, with an average family income of $90,731, is a prime example of the typical high-cost Northeastern municipality. The average income for residents 65 years of age and above is $47,599. Despite these figures, Middletown continues to attract retirees, especially because of its connection to Wesleyan University. By providing low-cost and free educational options through the Wesleyan Institute for Lifelong Learning, the university enriches the town's cultural landscape. With violent crime rates at a low 0.99 per 1,000 population, this area is significantly safer than nearby Hartford, where rates are 5.68 per 1,000.

Maine: The Urban Charm of Portland Amid Natural Magnificence

Portland, Maine, offers a desirable blend of access to the outdoors and metropolitan conveniences. Its downtown is lively, home to theaters, museums, and a wide variety of restaurants. The famous L.L. Bean store in Freeport, which is near the city, attracts both residents and visitors. In addition to beaches, the area provides winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as outdoor pursuits like fishing and kayaking, making it an attractive spot for Light & Wonder employees seeking an active retirement.

Massachusetts: The Affordability of Pittsfield in a Cultural Center

In an otherwise pricey state, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, offers a more affordable option. The cost of living in the town is significantly less than that of large cities like Cambridge and Boston. Here, the average home value is $282,706, substantially less than the statewide average. Pittsfield is also known for its vibrant cultural environment, further enhanced by neighboring establishments like the Tanglewood Music Center and MASS MoCA.

Laconia, New Hampshire: Lakeside Living

With Gunstock Mountain Resort close by, Laconia, New Hampshire, nestled between Lake Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam Lake, offers a wealth of recreational possibilities.  The local crime rate reflects the low state average of 1.26 crimes per 1,000 residents. Notable tax perks also exist here;   New Hampshire grants exemptions from the state's interest and dividend taxes in addition to not taxing Social Security benefits, making it an attractive location for Light & Wonder retirees.

Rhode Island: The Creative and Intellectual Offerings of Providence

For retirees engaged in creative and intellectual endeavors, Providence, Rhode Island, is a notable destination. The city is home to the Rhode Island School of Design and Brown University, and it boasts a booming restaurant scene, numerous cultural events, and educational options.  With Providence's average home value of $382,032 and the state's average effective property tax rate of 1.53%, retirees should exercise caution when considering the state's higher-than-average property tax rates.

Vermont: The Academically Rich and Eco-Friendly Burlington Environment

Nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington, Vermont, is popular among environmentally conscious retirees due to its thriving local food movement and establishments such as Seventh Generation. Numerous outdoor activities, including biking, hiking, and water sports, are available in the city. Vermont is financially challenging due to its high taxes and cost of living.  In Burlington, the average home value is $512,485, and nursing home costs are very high. Nonetheless, a significant educational benefit is added by the University of Vermont, which grants free tuition to state residents 65 and older, a great perk for Light & Wonder employees seeking continued learning.

Decisions Driven by Data

These decisions are supported by thorough data analysis:

  1. Costs of living information is sourced from Payscale.com.

  2. Featured Video

    Articles you may find interesting:

    Loading...

  3. Point2homes.com provides average income figures for those 65 years of age and above.

  4. The U.S. Census Bureau provides information on healthcare facilities, household incomes, and poverty rates.

  5. The scores for physical and community well-being are from Sharecare and Gallup, components of the larger Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index.

This comprehensive analysis of retirement locations in New England reveals a complex yet alluring world for seniors. When weighing economic and safety factors against cultural diversity, scenic beauty, and educational options, New England presents a compelling option for Light & Wonder employees seeking a rewarding post-retirement lifestyle.

New England boasts some of the best healthcare facilities in the country, an important consideration for retirees. Boston's Massachusetts General Hospital ranked among the country's top five hospitals in U.S. News & World Report's 2023 rankings. For retirees who place a high value on their health and wellness, proximity to first-rate medical care ensures access to excellent healthcare services as they age.

Choosing the right retirement location in New England is akin to selecting a fine vintage wine. Retirees appreciate Middletown, Portland, Pittsfield, Laconia, Providence, and Burlington for their rich cultural offerings, historical significance, and tranquil landscapes, just as a connoisseur values a wine's complex flavors, elegant aging process, and regional characteristics. Each location promises a fulfilling retirement with its own balance of safety, healthcare accessibility, and recreational options, making them excellent choices for Light & Wonder employees.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Light & Wonder offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes both a 401(k) plan and a retirement pension plan. The 401(k) plan at Light & Wonder, offered through Fidelity, is a cornerstone of their retirement offerings. Employees can contribute to the plan and are eligible for a company match, where Light & Wonder will match 100% of the first 1% of eligible earnings contributed and 50% of the next 5%, meaning employees who contribute 6% or more receive a 3.5% match. This plan is available to all employees, with eligibility beginning immediately upon employment​ (MyLNWBenefits). The company's retirement pension plan is known as the "Defined Contribution Plan," where employer contributions are made directly to individual accounts. Eligibility for the pension plan requires a minimum of five years of service, and employees must be at least 21 years old. The pension formula is based on the final average salary and the number of years of service. This formula determines the annual pension benefits employees will receive upon retirement​ (MyLNWBenefits). The 401(k) and pension plan structures at Light & Wonder ensure that employees have multiple pathways to secure their retirement, aligning with industry standards for retirement savings and security. These details were found on the Light & Wonder benefits website​ (MyLNWBenefits)​ (MyLNWBenefits).
Light & Wonder has been managing its benefits with a focus on healthcare options and 401(k) matching for its employees. The company offers up to a 3.5% match on employee 401(k) contributions and comprehensive healthcare plans including virtual primary care, telemedicine, and preventive services. They also introduced fertility benefits and tobacco cessation programs as part of their enhanced healthcare strategy. Additionally, Light & Wonder maintains on-site health clinics at their manufacturing facilities, offering free care to employees. This news is important because it highlights the company’s commitment to supporting employees' health and retirement benefits amidst ongoing economic changes, potentially positioning it as a resilient player in the evolving political and tax environment.
Light & Wonder offers a variety of stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its employees, primarily aimed at retaining top talent and incentivizing long-term performance. Stock options provide employees the right to purchase company shares at a predetermined price after a set vesting period. Meanwhile, RSUs are granted as company stock, becoming fully owned after the vesting period without any purchase requirement. In 2022, Light & Wonder (LNW) had approximately 2 million stock options and 3 million RSUs outstanding, continuing to use these incentives as a core part of employee compensation​ (Business Wire)​ (Stock Analysis). The RSUs are made available to both executives and key employees, while stock options are more broadly distributed. The company has maintained these plans through 2023 and 2024, adjusting vesting schedules and eligibility criteria to align with its ongoing growth strategy and performance targets​ (Stock Analysis).
Light & Wonder has prioritized employee health by offering comprehensive benefits, including three medical plan options tailored to different needs. Their healthcare packages, which include Essential Care, Choice Care, and Critical Care plans, emphasize preventive care with no cost for in-network services. Light & Wonder also offers virtual care through Aetna/CVS and Doctor on Demand, providing employees access to medical consultations from home, with minimal copays. Employees enrolled in these programs benefit from family planning services such as in vitro fertilization and surrogacy support through Progyny, highlighting their commitment to diverse healthcare needs. This reflects Light & Wonder's proactive approach to healthcare, integrating digital access to medical professionals while focusing on comprehensive family health solutions​ (MyLNWBenefits)​ (MyLNWBenefits). The company has also introduced wellness initiatives like onsite health clinics at their Allentown, PA, and Irvine, CA locations, which offer no-cost services for routine checkups, vaccinations, and flu shots. Their B. Well Centers ensure that employees have direct access to healthcare during work hours, fostering a culture of wellness. Given the current economic uncertainties, providing robust healthcare is crucial for maintaining employee morale and productivity. Light & Wonder's benefits reflect an awareness of healthcare's broader impact on the workforce in light of political and tax changes affecting corporate healthcare contributions​ (MyLNWBenefits)​ (MyLNWBenefits).
New call-to-action

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Light & Wonder employees

Loading...

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Light & Wonder at , ; or by calling them at .

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240508506408/en/Light-Wonder-Inc.-Reports-First-Quarter-2024-Results https://www.playusa.com/light-and-wonder-q2-2024-financials/ https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/light-wonder-lnw-q2-earnings-top-solid-revenue-growth https://mylnwbenefits.com/benefits.php https://www.americanbankingnews.com/2024/08/08/tidal-investments-llc-sells-423-shares-of-light-wonder-inc-nasdaqlnw.html https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cashbalancepensionplan.asp https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/cash-balance-pension-plan/ https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/fact-sheets/cash-balance-pension-plans https://mylnwbenefits.com/2023/benefits.php https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230301005266/en/Light-Wonder-Inc.-Reports-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-2022-Results https://stockanalysis.com/stocks/lnw/revenue/ https://mylnwbenefits.com/benefits.php https://www.wealthenhancement.com/s/tools-calculators https://stocklight.com/stocks/us/nasdaq-lnw/light-wonder/annual-reports https://finviz.com/quote.ashx?t=LNW&p=d https://am.gs.com/en-int/advisors/insights/article/2024/us-corporate-pension-review-and-preview-2024 https://www.standardlife.co.uk/articles/article-page/tax-and-pension-changes https://www.foxrothschild.com/publications/interest-rate-hikes-present-challenge-for-fully-funded-pension-plans https://explore.investors.lnw.com/financial-news/news-details/2023/Light--Wonder-Completes-Acquisition-of-Remaining-Public-Shares-of-SciPlay/default.aspx https://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/light-wonder-reaches-agreement-to-acquire-remaining-public-shares-of-sciplay-2023-08 https://www.thelayoff.com/t/1ru2RWN1#google_vignette https://www.thelayoff.com/t/1ru2RWN1#google_vignette

*Please see disclaimer for more information

Relevant Articles

Check Out Articles for Light & Wonder employees