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Moderna Employees: Beware These 5 Retirement Misconceptions

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A worrying disparity in Americans' preparedness for retirement has been identified in a recent TIAA Institute study, highlighting the significance of fundamental understanding in navigating the shift from work to retirement.  A poll of around four thousand people in January revealed a low average of forty percent on a simple retirement literacy test, which suggests a serious lack of readiness.  As Moderna employees it's important to understand your companies plans to stay prepared for your retirement 


Sadly, 19% of participants were unable to correctly answer even one question, which is almost equal to the 17% who were able to correctly answer four or more questions.  This discrepancy underscores the need for increased educational efforts by highlighting the population's varied perception of retirement.

It's interesting to note that the data points to a relationship between quiz results and self-perception of retirement readiness.  Only 7% of those with low confidence scores achieved similar results; in contrast, 26% of those with higher confidence scores (answering four or more questions correctly) showed great confidence in their financial security during retirement.


Retirement literacy also seems to be highly influenced by age; individuals in the Silent Generation (those born between 1928 and 1945) scored higher overall, correctly answering 50% of the questions. In contrast, only 28% of Generation Z respondents correctly answered the questions, suggesting that knowledge levels may be influenced by experience and proximity to retirement.

Take a look at these 5 common misconceptions from the TIAA Institute to see how difficult retirement planning may be:

1. A lot of people don't know that Social Security payments are determined by taking into account their highest 35 years of earnings rather than their earnings during the two years before to retirement. This misperception may have an impact on retirement financial planning for many.

2. Contrary to popular opinion that there is little that can be done to reduce the danger of outliving retirement resources, buying an annuity is advised as a strategic approach to create a regular income stream.

3. Another important area of misinformation is health care expenses. Contrary to the misconception held by some that these expenditures are almost totally covered, Medicare and other government programs only cover roughly two-thirds of retirement-related medical expenses.

4. The influence of company match plans, such 401(k)s, on the subject of optimizing retirement savings is noteworthy. By making the most of these match programs, people like Latisha can dramatically boost their retirement savings as opposed to choosing IRAs or other savings options that do not get workplace contributions.

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5. Finally, life expectancy is still not fully appreciated. Knowing that a 65-year-old male in the United States is likely to live until around 84 and a 65-year-old woman until 87 is important when determining how long retirement savings should last.

The significance of retirement education is emphasized by this statistics, which also acts as a call to action for Moderna retirees to reevaluate their comprehension and preparedness. A proactive approach to understanding about retirement need and thorough planning can significantly improve comfort and financial security when retiring from Moderna. As time goes on, it is still critical that educational programs close these gaps and give people the skills they need to have a secure retirement.

Retirement planning without a firm grasp of the fundamentals is like sailing a dangerous sea without a map or compass. Retirees and those ready to retire should exercise the same caution as sailors do when it comes to hidden reefs and shifting weather patterns: they should be wary of the numerous tax scams that prey on their hard-earned money. In the same way that an experienced captain avoids known dangerous waters, wise retirees avoid typical mishaps like IRS impersonation schemes that falsely threaten to sink their financial ship. They may make sure their retirement voyage is smooth sailing and stay away from the fraudulent storms that prey on the unsuspecting by arming themselves with knowledge and skepticism.

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Moderna?

Moderna offers a 401(k) plan that allows employees to save for retirement by contributing a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth after-tax basis.

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

Employees can enroll in Moderna's 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal during the open enrollment period or within 30 days of their hire date.

Does Moderna offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Moderna provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps boost retirement savings.

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

For 2023, the maximum contribution limit for Moderna's 401(k) plan is $22,500, with an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500 for employees aged 50 and older.

Can I change my contribution percentage to Moderna's 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to Moderna's 401(k) plan at any time through the benefits portal.

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

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

How often can I change my investment choices in Moderna's 401(k) plan?

Employees can change their investment choices in Moderna's 401(k) plan at any time, allowing for flexibility in managing their retirement savings.

Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in Moderna's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Moderna has a vesting schedule for the company match, which typically requires employees to work for a certain number of years before they fully own the matched contributions.

Can I take a loan against my 401(k) with Moderna?

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

What happens to my 401(k) plan if I leave Moderna?

If you leave Moderna, you have several options for your 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to an IRA or a new employer's plan, cashing it out, or leaving it with Moderna.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Moderna offers a comprehensive retirement benefits package, which includes a defined contribution 401(k) plan. The company's 401(k) plan allows employees to make contributions through payroll deductions, with Moderna matching contributions based on employee elections. As of 2023, the contribution limit for Moderna employees participating in the 401(k) plan is $22,500, with an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500 for employees aged 50 and older​ (Mondaq)​ (KPMG). These limits reflect increases compared to the prior year, consistent with IRS guidelines. The plan offers both traditional 401(k) and Roth 401(k) options, allowing for tax-deferred or post-tax contributions, depending on the employee's financial strategy. Moderna also offers employer matching contributions, enhancing retirement savings for participating employees. Moderna’s plan provides various investment options, allowing employees to customize their retirement portfolios based on risk tolerance and retirement goals​ (Mondaq). Moderna uses its own specific acronyms, such as "RSP" (Retirement Savings Plan) for the 401(k) plan and "ModMatch" for its matching contribution feature. Employees become eligible for the 401(k) plan upon hire, and those who work at least 500 hours over three consecutive 12-month periods qualify to make contributions starting January 2024, as part of the SECURE Act amendments​
Moderna announced layoffs in 2024, primarily affecting its manufacturing unit, as part of a resizing strategy linked to its COVID production footprint. The company decided to cut jobs due to reduced demand for its COVID-related products and to optimize manufacturing costs. CEO Stéphane Bancel emphasized the importance of ongoing cost improvements in manufacturing as the company pivots away from focusing solely on COVID vaccines toward a broader pharmaceutical portfolio. Moderna expanded its headcount by 44% in 2023, but these layoffs reflect a necessary adjustment to its business strategy moving forward​ (FiercePharma).
Moderna provides its employees with stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of their long-term incentive compensation. These programs are designed to align employee interests with shareholder value by granting ownership stakes in Moderna. Employees may receive Non-Qualified Stock Options (NSOs) and RSUs, which vest over time. NSOs give employees the right to buy Moderna stock at a pre-determined price, while RSUs grant shares upon vesting without the need for an initial purchase​ (SEC.gov)​ (Moderna). In 2022, Moderna reported that its stock option grants focused on driving financial and operational goals, including stock price appreciation. The company ensures that the majority of executive compensation is tied to at-risk components like stock options and RSUs. These awards are typically available to executives and employees in key roles​ (SEC.gov)​ (Moderna). The RSU program at Moderna also emphasizes long-term retention and performance, rewarding employees based on their contributions to the company's success. Moderna's stock options and RSU plans in 2023 and 2024 remained focused on aligning long-term incentives with business objectives, including the expansion of its pipeline and manufacturing capacity​ (SEC.gov). Executives and high-performing employees across various departments are eligible for these equity awards, ensuring their incentives are linked to Moderna’s overall performance​ (Moderna).
Health Insurance Options: Moderna provides multiple insurance plans, including health, dental, and vision coverage, ensuring that employees have access to preventive and medical care. These plans also include options for telemedicine and wellness care, reflecting industry trends. Lifestyle Spending Account: This program offers employees an annual allowance they can use towards fitness, nutrition, and other wellness activities, helping them maintain a healthy lifestyle. Personal Enrichment Benefit: This unique benefit provides an annual stipend for personal growth, such as attending language classes or certification programs like yoga instruction. Mental Health Support: Moderna prioritizes mental health with programs that offer support through Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), which include confidential counseling services. Family and Parental Benefits: The company has generous parental leave programs and fertility benefits, which have become standard in their competitive benefits package.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Moderna at , ; or by calling them at .

https://rodgers-associates.com/blog/5-steps-successful-nua-transaction/ https://www.retirementwatch.com/the-net-unrealized-appreciation-nua-tax-strategy https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/retirement/company-stock https://www.mondaq.com/unitedstates/employee-benefits-compensation/1377676/2023-retirement-plan-year-end-amendments-and-operational-compliancehttps://kpmg.com/us/en/home/insights/2023/11/tnf-notice-2023-75-pension-plans-cost-of-living-adjustments-2024.html https://tax.thomsonreuters.com/blog/irs-announces-2023-retirement-plan-dollar-limits-and-thresholds/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moderna_COVID-19_vaccine https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/pension-plan-funding-segment-rates https://www.foxrothschild.com/publications/interest-rate-hikes-present-challenge-for-fully-funded-pension-plans https://www.mondaq.com/unitedstates/retirement-superannuation-pensions/1275478/secure-20-new-laws-expand-retirement-plan-eligibility-for-long-term-part-time-employees https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1682852/000130817923000184/lmrna2023_def14a.htm https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/moderna-lays-parts-manufacturing-team-after-rightsizing-covid-footprint https://investors.modernatx.com/news/news-details/2023/Moderna-to-Acquire-OriCiro-Genomics/default.aspx https://www.pharmanewsintel.com/news/moderna-to-buy-japanese-firm-oriciro-in-its-first-ever-acquisition https://www.thelayoff.com/t/1rlFrVQz https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/retirement-statistics https://www.fidelity.com/calculators-tools/retirement-calculator/overview https://www.kiplinger.com/ https://www.daypitney.com/ https://www.milliman.com/en/

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