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5 Tips All Kirby Employees Should Know When Choosing an Estate Attorney

Healthcare Provider Update: Offers medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with FSAs, supplemental life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program1. As ACA premiums rise and subsidies expire, Kirbys employer-sponsored plans offer a more stable and cost-effective alternative to marketplace coverage, especially for families. Click here to learn more

Creating an efficient estate plan is crucial for ensuring that your legacy and goals are honored exactly as you envision. This is particularly significant for employees at Kirby, as navigating the intricacies of estate planning requires careful selection of a knowledgeable attorney attuned to your personal and state-specific legal needs. Here’s a structured approach to finding the perfect estate planning lawyer to suit your unique requirements.

Identify Your Estate Planning Needs

Begin by clarifying your specific estate planning needs. Whether you are updating an existing plan or starting anew, understand your goals, such as establishing guardianships, designating beneficiaries, creating trusts, or managing taxes for your estate and heirs. For Kirby employees, a clear understanding of these needs is essential to finding an attorney who can effectively address your specific circumstances.

Utilize Personal Recommendations

The value of personal recommendations remains unmatched when seeking professional services. Engage with fellow Kirby colleagues who have experience in estate planning. Their insights can greatly aid in finding a lawyer whose reliability, professionalism, and ability to tailor services are well-vetted. This method can help you compile a list of potential attorneys endorsed through trusted channels.

Emphasize Local Expertise

While digital tools offer convenience, local legal expertise is indispensable in estate planning. Laws vary significantly by state, making it critical to choose a lawyer familiar with your state’s legal landscape. This ensures that your estate plan is both compliant and effective, safeguarding your heirs from possible legal complications.

Conduct Thorough Interviews

Once you have a list of potential lawyers, conduct detailed interviews to assess their fit. Discuss their experience, especially with estates similar to what you might have at Kirby. Explore their communication styles, availability, pricing, and any hidden costs. This interaction helps you gauge if the lawyer’s approach aligns with your expectations and if you can establish a reliable working relationship.

Explore Digital Estate Planning Services

Consider the benefits of reputable online estate planning services as an alternative to traditional methods. These platforms offer state-specific solutions that can be convenient and cost-effective, particularly for straightforward estate planning needs. However, for more complex scenarios common among Kirby employees, personalized legal advice from a dedicated attorney might be preferable.

In summary, securing the right estate planning attorney ensures your estate is managed and distributed according to your wishes. By understanding your unique needs, leveraging referrals, prioritizing local expertise, conducting personal interviews, and considering digital options, you can formulate a comprehensive plan that offers peace of mind and a well-protected legacy. Remember, the effectiveness of your estate plan directly correlates with the effort you invest in selecting the ideal attorney.

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For Kirby employees approaching or at retirement age, consider integrating long-term care planning into your estate strategy. A 2020 study by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) indicates that approximately 70% of individuals over 65 will require some form of long-term care. Engaging with an attorney skilled in elder law can be crucial to developing a plan that includes long-term care, safeguarding assets while ensuring care needs are met without undue financial strain on the estate or heirs.

With our comprehensive guide, discover the key steps to choosing the best estate planning lawyer who can craft a plan tailored to your goals and compliant with your state’s unique laws. Ensure your legacy is secured with the right legal expertise, making the estate planning process straightforward and reassuring for Kirby employees.

What is the purpose of Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The purpose of Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary into a tax-advantaged account.

How can I enroll in Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan?

You can enroll in Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the enrollment form provided by the HR department or through the employee portal.

What types of contributions can I make to Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan?

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

Does Kirby offer any matching contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Kirby offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which is designed to encourage employees to save for retirement.

What is the vesting schedule for Kirby's 401(k) matching contributions?

The vesting schedule for Kirby's 401(k) matching contributions typically follows a graded vesting schedule, where employees become fully vested after a certain number of years of service.

Can I change my contribution amount to Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution amount to Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time by submitting a request through the employee portal.

What investment options are available in Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Kirby'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.

How often can I make changes to my investments in Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can typically make changes to their investment allocations in Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan on a quarterly basis or as specified in the plan documents.

What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave Kirby?

If you leave Kirby, you have several options for your 401(k) account, including rolling it over to an IRA or another employer’s plan, cashing it out, or leaving it in the current plan if permitted.

Is there a loan option available in Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Kirby's 401(k) Savings Plan may offer a loan option, allowing employees to borrow against their account balance under certain conditions.

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 Information: Name of Pension Plan: XYZ Retirement Plan Years of Service and Age Qualification: Employees must have at least 10 years of service and be 55 years old to qualify for the XYZ Retirement Plan. Pension Formula: The pension benefit is calculated based on 1.5% of the average salary for the highest 5 years multiplied by years of service. Eligibility: Employees who meet the above criteria are eligible for the XYZ Retirement Plan. 401(k) Plan Information: Name of 401(k) Plan: XYZ Savings Plan Eligibility: Employees who have completed 6 months of service are eligible to participate in the XYZ Savings Plan. Company Match: XYZ Corporation matches 50% of employee contributions up to 6% of their salary.

Layoffs: In early 2024, Kirby Corporation announced a restructuring plan that involved reducing its workforce by 5% due to a decrease in demand for its marine and power generation services. This decision aimed to streamline operations and cut costs. Source: Reuters

Stock Options and RSUs Available: Apple offers stock options and RSUs primarily to executives and key employees. Stock options are often granted as part of compensation packages, with RSUs providing additional incentives. Recent Updates: In 2022, Apple updated its stock option grants and RSUs to align with market conditions and company performance. In 2023, Apple continued to refine these benefits to attract and retain talent. For 2024, Apple has expanded its RSU grants to include more employees across various levels.

Kirby Corporation provides a broad range of health benefits to employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They offer health plans through major providers and emphasize comprehensive coverage options. Acronyms and Terms: Commonly used terms include PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), and HSA (Health Savings Account). They also reference FSA (Flexible Spending Account) for pre-tax medical expenses.

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

https://www.reuters.com/ https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cashbalancepensionplan.asp https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/fact-sheets/cash-balance-pension-plans https://www.futureplan.com/resources/news-articles/defined-benefit-cash-balance-plan-key-priorities/ https://www.independentactuaries.com/2024-plan-limits/ https://kirbycorp.com/employees/ https://investors.kirbycorp.com/news-releases/news-release-details/kirby-corporation-announces-2024-second-quarter-results