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3 Tips For Marathon Oil Employees When Managing Grey Divorce

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Marathon Oil: Marathon Oil utilizes various healthcare providers for its employee health insurance plans, including major national insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cigna. These partnerships typically aim to deliver comprehensive health coverage to employees, taking into account various healthcare needs and preferences. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As we approach 2026, employees of Marathon Oil may face significantly higher healthcare costs due to anticipated sharp increases in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums. Projections indicate that up to 92% of ACA policyholders could see their monthly premiums rise by over 75%, largely attributed to the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies. Coupled with record rate hikes from insurers-some exceeding 60%-these factors are creating a perfect storm for increased healthcare expenses, impacting financial planning for many employees considering retirement or changes in coverage. Without proactive strategies, employees may find themselves navigating a challenging healthcare landscape. Click here to learn more

Strategy for Marathon Oil employees to navigate the complexities of gray divorce is to manage their substantial marital assets and secure their financial future,' says Paul Bergeron, on behalf of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.


'This paper finds that gray divorce poses unique financial planning challenges for the Marathon Oil employees who often have complex assets and liabilities to manage,' says Kevin Landis from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

1. The article describes  the rising incidence of gray divorce and its implications for the financial status of families.

2. Financial and Legal Issues:  It outlines the issues including the division of property and debt for older couples and the special issues that affect the Marathon Oil employees.

3. Management of Gray Divorce:  It describes how to manage gray divorce the right way, through listing assets and liabilities, speaking to professionals, and out of court settlement.

The term ‘gray divorce revolution’ has been used to describe a heightened rate of divorces among individuals above 50, who have nearly quadrupled since 1990. This trend is affecting families a great deal, especially from the financial perspective. This article looks at the consequences of gray divorce from the financial standpoint and the strategies that are vital for every Marathon Oil employee when it comes to such transitions.

Financial and Legal Considerations

Divorcing later in life comes with a slew of legal and financial implications that are far more nuanced than those experienced by younger couples. Older couples have the difficulty of dividing multiple assets built over years or even decades of marriage. The majority of U.S. states use equitable distribution, which means that the property is divided equitably but not always equally. It is important for Marathon Oil employees to realize that what is fair is not always black and white and depends on the situation.


The divorce process can be quite expensive and the main costs are usually associated with legal fees, especially if the case goes to court. Other costs such as fees for filing and court charges as well as appraisal fees can add up quickly, it is important to be financially prepared.

Asset and Debt Division

Take, for instance, John and Maureen who have both added to their marital assets through employment and at one time owned a business together. It often happens that one of the spouses has quit the job to look after children and therefore the contribution to the assets will not be the same for the two individuals during the division of assets.

Debt division can also pose challenges. Issues regarding who keeps the family home and who takes the mortgage on it can result in financial problems, particularly if the mortgage is being refinanced under not as good conditions as the initial mortgage.

Financial Implications Post-Divorce

The effects of gray divorce are not only limited to the costs of legal processes and property division. Since the single people have to pay for the utilities and maintenance of their homes on their own after the divorce, they end up paying more per person for the services, which may result in a decrease in their quality of life. This situation can be especially difficult for Marathon Oil employees who may also have reduced potential for income and the difficulty of returning to the dating scene in later life.

Strategies for Managing a Gray Divorce

All Marathon Oil employees who are planning on getting a gray divorce should do so with a plan in mind:

Assessment of Assets and Liabilities: First, it is advisable to make a list of all the assets and debts acquired during the marriage. This is because it is important to have this financial report in order to know how to prepare for the negotiations and how to divide the assets and properties between the two parties equally.

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Consultation with Professionals: You should meet with divorce attorneys in order to determine the likely outcomes of your case given your circumstances and the law. Many attorneys offer free initial meetings, which can give you an idea of the attorney’s skills and suitability for your case. Also, you should seek the counsel of financial advisors who are familiar with divorce to assist in rearranging your finances to suit the single lifestyle and predict future financial consequences.

ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) and Mediation: See if you can avoid litigation through mediation. Mediation is the process of solving problems with the help of a third party and often leads to a faster and easier solution, which is particularly helpful when the issues at hand are complicated by the emotions and history that are often entangled in such cases.

Conclusion

This paper aims to highlight that a gray divorce is a complex process that requires a consideration of financial, legal, and personal issues. To understand the basics of the assets and debts division, what costs to expect for living separately, and what professional advice to seek, so that Marathon Oil employees can reduce the impact of the financial shock and navigate the change better.

Also, due to the fact that retirement benefits like pensions and 401(k) plans are involved in divorce, it is important to get updated valuation and legal advice to reach a fair and reasonable settlement.

References:

1. Duderstadt, Chris. 'Gray Divorce and Its Financial Impact.' Modern Wealth Management, 15 Nov. 2024, www.modwm.com. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

2. 'The Financial Challenges of Gray Divorce: Protecting Your Golden Years.' AMG National Trust, www.amgnational.com. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

3. Stewart, Jackie. 'The Role Employers Play in Gray Divorce.' Employee Benefit News, 31 Oct. 2024, www.benefitnews.com. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

4. 'What is 'Gray Divorce' and Its Impact on Your Retirement and Financial Security?' Advisor Check, www.advisorcheck.com. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

5. Brown, Susan, and I-Fen Lin. 'The Economic Consequences of Gray Divorce for Women and Men.' Journals of Gerontology, academic.oup.com. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Marathon Oil?

The 401(k) plan at Marathon Oil is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are deducted.

How can I enroll in the Marathon Oil 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Marathon Oil 401(k) plan by logging into the employee benefits portal and following the enrollment instructions provided.

Does Marathon Oil offer a company match on the 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Marathon Oil offers a company match on employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees save for retirement more effectively.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the Marathon Oil 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the Marathon Oil 401(k) plan is determined by the IRS guidelines, which are updated annually. Employees should check the latest IRS limits for specifics.

Can I change my contribution percentage to the Marathon Oil 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to the Marathon Oil 401(k) plan at any time through the employee benefits portal.

What investment options are available in the Marathon Oil 401(k) plan?

The Marathon Oil 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

When can I access my funds from the Marathon Oil 401(k) plan?

Employees can access their funds from the Marathon Oil 401(k) plan upon reaching retirement age, or in cases of financial hardship, as specified in the plan guidelines.

Does Marathon Oil provide financial counseling for 401(k) participants?

Yes, Marathon Oil offers financial counseling services to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) investments and retirement planning.

Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in the Marathon Oil 401(k) plan?

Yes, Marathon Oil has a vesting schedule for the company match, which determines how much of the employer contributions employees are entitled to based on their years of service.

Can I take a loan against my Marathon Oil 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees may have the option to take a loan against their Marathon Oil 401(k) plan, subject to the terms and conditions outlined 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.
Marathon Oil offers both a pension plan and a 401(k) plan to its employees. The pension plan is a cash balance-type plan provided entirely by the company, with no need for employee enrollment. Eligible employees include full-time, part-time, and casual workers who automatically join upon starting employment. The pension plan credits a percentage of the employee’s eligible pay annually based on a combination of age and years of service. For employees under 50 years old, the credit is 7%; for those aged 50 to 69, it increases to 9%; and employees aged 70 or older receive 11%. Employees become vested in the pension plan after three years of service, and the plan is administered by Fidelity. Source: Marathon Petroleum Company LP Retirement Plan Summary (2024), page 12​ (MyMPCBenefits). Marathon Oil also provides a 401(k) plan with a company match. The company matches employee contributions up to 7%, making it a highly competitive offering. This 401(k) plan is available to all employees upon hire, and contributions grow tax-deferred. Employees are encouraged to take full advantage of the company's matching contributions to maximize their retirement savings. The plan is also administered through Fidelity, with various investment options available to employees.
Restructuring: Marathon Oil confirmed plans to lay off around 5% of its U.S. workforce in early 2023. These layoffs were part of broader restructuring efforts to align with the company's cost-cutting measures. Additionally, the announcement of the ConocoPhillips acquisition in 2024 will result in further organizational changes​ (Marathon Oil)​ (MyMPCBenefits).
Marathon Oil offers stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of its employee compensation packages. These options and RSUs are typically awarded to key employees as part of long-term incentive programs aimed at aligning their interests with the company’s financial performance and shareholder value. The company's stock options, represented by the ticker symbol MRO, allow employees to purchase shares at a predetermined price after a specified vesting period. These options are generally available to senior-level employees and executives as a part of their performance-based compensation. In terms of RSUs, Marathon Oil grants these units as a way to give employees actual stock after a vesting period, usually contingent upon continued employment. RSUs are often distributed to a broader group of employees, beyond just executives, as part of Marathon Oil’s incentive to retain talent. For instance, the company has emphasized its commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles, and RSUs have been linked to performance metrics such as safety performance and greenhouse gas reduction goals in their executive compensation scorecards.
Marathon Oil has a comprehensive healthcare benefits program designed to meet the diverse needs of its employees, with a particular emphasis on modernizing and personalizing healthcare offerings from 2022 through 2024. Key healthcare-related terms and acronyms used by Marathon Oil include Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). These programs are part of their broader strategy to offer flexible and accessible healthcare options to employees. Marathon Oil has emphasized virtual healthcare services to increase accessibility and reduce barriers to care, particularly in areas like mental health and chronic disease management. This includes virtual behavioral health services, which have seen significant engagement, helping reduce stigma and improve access to care. Additionally, they have implemented a "click and mortar" strategy that allows employees to choose between virtual and in-person appointments, enhancing convenience and flexibility​ (Marathon Oil)​ (Marathon Oil). Moreover, the company has made efforts to improve communication about their health benefits. Recognizing that underutilization of benefits often stems from a lack of awareness, Marathon Oil has adopted an omnichannel communication strategy. This includes emails, text messages, webinars, and even physical signage at work sites to ensure that all employees are fully informed about their healthcare options​ (Marathon Oil).
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Marathon Oil at , ; or by calling them at .

https://carlsoncap.com/articles/nua-net-unrealized-appreciation/ https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/retirement/net-unrealized-appreciation-nua-tax-treatment-amp-strategies/c71vBJZ2B https://www.kitces.com/blog/net-unrealized-appreciation-irs-rules-nua-from-401k-and-esop-plans/ https://bogartwealth.com/nua-strategy/ https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/101778/000119312512088742/d270787dex1032.htm https://mympcbenefits.com/Your-Financial-Future/Retirement-Plan.aspx https://www.thelayoff.com/t/1sQQHutk https://ir.marathonoil.com/ https://www.foxrothschild.com/publications/interest-rate-hikes-present-challenge-for-fully-funded-pension-plans https://www.marathonoil.com/ https://mympcbenefits.com/Your-Financial-Future/Retirement-Plan.aspx https://pgjonline.com/news/2024/may/conocophillips-to-acquire-marathon-oil-in-225-billion-deal-amid-ongoing-energy-mergers https://www.energyconnects.com/news/oil/2024/may/conocophillips-to-acquire-marathon-oil-in-22-5-billion-all-stock-transaction/ https://www.marathonoil.com/sustainability/safety-and-workforce/human-capital-management/ https://www.marathonoil.com/investor-center/annual-report-and-proxy/ https://nb.fidelity.com/public/nb/MarathonOil/home https://www.theretirementgroup.com/featured-article/5448119/marathon-oil-employees-you-dont-need-to-be-a-millionaire-to-retire-comfortably https://nb.fidelity.com/public/nb/MarathonOil/home https://ir.marathonoil.com/

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