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Mortgage or Retirement? Where Should Eli Lilly Employees Put Their Money?

Healthcare Provider Update: Eli Lilly's primary healthcare provider initiatives are often tied to their pharmaceutical products and drug distribution networks, which include partnerships with a variety of healthcare systems and organizations to ensure that patients have access to their medications and therapies. Looking ahead to 2026, the healthcare landscape is expected to witness significant cost increases, particularly in health insurance premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. With some states projecting hikes exceeding 60%, many individuals could see their out-of-pocket costs soar by over 75% if enhanced federal premium subsidies are not extended. This surge is driven by a combination of rising medical costs, including both hospital and prescription drug expenses, and the profitability pressures on insurers, prompting them to request substantial rate increases. As a result, consumers, especially those relying on ACA coverage, might face unprecedented financial strain in their quest for adequate healthcare. Click here to learn more

'Eli Lilly employees approaching retirement must balance investment opportunities with debt reduction, and as Patrick Ray of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group

'Eli Lilly employees retiring soon should consider not just the numbers, but also their comfort with debt and financial flexibility—Wesley Boudreaux of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group

In this article, we will discuss key factors influencing the decision to allocate extra funds toward investments or mortgage repayment. Specifically, we will explore:

The Financial Trade-Off – Analyzing potential investment returns versus mortgage interest savings.
Risks and Considerations – Understanding market volatility, liquidity, and tax implications.
Personalized Decision-Making – Evaluating individual financial circumstances, debt levels, and retirement goals.

In the world of personal finance, choosing to allocate extra money to investments or debt reduction can be difficult, especially for Eli Lilly employees nearing or entering retirement. This choice becomes particularly important in situations where a mortgage is one's primary source of debt. This debate's central argument frequently comes down to weighing the expense of debt versus possible investment rewards.

A financial perspective on investing versus accelerated mortgage repayment

The main justification for favoring investments over accelerated mortgage payback stems from the stock market's past success. In particular, the S&P 500 index had an average yearly return of 9.9% (including dividends) between 1965 and 2022. This implies that one could fairly anticipate long-term returns in the range of 7% to 8% for a well-diversified portfolio that includes both equities and bonds.

For the sake of illustration, let us take the following scenario: a person pays 20% down and purchases a $500,000 home, financing it with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 6% interest. Let's say this person inherits $400,000. If this amount was invested with an annual return of 8%, it might gain over $4.03 million over the course of three decades instead of the $863,353 in interest and principal payments related to the mortgage. Though in a very simplified context, this example highlights the financial benefit of investing over quick debt reduction.

The Argument for Mathematical Returns' Inherent Flaws

That being said, there are some who disagree with the case for investing in accordance with mathematical returns. The returns on investments are by their very nature erratic and variable, and they seldom follow the straight line that average annual returns suggest. For example, between 1965 and 2022, the yearly returns of the S&P 500 saw significant fluctuations, ranging from a high of 37.6% to a low of minus 37%. In addition, a sizable fraction of American homeowners benefit from mortgage rates that are lower than 4%, which makes it much more difficult for individuals weighing their options between debt repayment and investment.

Other Things to Think About

When deciding weather to increase mortgage payments versus make investments Eli Lilly professionals should also consider their financial circumstances. It makes sense to pay off high-interest bills first, especially credit card debt, which has average interest rates close to 25%, before thinking about making extra mortgage payments. Another important factor to take into account is liquidity; whilst house equity is an illiquid asset, equities and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) provide comparatively faster access to capital.

This choice is also influenced by tax implications. In addition to providing instant tax savings, contributions to tax-deferred retirement accounts, like IRAs, increase the allure of investing. Further lowering the cost of borrowing is the opportunity to deduct mortgage interest on loans up to $750,000.

When the loan debt hits 80% of the home's original value, mortgage insurance can be removed, which might result in annual savings of thousands of dollars. This is another factor to consider.

Final Thoughts

To put it simply, a number of factors, such as the mortgage interest rate, investment return expectations, other outstanding debts, liquidity needs, tax implications, and personal comfort with debt levels, influence the decision of whether Eli Lilly professionals should allocate excess funds toward investments or mortgage repayment. The choice is almost always more complex, even while the economics of investment returns may favor investing, particularly in low mortgage rate situations.

When making this difficult choice, Eli Lilly professionals must carefully assess their own financial situation, risk tolerance, and long-term goals. Ultimately, moving closer to financial security and peace of mind should be the top priority, regardless of whether debt reduction or investment comes first.

It is important for those who are getting close to retirement to think about the implications of required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts, which start at age 72. Choosing to invest more money can result in these accounts being much larger, which could mean higher RMDs. A pleasant retirement may be supported by this greater income, but it may also result in a higher tax burden. Since Roth accounts have no required minimum distributions (RMDs) and retirement withdrawals are tax-free, making strategic investments in Roth IRAs or Roth conversions can provide a tax-efficient solution to handle this situation. (Source: IRS 'Retirement Plan and IRA Required Minimum Distributions FAQs,' last revised March 2023; Internal Revenue Service).

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Making the choice to pay off your mortgage early or put more money down for retirement is like a seasoned sailor choosing the best route to a far-off land. See your retirement as a peaceful, far-off island that you are trying to get to. There is a limited amount of cargo capacity on your yacht, which represents your available finances and your financial strategy. You have two options: either load up on more provisions (investments) to make sure you can comfortably weather any storms and currents along the way, or lower your load by tossing your mortgage overboard to enable a faster, more direct voyage. Every sailor's voyage is distinct, shaped by the winds (market returns) and the state of their vessel (financial circumstances). The trick is to pack your boat as efficiently as possible while maintaining safety, so that when you arrive at retirement island, you have enough money and peace of mind.

Source:

Williams, Rob. 'Should You Pay Off a Mortgage Before You Retire?' Charles Schwab , August 2023, https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/should-you-pay-off-mortgage-before-you-retire .

Hartman, Rachel. 'Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before You Retire?' U.S. News & World Report , January 2025, https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/articles/should-you-pay-off-your-mortgage-before-you-retire .

Ameriprise Financial. 'Is It Better to Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest?' Ameriprise Financial , 2024, https://www.ameriprise.com/financial-goals-priorities/personal-finance/should-you-pay-off-your-mortgage .

Carter, Erik. 'Should You Save More for Retirement or Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?' Forbes , 11 Oct. 2022, https://www.forbes.com/sites/financialfinesse/2022/10/11/should-you-save-more-for-retirement-or-pay-off-your-mortgage-early .

Vanguard. 'Paying Off Debt Before You Retire.' Vanguard , 2024, https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/retirement/planning-paying-off-debt .

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Eli Lilly?

The 401(k) plan at Eli Lilly is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.

How does Eli Lilly match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Eli Lilly offers a matching contribution up to a certain percentage of the employee's salary, which helps to boost retirement savings.

Can employees at Eli Lilly choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?

Yes, employees at Eli Lilly can select from a variety of investment options for their 401(k) contributions, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.

What is the eligibility requirement for Eli Lilly's 401(k) plan?

Employees at Eli Lilly are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific period of employment, usually within the first year.

How can Eli Lilly employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Eli Lilly employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s online benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What are the contribution limits for Eli Lilly's 401(k) plan?

The contribution limits for Eli Lilly's 401(k) plan are set according to IRS guidelines, which can change annually. Employees should refer to the latest IRS limits for specifics.

Does Eli Lilly offer a Roth 401(k) option?

Yes, Eli Lilly provides a Roth 401(k) option that allows employees to make after-tax contributions, which can grow tax-free.

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

If you leave Eli Lilly, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Eli Lilly plan if allowed.

Are there any fees associated with Eli Lilly's 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees or investment-related fees associated with Eli Lilly's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

How often can I change my contribution amount to the Eli Lilly 401(k) plan?

Employees at Eli Lilly can typically change their contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's rules and guidelines.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Eli Lilly offers comprehensive employee retirement benefits, including both pension plans and 401(k) plans. The Lilly Pension Plan is a Defined Benefit (DB) plan, where the pension is determined by an employee's earnings and years of service at the company. This pension plan has been updated over the years, with specific attention to tax and regulatory changes. Employees qualify based on their length of service and meet eligibility requirements outlined in Eli Lilly’s internal documents. The Lilly Pension Plan uses a final average pay formula to calculate the pension, meaning the pension is based on an employee's earnings during their final years of employment (SEC.gov). Eli Lilly also provides a 401(k) plan known as The Lilly Employee 401(k) Plan. This plan was established to help employees save for retirement, incorporating both employer contributions and employee savings. As of January 1, 2006, it was amended to include an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) within the 401(k). Eligibility for the 401(k) plan includes all regular, full-time employees of Eli Lilly, as well as its subsidiaries and affiliates (SEC.gov). The company matches contributions and offers vesting schedules based on years of service. For instance, employees become fully vested after completing five years of service, as outlined in their official documentation (SEC.gov). The pension and 401(k) plan information for Eli Lilly has been extensively documented in their official filings with the SEC, where the detailed structure of the plans is outlined, including the qualifications for participation and vesting. Specific sections such as those covering mergers and eligibility requirements for different types of employees, including those under subsidiary plans, are found in their formal pension and 401(k) documentation (SEC.gov) (SEC.gov).

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Eli Lilly announced significant restructuring efforts, including the reduction of 3,500 jobs globally. This move is part of their strategy to save $500 million annually, with half of the savings aimed at product launches and R&D efforts. The layoffs are primarily focused on early retirement programs, site closures in New Jersey and Shanghai, and the consolidation of manufacturing locations (FiercePharma). This news is critical to address due to the current economic climate, where inflationary pressures and cost-cutting measures are widespread. The political environment also affects the pharmaceutical industry, making it crucial to track how companies like Eli Lilly adjust their workforce to stay competitive (FiercePharma).

Eli Lilly provides its employees with both stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of its long-term incentive compensation. These RSUs are issued to employees and are subject to a vesting schedule, typically staggered over a period of time such as one, two, or three years. The goal is to retain employees by ensuring they receive full ownership of the stock only after they have fulfilled a specified period of service with the company (BusinessOwnerAdvisor). Stock options at Eli Lilly grant employees the opportunity to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, typically at the market value on the grant date. These options often vest over several years, with employees being able to exercise them once they are vested. RSUs, on the other hand, provide employees with company shares once they are fully vested, and these shares are taxed as ordinary income at the time of vesting. Employees are responsible for deciding whether to sell the shares immediately or hold onto them, which involves considering factors like tax implications and portfolio diversification (Eli Lilly and Company) (Eli Lilly and Company). RSUs and stock options at Eli Lilly are available to a broad group of employees, typically those in management and other key roles. The availability of these stock-based compensation forms reflects Eli Lilly's commitment to aligning employee incentives with company performance, and they play a crucial role in employee retention (BusinessOwnerAdvisor).

Eli Lilly has been making significant strides in its healthcare offerings, particularly through the launch of its digital platform, LillyDirect. This platform focuses on providing support for patients with chronic illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, and migraines. By enabling patients to access telehealth services and facilitating direct home delivery of certain medications, Eli Lilly has made healthcare more accessible and streamlined for patients dealing with these conditions. Additionally, LillyDirect offers educational resources and digital pharmacy solutions, making it easier for patients to refill prescriptions and receive medications at home. This initiative is crucial as it caters to a growing need for convenient healthcare, especially in light of the current economic pressures and the healthcare industry's shift towards digital solutions (PYMNTS.com) (PYMNTS.com). In the broader context of Eli Lilly's healthcare initiatives, the company's focus on digital healthcare aligns with current trends in healthcare delivery. The importance of platforms like LillyDirect is underscored by the economic and political pressures on the healthcare system, particularly as patients seek cost-effective and accessible treatments. Moreover, the growing political discourse around healthcare reform, coupled with tax implications for pharmaceutical benefits, further highlights the relevance of Lilly's approach. By offering services such as telehealth and home delivery, Eli Lilly is positioning itself at the forefront of healthcare innovation, which is critical for ensuring patient satisfaction in a competitive market (PYMNTS.com) (HealthCare ME&A Magazine).

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Eli Lilly at Lilly Corporate Center Indianapolis, IN 46285; or by calling them at (317) 276-2000.

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