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Mortgage or Retirement? Where Should EnLink Midstream Employees Put Their Money?

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for EnLink Midstream: EnLink Midstream primarily collaborates with health insurance providers to manage employee health benefits; however, specific healthcare providers associated with EnLink Midstream aren't publicly detailed in available resources. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases for EnLink Midstream in 2026: As we look towards 2026, EnLink Midstream could face significant increases in healthcare costs driven by a perfect storm of economic factors. Affordability concerns are amplified by anticipated record hikes in ACA premiums, with some states seeing increases over 60%. The potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies may push out-of-pocket expenses for employees, causing premiums to rise by over 75% for many. This combination of escalating medical costs and regulatory changes could strain both company resources and employee health benefits, necessitating strategic adjustments in how EnLink approaches healthcare coverage. Click here to learn more

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

'EnLink Midstream 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 EnLink Midstream 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 EnLink Midstream 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 EnLink Midstream 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, EnLink Midstream 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 primary purpose of the 401(k) plan at EnLink Midstream?

The primary purpose of the 401(k) plan at EnLink Midstream is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis.

How can employees enroll in the 401(k) plan at EnLink Midstream?

Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan at EnLink Midstream by accessing the enrollment portal through the company's HR website or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does EnLink Midstream offer a company match for 401(k) contributions?

Yes, EnLink Midstream offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.

What types of investment options are available in EnLink Midstream's 401(k) plan?

EnLink Midstream's 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 employees start contributing to the 401(k) plan at EnLink Midstream?

Employees at EnLink Midstream can start contributing to the 401(k) plan after they have completed their eligibility requirements, typically within their first few months of employment.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at EnLink Midstream?

The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at EnLink Midstream follows the IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the current limits for the specific year.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) balance at EnLink Midstream?

Yes, EnLink Midstream allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

What happens to an employee's 401(k) balance if they leave EnLink Midstream?

If an employee leaves EnLink Midstream, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out (which may incur penalties), or leave it in the EnLink Midstream plan if allowed.

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

Yes, EnLink Midstream has a vesting schedule for the company match, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched contributions.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts in EnLink Midstream's 401(k) plan?

Employees at EnLink Midstream can typically change their contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

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

Eastman Chemical offers a comprehensive 401(k) plan that includes both traditional and Roth options. Employees at Eastman Chemical are automatically enrolled with a 7% deferral rate, with an annual "Auto Increase" feature that raises this rate by 1% each year until it reaches 10%. The company matches 50% of employee contributions up to 7%. Additionally, Eastman Chemical contributes a Retirement Savings Contribution (RSC), equivalent to 5% of the employee's RSC-eligible earnings, which is separate from employee contributions. Employees can further enhance their retirement savings through after-tax contributions, and they can utilize Roth in-plan conversions to potentially grow tax-free retirement income (MyEastmanBenefits) (MyEastmanBenefits). Eastman Chemical's pension plan is a defined benefit plan, where employees accrue benefits based on a combination of years of service and age qualification. However, specific details about the pension formula, years of service, and age qualification were not available in the sources consulted, and further document review would be necessary to obtain this data.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, EnLink Midstream announced a strategic restructuring aimed at optimizing operations and reducing costs. This included a reduction in workforce to streamline management and enhance operational efficiency. The company cited market conditions and operational challenges as reasons for these changes. The layoffs were part of a broader initiative to align resources with strategic priorities. Importance: Addressing this news is crucial given the current economic environment, where companies are under pressure to adapt to market fluctuations and regulatory changes. The impact of such restructuring on employees and stakeholders, especially in a volatile economic climate, underscores the importance of staying informed about these developments.

EnLink Midstream offers its employees various stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of its executive compensation packages. The RSUs are awarded under the company's incentive plan, and eligibility extends to executives and key personnel who contribute to the company's growth (EnLink Midstream) (FinViz). EnLink Midstream employees receive these RSUs with vesting schedules typically tied to performance metrics and tenure within the company. Stock options are also available but are generally reserved for senior executives (EnLink Midstream) (EnLink Midstream). EnLink Midstream's stock options and RSUs play a crucial role in aligning employee incentives with shareholder value. The company expanded its RSU awards in 2022, 2023, and 2024 to support long-term employee retention and performance (EnLink Midstream) (Stock Analysis). Senior management and key employees are the primary recipients of these stock options, with vesting conditions tied to financial milestones such as EBITDA growth

Benefits Overview: EnLink Midstream provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance. Employees can also access health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and various wellness programs. Healthcare Terms: HSA: Health Savings Account FSA: Flexible Spending Account EAP: Employee Assistance Program

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for EnLink Midstream at 1722 Routh St, Suite 1300 Dallas, TX 75201; or by calling them at (214) 953-9500.