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Mortgage or Retirement? Where Should Fidelity National Information Services Employees Put Their Money?

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Fidelity National Information Services Fidelity National Information Services, often referred to as FIS, primarily utilizes Cigna Healthcare as its healthcare provider for employee benefits. Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans to FIS employees, ensuring access to essential medical services and resources. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, healthcare consumers should prepare for significant increases in health insurance premiums. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace is set to see some of the steepest hikes since its inception, with rates in certain states jumping by over 60%. As enhanced federal premium subsidies are likely to expire without congressional action, more than 22 million Americans-92% of ACA participants-may confront out-of-pocket premium increases exceeding 75%. This trend reflects not only rising medical costs but also profit pressures from major insurers, creating a challenging environment for consumers seeking affordable healthcare options. Click here to learn more

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

'Fidelity National Information Services 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 Fidelity National Information Services 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 Fidelity National Information Services 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 Fidelity National Information Services 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, Fidelity National Information Services 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 Fidelity National Information Services?

The 401(k) plan at Fidelity National Information Services is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis, helping them build a nest egg for retirement.

How can employees of Fidelity National Information Services enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan by accessing the benefits portal provided by Fidelity National Information Services and completing the enrollment process online.

What are the contribution limits for the 401(k) plan at Fidelity National Information Services?

The contribution limits for the 401(k) plan at Fidelity National Information Services are set annually by the IRS, and employees should refer to the current IRS guidelines for the latest limits.

Does Fidelity National Information Services offer matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Fidelity National Information Services offers matching contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.

What investment options are available in the Fidelity National Information Services 401(k) plan?

The 401(k) plan at Fidelity National Information Services includes a variety of investment options, such as mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

Can employees of Fidelity National Information Services take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, employees of Fidelity National Information Services may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave Fidelity National Information Services?

If you leave Fidelity National Information Services, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) account to another qualified retirement plan, cash it out, or leave it in the Fidelity National Information Services plan if allowed.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan at Fidelity National Information Services?

Employees at Fidelity National Information Services can typically change their contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's specific rules.

Is there a vesting schedule for employer contributions in the Fidelity National Information Services 401(k) plan?

Yes, Fidelity National Information Services has a vesting schedule for employer contributions, which determines how much of the employer's contributions an employee is entitled to based on their length of service.

How can I access my 401(k) account information at Fidelity National Information Services?

Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the benefits portal provided by Fidelity National Information Services or by contacting the plan administrator.

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

Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) offers its employees the Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan through Vanguard, covering approximately 27,995 employees. The 401(k) plan includes both employee and employer contributions, with limits set by the IRS. In 2023, the maximum employee contribution to the 401(k) was $22,500, and this limit rose to $23,000 in 2024. Employees aged 50 and older are eligible for an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500, raising their total possible contribution to $30,000 in 2023 and $30,500 in 2024. Fidelity National Information Services employees can benefit from both traditional and Roth 401(k) options under this plan, which is managed through Vanguard (Capitalize) (FidelityWorkplace). The company's 401(k) plan includes employer contributions, allowing employees to benefit from profit-sharing when the company performs well. Combined employee and employer contributions were capped at $66,000 in 2023 and increased to $69,000 in 2024

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2023, FIS announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at optimizing its operations and reducing costs. This involved a reduction in workforce by approximately 6% to streamline its operations and enhance profitability. The company cited the need to adapt to the evolving market demands and competitive landscape as key reasons for these changes. Importance: Given the current economic uncertainty and the shifting landscape of the financial services industry, it is crucial to monitor these developments. The restructuring efforts reflect broader trends in the sector, impacted by economic conditions, investment strategies, and regulatory changes. Understanding these adjustments can provide insights into how companies are navigating the economic environment and managing their resources.

Fidelity National Information Services (FIS): In 2022, FIS provided stock options and RSUs to its employees as part of its compensation package. The stock options are typically granted to key employees and executives, while RSUs are offered more broadly across various levels of the company. This practice aligns with FIS's goal to attract and retain top talent. Fidelity National Information Services (FIS): For 2023, FIS continued offering stock options and RSUs. Stock options generally come with a vesting schedule, rewarding long-term commitment, while RSUs are often granted with performance-based vesting criteria. These incentives are designed to align employees' interests with the company's long-term goals. Fidelity National Information Services (FIS): In 2024, FIS has updated its stock options and RSU policies, focusing on increasing their competitive edge in the market. RSUs are commonly granted to senior employees and high performers, with stock options being allocated to executives and strategic hires. This approach helps FIS to maintain a motivated and engaged workforce.

Fidelity National Information Services' Financial and Industry Publications: Sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, or industry-specific publications often cover employee benefits in detail. Employee Reviews and Forums: Websites like Glassdoor or Indeed may have reviews and posts from current or former employees discussing their experiences with health benefits. Government and Legal Sources: Resources like the Department of Labor or legal databases might provide information on any recent changes or compliance issues related to employee benefits.