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Mortgage or Retirement? Where Should Hub Group Employees Put Their Money?

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

'Hub Group 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:

  1. The Financial Trade-Off  – Analyzing potential investment returns versus mortgage interest savings.

  2. Risks and Considerations  – Understanding market volatility, liquidity, and tax implications.

  3. 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 Hub Group 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 Hub Group 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 Hub Group 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, Hub Group 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 Hub Group?

The 401(k) plan at Hub Group is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis, helping them prepare for retirement.

Does Hub Group match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Hub Group offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the eligibility requirement for Hub Group's 401(k) plan?

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

How can employees at Hub Group enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in Hub Group's 401(k) plan through the company's HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

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

Hub Group offers a variety of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles tailored to different risk tolerances.

Can employees at Hub Group take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Hub Group allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

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

If you leave Hub Group, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) account to another retirement plan, cash it out, or leave it in the Hub Group plan, depending on your preferences and the plan's rules.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the Hub Group 401(k) plan?

Employees can change their contribution amounts to Hub Group's 401(k) plan at any time, typically through the HR portal or by submitting a request to HR.

Is there a vesting schedule for Hub Group's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, Hub Group has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, meaning employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Hub Group's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Hub Group's 401(k) plan is subject to IRS regulations, which may change annually. Employees should check with HR for the current limits.

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: Hub Group Pension Plan Years of Service and Age Qualification: Generally, companies have specific criteria for years of service and age. This information is typically found in official plan documents. Pension Formula: The formula used to calculate pension benefits, which might include factors like years of service and final average salary. Specific Page Numbers: Document sources will be cited with page numbers. 401(k) Plan Information Name of 401(k) Plan: Hub Group 401(k) Savings Plan Who Qualifies: Eligibility criteria for participating in the 401(k) plan, which may include employment status or other criteria. Specific Page Numbers: Document sources will be cited with page numbers.
Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, Hub Group announced a restructuring plan aimed at optimizing their operational efficiency. This plan included a significant reduction in the workforce as part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and cut costs. The company cited changing market conditions and the need for increased agility in their operations as key reasons for these changes. Source: Logistics Management
Stock Options and RSUs: In 2022, Hub Group provided stock options and RSUs as part of their employee compensation packages. These options were typically granted to key executives and senior management. RSUs were often awarded based on performance metrics and time-based vesting schedules.
Official Hub Group Website: Visit Hub Group's official website and navigate to the "Careers" or "Employee Benefits" section. This section typically includes details on health benefits provided to employees. Glassdoor: Check employee reviews and benefits descriptions on Glassdoor. Reviews often include information on health insurance plans, wellness programs, and other benefits. Indeed: Similar to Glassdoor, Indeed has company reviews and employee benefits information. Search for Hub Group’s benefits section to gather details. LinkedIn: Review Hub Group’s LinkedIn page, where company updates and employee-related information might be posted. Look for any recent posts about employee health benefits.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Hub Group at , ; or by calling them at .

https://www.hubgroup.com/ https://www.pbgc.gov/ https://www.ft.com/

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