New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Mortgage or Retirement? Where Should Jones Lang LaSalle Employees Put Their Money?

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider Information for Jones Lang LaSalle Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) offers a comprehensive range of healthcare real estate services. The company specializes in managing, optimizing, and developing healthcare facilities, leveraging its deep expertise to support healthcare providers in enhancing operational efficiency and improving patient care environments. Through its Healthcare Center of Excellence, JLL provides clients with tailored real estate solutions to navigate the complexities of the healthcare landscape effectively. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we head into 2026, healthcare costs are projected to see significant increases due to a perfect storm of factors. Record hikes in health insurance premiums for ACA marketplace plans, sometimes exceeding 60% in various states, combined with the likely expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, could result in over 75% more out-of-pocket premiums for the majority of enrollees. Coupled with persistent medical cost inflation driven by high hospital and drug prices, consumers may find healthcare increasingly unaffordable unless proactive steps are taken now. The evolving regulatory environment will further complicate the landscape, emphasizing the necessity for strategic decisions in coverage and care. Click here to learn more

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

'Jones Lang LaSalle 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 Jones Lang LaSalle 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 Jones Lang LaSalle 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 Jones Lang LaSalle 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, Jones Lang LaSalle 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).

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

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 Jones Lang LaSalle?

The 401(k) plan at Jones Lang LaSalle 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.

Does Jones Lang LaSalle match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

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

How can employees at Jones Lang LaSalle enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan at Jones Lang LaSalle by accessing the benefits portal or contacting the HR department for assistance.

What types of investment options are available in the Jones Lang LaSalle 401(k) plan?

The Jones Lang LaSalle 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

When can employees at Jones Lang LaSalle start contributing to their 401(k) plan?

Employees at Jones Lang LaSalle can typically start contributing to their 401(k) plan after completing their initial eligibility period, which is outlined in the employee handbook.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Jones Lang LaSalle 401(k) plan?

Yes, Jones Lang LaSalle has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matched contributions.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) savings at Jones Lang LaSalle?

Yes, employees can take loans against their 401(k) savings at Jones Lang LaSalle, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Jones Lang LaSalle?

If an employee leaves Jones Lang LaSalle, they have several options for their 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to an IRA or a new employer's plan, or cashing it out.

How often can employees change their contribution rate to the Jones Lang LaSalle 401(k) plan?

Employees at Jones Lang LaSalle can change their contribution rate to the 401(k) plan at designated times throughout the year, as specified in the plan guidelines.

Are there any fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Jones Lang LaSalle?

Yes, there may be fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Jones Lang LaSalle, which are disclosed in the plan documents and can vary based on investment choices.

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

Plan Name: Jones Lang LaSalle Employee Pension Plan Years of Service and Age Qualification: Employees typically need to complete a minimum number of years of service to qualify for the pension plan. The specific requirements can vary based on the plan’s terms. Pension Formula: The pension formula used by Jones Lang LaSalle is based on factors such as years of service, salary history, and age at retirement. The exact formula can be found in the pension plan documentation. Qualification for 401(k) Plan: Eligibility for the 401(k) plan generally includes all full-time employees who meet certain service and age requirements. 401(k) Plan Name: Jones Lang LaSalle 401(k) Plan

Layoffs and Restructuring: In early 2023, Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) announced a significant restructuring plan, including the reduction of around 5% of its global workforce. This move was attributed to the company's strategy to streamline operations and adapt to changing market conditions. The reduction affects various departments, particularly those in support functions. It’s important to follow this news given the current economic climate, as companies are reassessing their structures amid economic uncertainty and shifting investment priorities. Understanding these changes can provide insights into broader market trends and potential impacts on employee benefits and job security. Changes to Benefits and Retirement Plans: In mid-2023, JLL also updated its employee benefits, including modifications to its pension and 401(k) plans. The company reduced its matching contributions to 401(k) plans and revised its pension plan options to align with its new business strategy and cost management efforts. These changes come as part of JLL's broader efforts to optimize financial performance amid fluctuating economic conditions. Monitoring these adjustments is crucial as they reflect broader trends in corporate benefits adjustments, influenced by tax and investment factors, and can impact employee retirement planning and financial security.

Stock Options: Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) offered stock options primarily to senior executives and high-level employees in 2022. The company used stock options to align executives' interests with shareholders' interests. JLL’s stock options were generally tied to performance metrics and long-term strategic goals. RSUs: In 2022, Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) were granted to employees across various levels, including middle management and above. RSUs served as a retention tool and were often granted based on performance evaluations and tenure. JLL utilized RSUs to provide employees with ownership stakes in the company, typically vesting over a period of time.

Health Benefits Information: JLL provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. They also offer health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs). Specific details for 2022-2024 can be found in the benefits section of their career page or employee handbook, though exact details may vary based on location and employment status. Acronyms and Terms: HSAs (Health Savings Accounts), FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts), PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), HMO (Health Maintenance Organization).