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

Mortgage or Retirement? Where Should Mosaic Employees Put Their Money?

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Mosaic Mosaic is known for its commitment to quality health services, focusing on advanced specialty care. This commitment is underpinned by a range of healthcare providers who collaborate within the organization, prioritizing value-based care to enhance patient outcomes and reduce overall healthcare costs. Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As healthcare costs are projected to rise sharply in 2026, consumers, particularly those in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, may face substantial financial burdens. With reports indicating possible premium hikes of over 60% in some states due to increasing medical expenses and the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, many average consumers could see their out-of-pocket costs surge by up to 75%. This situation highlights the pressing need for strategic planning in healthcare spending and coverage selection well ahead of the looming increases. Click here to learn more

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

'Mosaic 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 Mosaic 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 Mosaic 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 Mosaic 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, Mosaic 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 Mosaic?

The 401(k) plan at Mosaic is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

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

Mosaic offers a company match of 50% on employee contributions up to 6% of their salary, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.

When can employees at Mosaic enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Mosaic can enroll in the 401(k) plan during the initial onboarding process and during the annual open enrollment period.

Is there a vesting schedule for Mosaic's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Mosaic has a vesting schedule for company contributions, which typically requires employees to work for a certain number of years before they fully own the employer match.

What investment options are available in Mosaic's 401(k) plan?

Mosaic offers a variety of investment options, including target-date funds, index funds, and actively managed funds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) at Mosaic?

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

What happens to my 401(k) if I leave Mosaic?

If you leave Mosaic, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out, or leave it in the Mosaic plan if eligible.

Does Mosaic offer financial education resources for its 401(k) plan?

Yes, Mosaic provides financial education resources, including workshops and one-on-one consultations, to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.

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

Employees at Mosaic can change their contribution rate at any time, subject to the plan’s guidelines.

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

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

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

The Mosaic Company provides its employees with a robust 401(k) retirement plan, offering several benefits designed to enhance financial wellness. The Mosaic 401(k) plan allows employees to make pre-tax payroll deductions, which contribute to their retirement savings, with tax-deferred growth. Mosaic also supports employees through company matching contributions and annual company contributions, helping to grow their retirement accounts. The plan offers a wide range of investment options, and employees can manage their accounts through Fidelity, which provides access to tools, calculators, and account management options. Eligibility for the Mosaic 401(k) plan includes full-time employees, with options for part-time and hourly workers depending on their hours of service. The plan allows for automatic payroll deductions and enrollment at any time, providing flexibility to employees. Mosaic uses Fidelity's platform for all aspects of the 401(k) plan, including account management and beneficiary updates (Mosaic Benefits). For Mosaic's pension plan, details are typically outlined in the company's summary plan description documents. The pension plan, often referred to as a Defined Benefit Plan, considers factors such as years of service and age qualification. Employees typically qualify after completing a certain number of years of service, which is standard in defined benefit plans across industries. Further details about the pension plan name, specific formulas, and eligibility would be available in company documents, such as the Summary Plan Description, which can be requested from Mosaic's HR department

In 2024, Mosaic Insurance underwent a significant restructuring of its underwriting and operational teams. The restructuring was aimed at supporting the company’s strategic expansion and driving growth for its agency business. The reorganization led to the redistribution of roles across key operational areas and advancements in technological integration. Key personnel updates included the promotion of leaders in strategic finance, corporate affairs, digital and AI strategy, and underwriting. This restructuring demonstrates Mosaic’s focus on evolving its global agency model and fostering partnerships that bring innovative solutions to the market (Royal Gazette) (Royal Gazette).

Mosaic (MOS) offers both employee stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of its compensation package, with specific eligibility and conditions tied to each. The stock options are divided into Non-Qualified Stock Options (NQSOs) and Incentive Stock Options (ISOs). NQSOs are available to employees, contractors, directors, and advisors, while ISOs are limited to employees and are capped at $100,000 per year in exercisable value. RSUs can also be awarded to employees, contractors, directors, and advisors, with no set annual limits. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Mosaic has continued to offer stock options and RSUs to key personnel, especially employees contributing to long-term company growth. Mosaic stock options grant the right to purchase company stock at a set price, and vesting schedules are typically spread over several years.

Medical Premiums: For both 2023 and 2024, employees saw slight increases in medical premiums. The monthly premium rise was approximately $6 to $29 in 2023 and $5 to $25 in 2024, depending on the plan. These adjustments reflected national trends while maintaining lower increases than expected. Dental and Vision: For four consecutive years, Mosaic maintained stable costs for dental and vision plans, ensuring that employee contributions did not rise. Wellness Incentives: Mosaic offers a $500 wellness incentive for employees and spouses/domestic partners who participate in personal health screenings under the company’s health plan. This incentive continues into 2024 as part of their focus on preventive care. Flexible Time Off: In addition to health benefits, Mosaic implemented a "Flexible Time Off" program allowing employees to take time for vacation, illness, mental health, and volunteering.

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Mosaic employees

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Mosaic at , ; or by calling them at .

https://carlsoncap.com/articles/nua-net-unrealized-appreciation/ https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/retirement/net-unrealized-appreciation-nua-tax-treatment-amp-strategies/c71vBJZ2B https://creativeplanning.com/insights/financial-planning/how-to-use-the-net-unrealized-appreciation-nua-strategy-in-your-401k/ https://investors.mosaicco.com/press-releases/news-details/2024/Mosaic-Announces-Dates-For-First-Quarter-2024-Results-And-Conference-Call-/default.aspx https://themosaiccompany.com/ https://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/mosaic-announces-first-quarter-2024-results-2024-05-01 https://mosaicco.com/ https://www.principal.com/businesses/trends-insights/interest-rates-are-rise-and-may-impact-your-lump-sum-benefits https://www.foxrothschild.com/publications/interest-rate-hikes-present-challenge-for-fully-funded-pension-plans https://last10k.com/sec-filings/mos/0001618034-22-000004.htm https://annualreport.stocklight.com/nyse/mos/23658772.pdf https://zajacgrp.com/insights/a-comparison-of-employee-stock-options-vs-restricted-stock-units/ https://www.royalgazette.com/reinsurance/business/article/20240715/mosaic-in-restructuring-exercise/ https://www.paulweiss.com/practices/transactional/private-equity/news/mosaic-spac-completes-merger-with-vivint-smart-home?id=30516https://www.govconwire.com/ https://www.thewealthadvisor.com/article/layoffs-soared-98-2023-employers-cost-cutting-mode https://www.pymnts.com/technology/2024/tech-layoffs-reach-132000-8-months-into-2024/ https://www.brianheger.com/2023-layoff-tracker-of-organizations-announcing-job-cuts-brian-heger/ https://benefits.mosaicco.com/Financial/401k https://www.mosaicretirementplanning.com/resources/retirement-income-calculator https://www.independentactuaries.com/2024-plan-limits/ https://www.emparion.com/cash-balance-plan-lifetime-contribution-limits/