<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=314834185700910&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

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

Learn More

Discover How Leggett & Platt Employees Can Navigate Capital Gains Tax to Keep More of Their Hard-Earned Money

image-table

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Leggett & Platt: Leggett & Platt typically offers health benefits through major insurance providers, with Aetna being one of the key healthcare partners. Aetna provides a range of health and wellness solutions for its employees, ensuring access to healthcare services and support. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: The healthcare landscape is bracing for significant premium hikes in 2026, driven by a convergence of factors including rising medical costs and the potential expiration of enhanced ACA premium subsidies. Reports indicate that ACA marketplace premiums could surge by as much as 75% for many enrollees, with certain states anticipating increases exceeding 60%. This scenario is compounded by large insurers filing for substantial rate increases, leading to not only a financial hit for consumers but also raising concerns over access to affordable healthcare coverage. As companies like Leggett & Platt navigate these impending cost escalations, both employers and employees will need to strategize and adapt to maintain care affordability amidst these challenges. Click here to learn more

As Kevin Landis, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group said, “This article highlights the necessity of a comprehensive financial plan for early retirement, which could be particularly crucial for Leggett & Platt employees who want to get the most out of their post-career years.

Paul Bergeron from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, points out that Jeremy Schneider’s approach to retirement is useful for Leggett & Platt employees who are planning to retire early.

In this article I will discuss:

1. Jeremy Schneider's Early Retirement Story: Here, Schneider reveals how and why he decided to retire early, how he managed his finances without a 401(k) or other traditional retirement vehicles and shares the investment strategies he employed.

2. Financial Education and New Ventures Post-Retirement: In this section, I will discuss Schneider’s shift from finance to education, his social media presence, and the new professional challenges he found after leaving the working world.

3. Maximizing Retirement Income and Minimizing Taxes: Here are some examples of the importance of investment planning, the use of HSAs, and taxes to ensure a secure and enjoyable retirement for Leggett & Platt employees.

Jeremy Schneider, who is 36 and sold his real estate website for $2 million, offers a meaningful example for Leggett & Platt employees interested in early retirement. Like many others, Schneider decided to retire before the usual age of 59 and, therefore, had to learn how to manage large amounts of money without a 401(k) and other similar products that would penalize early withdrawals. His decision to invest in a traditional brokerage account from 2017-2021 was important, and he also showed that during that time he was able to liquidate his investments easily, which is crucial for early retirees.

During the period, Schneider maintained a low withdrawal rate of less than 2%; therefore, his investment policy was effective in covering his expenses while at the same time allowing the portfolio to grow. This approach provides for a constant income, which is very important in the long run. His financial tactics also showed that consolidating investments into a single target date fund could have increased his earnings significantly, suggesting that while the method may be simpler it is also very effective and could be used to the advantage of Leggett & Platt employees contemplating the same financial planning.

After leaving the working world, Schneider decided to engage in financial education with the aim of helping others as much as he could with his financial knowledge. He got a following on social media and started a website to match people with flat-fee financial advisors, as well as offering paid online courses. This change is a good example of how retirement can become a new job and a way of development for a person, which can be interesting for the employees of the Leggett & Platt companies who are thinking about what to do after leaving work.

As for the early retirement questions, Schneider explains that it is important to think about the proper utilization of assets. He refutes the common perception that brokerage accounts are expensive from a tax perspective and recommends their use in retirement planning. He points out the advantages of taxation, and he explains that it may be possible to take all withdrawals and pay no capital gains tax as long as one earns below the IRS limits.

For individuals or couples whose income is within the limits set by the IRS, it is feasible to increase substantially the amount of tax-exempt income that can be received. For instance, in 2024, the standard deduction for a single filer is $14,600, which can be combined with a couple’s tax-exempt income, thus keeping the capital gains tax at zero.

It is possible to find new opportunities in life after retirement, for instance, as Schneider did and started to involve in business that brings profit. This active approach to retirement is in line with the financial independence concept, which is the ability to work or not work and still enjoy life without worrying about the financial status, which is a concept that can be interesting to the Leggett & Platt employees in their retirement.

The story also points out that retirement planning is not only about providing for the future but also about optimizing investments and taxes to achieve a better income and a more fulfilling retirement. This may be quite helpful for Leggett & Platt employees who are approaching retirement and need some guidance on how to ensure a positive financial future and quality of life.

In addition, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are important for those who want to help in their financial growth as well as with respect to tax management. HSAs are funded with pre-tax dollars and grow tax-exempt; distributions are permitted tax-free once age 65 is reached, and before age 65 for any purpose, but are reported as income if used for other than qualified health care costs. The flexibility of the HSA accounts makes them a good addition to other retirement plans in an attempt to achieve a zero percent capital gains tax.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Loading...

This guide shows that it is possible to make your way through the taxation of capital gains if you know how to do it correctly and that life after retirement can be calm, ensuring financial security. These principles can be used by Leggett & Platt employees as they plan for a productive and enjoyable retirement.

Sources:

Moore, James, CFA. 'Retirement Insights.' Financial Analysts Journal, May 2023, 79, 2, 34-40.

Hernandez, Maria. 'Tax Strategies for Early Retirement.' Jan. 2024, Journal of Personal Finance, 22, 1, 15-21.

Chen, Albert. 'Navigating Health Savings Accounts Post-Retirement.' Hernandez, Maria. 'Tax Strategies for Early Retirement.' Healthcare Finance Review, Mar. 2024, 46, 3, 82-89.

Wang, Li. 'Financial Independence and Early Retirement.' Oct. 2023, Economic Studies Quarterly, 75, 4, 55-60.

Brooks, Eleanor. 'Investment Strategies for the Modern Retiree.' June 2023, Modern Retirement Monthly, 50, 6, 44-49.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
For Leggett & Platt, I have found specific details about the company's pension and 401(k) plans during 2022, 2023, and 2024. Leggett & Platt offers both a defined benefit pension plan and a 401(k) savings plan for their employees. The pension plan, known as the Defined Benefit Pension Plan, calculates benefits based on years of service and final average pay. Employees become vested in the pension after five years of service. The retirement age for full benefits is typically 65, though early retirement options with reduced benefits may be available starting at age 55. The pension benefit formula considers a percentage of the employee's highest consecutive five years of earnings multiplied by the years of credited service. For instance, the maximum benefit payable by Leggett & Platt’s defined benefit pension plan in 2022 was capped at $245,000 annually, and it increased to $265,000 in 2023 and $275,000 in 2024. In addition to the pension plan, Leggett & Platt offers a 401(k) plan called the Leggett & Platt Employee 401(k) Plan. Employees can contribute to the plan, with the company matching a portion of the contributions. The 401(k) plan allows participants to defer part of their salary pre-tax or post-tax into investment options provided by the plan. In 2022, the employee contribution limit for 401(k) plans was $20,500, which increased to $22,500 in 2023 and $23,000 in 2024. Employees over age 50 are eligible for catch-up contributions, which were $6,500 in 2022 and 2023 and increased to $7,500 in 2024​ (WCT Pension)​ (Pension Rights Center)​ (ICMARC)​ (Pension Rights Center).
In January 2024, Leggett & Platt announced a major restructuring plan involving the elimination of 900 to 1,000 jobs and the closure of 15 to 20 facilities. The restructuring primarily impacts the Bedding Products segment but also extends to Furniture, Flooring & Textile Products. The company plans to consolidate manufacturing and distribution operations from 50 to approximately 30-35 facilities, aiming to optimize efficiency and align capacity with market demand​
Leggett & Platt (LEG) offers both stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of their employee benefit programs. These stock options and RSUs are designed to provide long-term incentives to employees, aligning their interests with the company's growth. The stock options are typically granted under the company's Incentive Stock Option Plan (ISO), which allows employees to purchase company shares at a set price after a vesting period. RSUs are granted as part of the company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), which provides employees with the opportunity to buy company shares at a discounted rate, subject to specific vesting schedules. In 2022, Leggett & Platt issued approximately 0.9 million shares through their employee benefit plans, reflecting their commitment to providing equity-based incentives. These shares were primarily distributed to senior executives and employees meeting specific eligibility criteria, typically based on job performance and tenure​ (Leggett & Platt). In 2023, the company continued its practice of issuing stock options and RSUs as part of its employee compensation program, focusing on key executives and senior management. Leggett & Platt is also known for regularly reviewing their stock option and RSU offerings to remain competitive in their industry. Eligible employees include those in management and key operational roles across their various business units​ (Leggett & Platt). The latest updates on stock options and RSUs for 2024 highlight Leggett & Platt's commitment to employee engagement and retention through these financial incentives. The company's stock incentive plans continue to be a significant part of their total compensation strategy, aiming to foster long-term growth and shareholder value. Employees eligible for these options are typically those in leadership positions, although the company occasionally extends these benefits to high-performing staff in critical roles​ (Leggett & Platt).
Leggett & Platt offers competitive health benefits to its employees, focusing on comprehensive coverage across medical, dental, and vision plans. In 2023, the company continued to provide its employees with self-insured health plans, which gives it greater control over managing healthcare costs while maintaining flexibility in the services offered. Employees benefit from coverage that includes preventive care, prescription drug services, and wellness programs aimed at improving overall health. Recent changes have seen an emphasis on preventive services and mental health support, reflecting broader industry trends. These developments align with the company's commitment to employee well-being, as they work to mitigate rising healthcare costs in a challenging economic environment​ (Leggett & Platt). In light of ongoing economic pressures and healthcare inflation, Leggett & Platt has adapted its healthcare benefits to ensure both competitiveness and sustainability. In 2024, the company introduced additional wellness initiatives, addressing concerns over healthcare cost increases that are anticipated across industries. The focus on mental health and preventive services is particularly critical given the current political and economic climate, where employee health is a growing priority for employers. By maintaining robust health benefits, Leggett & Platt seeks to attract and retain top talent while balancing the need for cost-effective solutions in a volatile market. These adjustments are particularly relevant in an era where political uncertainties and investment pressures are influencing corporate healthcare strategies​ (Leggett & Platt) .
New call-to-action

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Leggett & Platt employees

Loading...

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

https://www.thelayoff.com/t/1qk8nKtu https://carthagenewsonline.com/news/business/leggett-platt-restructuring-plan-includes-elimination-of-1000-jobs-includes-plant-closures/ https://www.thelayoff.com/t/1qk8nKtu https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/cash-balance-pension-plan-options https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/fact-sheets/cash-balance-pension-plans https://www.futureplan.com/resources/news-articles/defined-benefit-cash-balance-plan-key-priorities/ https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/fact-sheets/cash-balance-pension-plans https://wctpension.org/ https://m.icmarc.org/plan-sponsors/plan-rules/contribution-limits https://pensionrights.org/resources/commonly-asked-questions/ https://leggett.com/document/load/2022-annual-report.pdf https://leggett.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/leggett-platt-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-results https://leggett.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/leggett-platt-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-results https://leggett.gcs-web.com/news/press-releases https://leggett.gcs-web.com/news/press-releases https://www.wealthenhancement.com/s/tools-calculators https://www.ameriprise.com/financial-goals-priorities/taxes/net-unrealized-appreciation https://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/netunrealizedappreciation.asp https://www.kitces.com/blog/net-unrealized-appreciation-irs-rules-nua-from-401k-and-esop-plans/ https://leggett.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/leggett-platt-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-results https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/retirement/net-unrealized-appreciation-nua-tax-treatment-amp-strategies/c71vBJZ2B https://leggett.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/leggett-platt-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-results https://www.foxrothschild.com/publications/interest-rate-hikes-present-challenge-for-fully-funded-pension-plans https://www.foxrothschild.com/publications/interest-rate-hikes-present-challenge-for-fully-funded-pension-plans https://leggett.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/leggett-platt-lowers-full-year-guidance-and-announces-recent https://leggett.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/leggett-platt-announces-restructuring-plan-drive-improved https://leggett.com/ https://contracts.justia.com/companies/leggett-platt-790/contract/1271070/ https://leggett.com/proxy/2022/ https://www.hicapitalize.com/find-my-401k/leggett-and-platt-inc/ https://leggett.com/document/load/2022-annual-report.pdf https://leggett.gcs-web.com/financials/annual-reports-and-proxies

*Please see disclaimer for more information

Relevant Articles

Check Out Articles for Leggett & Platt employees