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Hershey Retirees Should Be Mindful Under Spending, Here's Why

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Hershey: The Hershey Company utilizes a comprehensive employee health plan primarily administered by Aetna. This partnership allows Hershey employees and their families access to a wide range of healthcare services, focusing on preventive care, wellness programs, and comprehensive coverage. Healthcare Cost Increases for Hershey in 2026: In 2026, Hershey and its employees may face significant increases in healthcare costs, reflecting broader trends within the healthcare landscape. With anticipated ACA premium hikes, many enrollees could see their out-of-pocket costs surge by over 75% due to the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies. Factors such as rising medical costs, increased utilization of services, and aggressive rate adjustments from insurers contribute to this impending financial pressure, compelling individuals and families to reassess their healthcare choices and budgeting strategies for the upcoming year. Click here to learn more

Retirement can be quite challenging for the Hershey employees as they approach retirement age while at the same time facing various psychological barriers that affect the decision-making process concerning their finances,' said Tyson Mavar of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

This paper aims at exploring the challenges that Hershey employees face as they retire and the solutions to these challenges. Some of them, for instance, tend to have very conserved spending patterns which may hinder them from having a pleasant retirement life,' notes Wesley Boudreaux from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

Retirement Spending Trends: Here, the focus is on how Hershey retirees spend their retirement funds, and their preference for fixed income sources such as Social Security and pensions.
Psychological Barriers in Financial Decisions: In this article, the author discusses the effects of loss aversion and the need for personal insurance against risks such as longevity, medical expenses, and market risks on the retirement spending of retirees.
Strategic Financial Tools for Retirement: HSA, annuities, and long-term care insurance are reviewed with respect to how they can improve the quality of life and financial security of retirees in retirement.

In a world where people spend much time and energy into building up large retirement funds, a large proportion of Hershey retirees can be seen to exhibit a cautious approach to spending, with a large proportion of them preferring to receive income from fixed interest assets such as Social Security and pensions. Although this caution seems prudent, it may deny many people the opportunity of a pleasant retirement lifestyle that befits their age and the savings they have made.

The conventional approach to retirement planning has been based on the consume down approach for instance the famous “4% rule” which states that one should only withdraw 4% of the retirement portfolio every year. This minimizes the risks of running out of money. However, the theoretical framework does not fit with the actual behavior of retirees, and data shows that this is the case. New York Life launched a survey in 2023 and according to the survey, only 16% of the seniors make regular withdrawals from their retirement accounts, and 30% do not make any withdrawals at all. This is a very bad trend. This departure from theoretical spending models thus suggests that retirees are generally cautious, and they tend to prefer to hold on to their money rather than maximize their retirement income.

Some other information from the 2022 Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) Fact Book and the Society of Actuaries also shows that there is an ironic situation in the spending behavior of the retirees:

Even though the ability to maintain a comfortable standard of living is of great concern, there is a tendency to leave the portfolio assets untouched. This shows that there is a more serious fear of ‘eating’ one’s 'nest egg' even when there are enough assets to provide for a more enjoyable and fulfilling retirement.

The effects of this conservative spending behaviour are not zero. It is crucial to understand the underlying psychological and behavioral factors that affect this problem, including loss aversion and the need to insure oneself against losses such as longevity, medical expenses, and market risks when helping people with this issue.

The evidence clearly suggests:

There is a need to include assurances into retirement planning for Hershey retirees and their ability and willingness to spend during retirement can be enhanced. The literature has time and again posed that retirees who have fixed income sources such as Social Security, pensions, or annuities have higher levels of spending and therefore report higher levels of satisfaction with their retirement. Specifically, an 8% increase in spending has been found to be associated with the presence of annuity income, which is important in enhancing comfort and financial security during retirement.

Furthermore, it is possible to use insurance products wisely, including long-term care insurance, to address some of the risks that are inherent in retirement, particularly those related to longevity and healthcare. The Hershey retirees can prevent themselves from having to rely on their own savings by buying insurance to cover these risks and, therefore, enjoy a more active and fulfilling retirement. Financial advisors are leading the way in this revolution in retirement planning. Advisors can help seniors overcome behavioral biases by recommending concepts that convert the money that has been accumulated to produce a steady stream of retirement income that includes both income and insurance benefits.

This method not only enhances the financial security of the Hershey retirees but also enhances their quality of life in retirement and allows them to enjoy themselves doing the things they love without worrying about the money running out. In conclusion, there are numerous ways to have a fulfilling retirement and this includes accumulating wealth and using it properly to sustain the desired standard of living. By adopting a balanced approach that focuses on income production and risk management through insurance products, Hershey retirees can successfully navigate the complexities of financial planning and achieve a retirement that reflects their efforts and dreams. According to a recent survey conducted in 2023 by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), more Hershey retirees are using Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) as a strategic tool to manage their retirement healthcare expenses.

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The survey revealed that HSAs, which are most famous for their triple tax advantage, are now being viewed as more valuable as long-term investments in addition to their ability to fund present day health-related expenses. Retirees are able to contribute to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) that are tax exempt and so them and their employers are able to build up funds that can be used without tax being paid on them for permitted health related expenses in retirement. This helps to overcome a large number of the retirement spending problems that are linked to health care.

This realization shows that it is important to consider other financial tools in the retirement planning process in order to help lead a pleasant retirement. For Hershey retirees and employees, retirement planning is like painstakingly getting ready for an epic ocean cruise. Just as a veteran mariner lays in stores and sets a course, then checks that he has made all the preparations for the storms that he may encounter on the journey, so retirees save, invest and plan for a financially secure future. But when they finally leave for the smooth waters of retirement, many of them are reluctant to part with the funds they have so carefully accumulated, as a captain of a ship would approach his task cautiously even after having made all the necessary preparations.

To ensure that the journey not only arrives at the destination but also enjoys the way, this article guides retirees through these waters with the stars of health savings accounts, systematic withdrawal strategies, and income sources.

Sources:

1. RetireGuide: 'Average Retirement Spending in 2025 + Budgeting Tips.' RetireGuide, www.retireguide.com/retirement-life-leisure/average-retirement-spending/ . Accessed 2 Feb. 2025. J.P.

2. Morgan Asset Management: 'Three New Spending Surprises.' J.P. Morgan Asset Management, am.jpmorgan.com/us/en/asset-management/adv/insights/retirement-insights/guide-to-retirement/spending-surprises/. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

3. Kitces.com: Stein, Michael. 'How Total Spending Declines Over Time In Retirement.' Kitces.com, www.kitces.com/blog/retirement-spending-smile-needs-rising-medical-costs-go-go-slow-go-no-go-years/ . Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

4. Fidelity: Zhao, Beau. 'How Much Will You Spend in Retirement?' Fidelity, www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/retirement/how-much-will-you-spend . Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

5. Annuity.org: Malone, Malori. '50+ Essential Retirement Statistics for 2025: Demographics.' Annuity.org, www.annuity.org/retirement/retirement-statistics/ . Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

What is the Hershey 401(k) plan?

The Hershey 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for their future by contributing a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or post-tax basis.

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

Hershey offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of employee contributions, up to a certain limit.

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

Employees at Hershey can enroll in the 401(k) plan during their initial onboarding period or during specific open enrollment periods throughout the year.

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

Hershey's 401(k) plan provides a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help employees diversify their retirement savings.

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

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

What is the vesting schedule for Hershey's 401(k) matching contributions?

The vesting schedule for Hershey's 401(k) matching contributions typically follows a graduated schedule, meaning employees earn ownership of the match over a specified period of service.

How can Hershey employees access their 401(k) account information?

Hershey employees can access their 401(k) account information through the company's employee benefits portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

What happens to a Hershey employee's 401(k) if they leave the company?

If a Hershey employee leaves the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the Hershey plan if eligible.

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

Yes, there may be fees associated with Hershey's 401(k) plan, such as administrative fees or investment management fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

How does Hershey educate employees about the 401(k) plan?

Hershey provides educational resources, workshops, and one-on-one consultations to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed decisions.

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

Hershey Employee Pension Plan: Name of Plan: Hershey Company Pension Plan. Pension Formula: Hershey's pension formula typically involves a defined benefit formula based on years of service and final average salary. However, specific details about the formula can be complex and may require accessing detailed plan documents. Years of Service and Age Qualification: Generally, eligibility for the pension plan requires a certain number of years of service and reaching a specific age. The details can vary depending on the plan's provisions for different employee groups. Qualification Criteria: Typically, employees must reach a specific age (often 55 or older) and have a minimum number of years of service (such as 5 or 10 years) to qualify for full pension benefits. Hershey 401(k) Plan: Name of Plan: Hershey 401(k) Savings Plan. Qualification for Plan: Employees are usually eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan from their date of hire. Contributions are made through payroll deductions, and Hershey may offer matching contributions based on the employee’s contribution rate. Contribution Limits: The plan generally follows IRS limits for employee contributions and employer matching contributions.

Hershey announced a series of organizational changes aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency. This includes a reduction in workforce as part of a broader restructuring effort. The company stated that these measures are necessary to adapt to changing market conditions and to position itself for future growth. The layoffs and restructuring are a response to the current economic climate, which demands greater agility and cost management. Given the evolving economic and political landscape, staying informed about these changes is crucial for understanding their impact on the company's strategic direction and employee relations.

Stock Options: Hershey offers stock options as part of its employee compensation packages. The options are typically granted to senior executives and key employees based on performance metrics and tenure. (Source: Hershey 2022 Annual Report, p. 58) RSUs: Restricted Stock Units are granted to employees as a form of long-term incentive. RSUs at Hershey are usually awarded to senior management and high-potential employees, vesting over a period of time. (Source: Hershey 2023 Proxy Statement, p. 34) Eligibility: Hershey's stock options and RSUs are generally available to senior executives, directors, and sometimes high-performing employees. These incentives are designed to align employee interests with company performance. (Source: Hershey 2024 Form 10-K, p. 45)

Employee Reviews: Employees have noted positive aspects of Hershey’s health benefits, including the comprehensive nature of their health coverage and wellness programs. However, there have been occasional comments about the high costs associated with some of the plans. Recent Changes: There has been no significant news about major changes to Hershey’s health benefits from employee reviews on Glassdoor.