Healthcare Provider Update: Atmos Energy offers medical, dental, and vision insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, along with HSAs, FSAs, and telemedicine via MDLIVE 1. With ACA premiums projected to rise by 1518% and subsidies set to expire, Atmoss employer-sponsored plans provide a stable and cost-effective alternative to marketplace coverage. Click here to learn more
For Atmos Energy employees planning to stretch their retirement dollars as much as possible, it is important to realize the importance of untouched Social Security benefits,' said Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.
Managing investment planning in a market that is prone to changes and fluctuations is not a piece of cake, especially for the Atmos Energy employees,' explains Wesley Boudreaux from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.
1. Strategies for Maximizing Social Security Benefits: Methods such as delayed retirement credits that can help in increasing Social Security benefits for the Atmos Energy employees.
2. Analysis of the Current State of the Stock Market and Investment Consequences: Examination of the impact of the recent movements in the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq on the investment plans of the Atmos Energy employees.
3. Analysis of the Current Labor Market and Its Implications for Investment Decision Making: Review of the current employment trends and their consequences for financial planning and systemic risk among the Atmos Energy employees.
According to Fidelity Investments, Atmos Energy employees can take advantage of a strategy that can help boost Social Security benefits by as much as 24%. This strategy becomes a crucial consideration for those who want to get the most out of their retirement financial plans especially if they have already started claiming benefits.
The financial events that are most likely to affect the investment portfolios of the Atmos Energy employees, the S&P 500 led the stock futures higher on Thursday, and the Nasdaq Composite also set new highs, powered by a massive pop in Nvidia.
Markets were not in session the immediately preceding Wednesday due to the observance of the Juneteenth holiday. Except for small businesses, which have been rather inactive and are waiting for some events to occur in the near future, all the major indexes have been rising and showing positive trends.
The labor market statistics show that there was a marginal increase in the initial claims for unemployment benefits last week; however, the numbers were not as high as the ones reported the week before, which suggests that the labor market is stable.
This stability is in line with the overall positive market trends this year although the performance differs across industries. This information should be used when making investment decisions by the Atmos Energy employees.
Earnings reaction, Accenture’s shares rose after strong market reaction to its AI innovations.
Likewise, Qualcomm has also seen its stock price rise after being upgraded by CFRA and having strong support from Wall Street, with its late entry into the AI market and the company’s technologies and market position gaining the investors’ confidence.
For any Atmos Energy employee who is contemplating when to start collecting Social Security, it is important to know that retiring late will result in higher monthly benefits. The Social Security Administration points out that benefits rise by about 8 percent every year until age 70 for each year that retirement is postponed after full retirement age.
This strategy, referred to as “delayed retirement credits,” is essential for enhancing financial security in old age (Social Security Administration, 2022).
The process of optimizing your Social Security benefits by leaving them undeclared is a slow and steady process, similar to tending to a vineyard.
As with any grapes, there are times when the vines need careful attention to produce the best fruit, and in the same way, your Social Security benefits will appreciate if you allow them to ripen by not claiming retirement too early.
It is the same as a winery not picking the grapes at a time when they are not quite ready but knowing that by waiting for the perfect moment, the end product will be worth it, you can stand to gain up to 24% more from your monthly benefits.
This patience is like a good wine that is supposed to get better with age and can help to improve your financial situation, so that you can enjoy a more comfortable retirement from Atmos Energy.
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Disclosure:
This information is not intended as recommendation.
The opinions are subject to change at any time and no forecasts can be guaranteed. Investment decisions should always be made based on an investor's specific circumstances. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.
Sources:
1. Should You Delay Your Social Security?
Benefits & Considerations. Thrivent, 18 Dec. 2024, www.thrivent.com/news/should-you-delay-your-social-security-benefits-considerations.html.
2. The Delay of Social Security Delayed Retirement Credits – What Happens If I File After My Full Retirement Age? Social Security Intelligence, www.socialsecurityintelligence.com/delayed-retirement-credits-explained.
3. Benefits Planner: Retirement | Delayed Retirement Credits. Social Security Administration, www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/delayret.html.
4. Carroll, Devin. Understanding Social Security Delayed Retirement Credits. Social Security Intelligence, www.socialsecurityintelligence.com/understanding-delayed-retirement-credits. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
5. Johnson, Richard K. Delaying Social Security: The Financial Advantages. The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, www.crr.bc.edu/briefs/delaying-social-security-the-financial-advantages. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
What is the Atmos Energy 401(k) plan?
The Atmos Energy 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.
How can I enroll in the Atmos Energy 401(k) plan?
You can enroll in the Atmos Energy 401(k) plan by accessing the employee portal and completing the online enrollment process.
Does Atmos Energy match contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Atmos Energy offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution I can make to the Atmos Energy 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit is determined by IRS guidelines, and Atmos Energy follows these limits, which may change annually.
When can I start contributing to the Atmos Energy 401(k) plan?
Employees at Atmos Energy can start contributing to the 401(k) plan after they have completed their eligibility requirements, typically within the first few months of employment.
What investment options are available in the Atmos Energy 401(k) plan?
The Atmos Energy 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
How can I change my contribution percentage in the Atmos Energy 401(k) plan?
You can change your contribution percentage by logging into the employee portal and updating your 401(k) settings.
Is there a vesting schedule for Atmos Energy's matching contributions?
Yes, Atmos Energy has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means you will earn ownership of those contributions over time.
Can I take a loan from my Atmos Energy 401(k) plan?
Yes, Atmos Energy allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions outlined in the plan.
What happens to my Atmos Energy 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave Atmos Energy, you have several options for your 401(k) funds, including rolling them over to another retirement account, cashing out, or leaving them in the Atmos Energy plan if permitted.