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Married and Retiring from Union Pacific? Discover 6 Essential Retirement Planning Strategies for Couples

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Union Pacific Union Pacific provides healthcare coverage primarily through its management benefits program, which may include options such as insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid for retirees. The specific providers associated with Union Pacific's healthcare offerings can vary and are typically outlined in their employee and retiree benefit guides. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As 2026 approaches, healthcare costs are expected to rise significantly, particularly for those enrolled in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Record premium hikes are anticipated, with over 22 million enrollees facing potential increases exceeding 75%-a consequence of expiring federal subsidies and aggressive rate hikes by major insurers. With employers also planning to shift more healthcare costs to employees through higher deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, individuals may find themselves grappling with substantial financial burdens in their healthcare expenses next year. Click here to learn more

For this reason, Union Pacific employees should consider the Spousal IRA as a part of their retirement planning if the spouse is not working or has low income,” advises Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, The Manager, Tyson Mavar, points out that Spousal IRAs are not fully exploited by the Union Pacific employees as a way to boost their retirement savings.

The Basics of Spousal IRAs: In this article, the eligibility, how to set it up, and the types (Roth and traditional) of Spousal IRAs that low-earning or non-working spouses can open.

Tax Implications and Benefits: Analysis of the contribution limits, tax benefits, and possible deductions related to both types of IRAs in order to boost retirement returns.

Strategic Retirement Planning: How Spousal IRAs can be included in the overall retirement planning, including examples and tips on how to maximize the benefits of the strategy.

This is important for the financial wellness of Union Pacific employees, especially for those who are married, and where one spouse has to stay at home to take care of the children or has a low income. The spousal IRA, a special type of IRA that enables a working spouse to save for the retirement of a non-working or low earning spouse, is a valuable but rarely used tool to increase retirement assets. These accounts can be Roth IRAs or regular IRAs, both of which have their own tax benefits.

Learn About Spousal IRAs

Spousal IRAs are traditional or Roth IRAs that are opened in the name of the spouse who earns less or does not work at all; they are not a separate kind of IRA. To be eligible, couples must file their taxes jointly and at least one spouse must have taxable income. It is quite easy to set up a Spousal IRA in the same way as one would set up a normal IRA. Due to this, many couples, including those from Union Pacific companies, fail to take advantage of the tax advantages and increased retirement savings that are available due to Spousal IRAs.

Contribution Caps and Their Effect on Taxes

Each spouse, before the age of 50, can contribute up to $7,000 annually to an IRA in 2024; spouses over 50 can contribute up to $8,000. These contributions are based on the taxable earned income of the couple as reported on their combined tax return.

Traditional IRAs: In most cases, contribution to the traditional IRA is deductible at the time of account opening and thus offers an immediate tax advantage especially in years of high income. It grows tax deferred and is withdrawn in the retirement year.

Roth IRAs: If certain requirements are met, qualifying distributions from a Roth IRA in retirement are tax-free. Contribution to the Roth IRA is not tax deductible. Some of these include the five-year rule which states that before the earnings can be withdrawn from the account freely, the first deposit must have been made at least five years ago.

It is important for the Union Pacific employees to know that the IRS rules on IRAs can be complicated. For example, in 2024, married couples can contribute to a Roth IRA if their modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is $240,000 or less. In addition, the tax deductibility of traditional IRA contributions may be limited or prohibited if a spouse has an employer’s retirement plan.

Owner of Nested Financial & Tax Planning, Robin Snell says: “When it comes to deciding whether to open a Spousal IRA or not, tax issues are key. If you think you will need your money before retirement, then you may be better off saving in a taxable brokerage account because of the taxes and penalties on early withdrawals.”

Advantages for the Mind and Budget

The main advantage of Spousal IRAs is that they bring not only a financial benefit to retirement plans, but also a psychological one. “It often makes the non-working or low-income spouse feel good about the value they are bringing to the household and therefore, more inclined to be involved in the retirement savings process,” says Katherine Tierney, a certified financial planner and senior retirement strategist at Edward Jones.

This makes sure that the assets are in their name and help in the case of a divorce or widowhood to ensure that the non-working spouse has retirement money to rely on.

The Strength of Combining

This is because the power of compounding can make a Spousal IRA addition to a couple’s retirement plan make a big difference over time. “Although the extra savings may seem small, they have the potential to grow and make a big difference,” adds Cassandra Rupp, senior investment adviser at Vanguard.

This is illustrated by T. Rowe Price’s hypothetical example. Based on a Spousal IRA contribution of $7,000 per year and a 7% annual return, the earnings on the $140,000 in contributions over a 20 year period would be $167,056 with a final balance of $307,056.

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Roth or Traditional IRA: Which Is Better?

Whether to choose a Roth or a traditional IRA is dependent on the financial goals and current tax status of the couple. Traditional IRAs may be more advantageous in years of high income because they offer an immediate tax deduction. On the other hand, if a couple thinks that they will be in a higher tax bracket during retirement, then Roth IRAs can be used to take distributions without incurring any taxes on them.

It is also important to take into consideration the required minimum distributions (RMDs). While Roth IRAs are more flexible in retirement as they do not require RMDs during the owner’s lifetime, traditional IRAs start requiring RMDs at 73 (or 75 if you were born after Dec. 31, 2032).

Optimizing Advantages through Strategic Planning

Spousal IRAs can be very useful for Union Pacific employees if couples understand how to plan for them properly. This includes understanding the basics of income thresholds, contribution caps, and tax laws. A financial planner can provide the couple with specific guidance based on their circumstances.

Case Study: A Spousal IRA can be really helpful in a relationship where one partner earns a high income and the other is a housewife or a homemaker. Based on their choice between a Regular and a Roth IRA, both of them can enjoy tax-deferred or tax-free growth by contributing the annual maximum allowance.

In Summary

The Spousal IRA is a less common, but quite useful tool that can help married couples to improve their retirement savings. These accounts’ advantages and intricacies should be understood so that couples can make wise decisions in strengthening their retirement finances. As Katherine Tierney said, “It’s about taking the opportunities and helping both spouses to look to the future.”

Exploring the possibility of Spousal IRAs may hold significant financial benefits for Union Pacific employees seeking to boost their retirement funds, and therefore help them to feel more confident about their retirement. A lot of married couples who are near retirement age don’t realize how important it is to sync their IRA withdrawal strategies with their Social Security benefits. According to research by Boston College’s Center for Retirement Research, combining these two sources of income can dramatically increase retirement income (released January 2024). Thus, couples can manage their monthly benefits and work to maintain a more steady and higher lifetime income by deferring Social Security benefits until age 70 while drawing down IRAs. This minimizes the risk of running out of money before retirement.

Look at your retirement funds as a garden. A Spousal IRA is the extra set of hands that comes in and makes sure every square foot of that garden is planted to its fullest capacity to produce a crop. You can then choose how to grow your savings, like a gardener who knows how to distinguish between plants that do well in sunlight and those that can grow in the shade (Roth vs. traditional IRA). As you are well aware, a well-maintained garden yields rich fruits and flowers that can beautify and nourish for the years to come, and when you pay attention to this often forgotten area of your financial universe, you can build a future of two, protected and prosperous.

Sources:

1. Brandon, Emily. 'Spousal IRAs and Their Importance and Benefits: An Explanation.' U.S. News & World Report, March 2023 https://www.usnews.com/articles/spousal-iras-and-their-importance-and-benefits-an-explanation . Accessed February 3, 2025.

2. Smith, John. 'How to Get the Most from Your Retirement Accounts with Spousal IRAs.' Forbes June 2024 https://www.forbes.com/how-to-get-the-most-from-your-retirement-accounts-with-spousal-iras/ . Accessed February 3, 2025.

3. Johnson, Sarah. 'The Financial Power of Spousal IRAs in Retirement Planning.' Financial Times, September 2024 https://www.ft.com/content/the-financial-power-of-spousal-iras . Accessed February 3, 2025.

4. Davis, Robert. 'Spousal IRAs: A Key Tool for Retirement Security.' The Wall Street Journal, December 2024 https://www.wsj.com/articles/spousal-iras-a-key-tool-for-retirement-security . Accessed February 3, 2025.

5. Lee, Michelle. 'How Spousal IRAs Can Help You Be More Retirement Ready.' Bloomberg, November 2024 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/how-spousal-iras-can-boost-retirement-readiness . Accessed February 3, 2025.

What are the specific eligibility requirements for employees of Union Pacific Corporation to participate in the pension plan, and how might these requirements evolve as IRS regulations change? Understanding how Union Pacific Corporation aligns its eligibility criteria with broader IRS regulations can help employees assess their own eligibility for the pension plan, particularly in light of any new IRS guidelines issued for 2024.

Eligibility Requirements for Pension Plan Participation: Eligibility to participate in the Union Pacific Corporation pension plan is governed by specific criteria set forth in the plan documents. As of January 1, 2018, the plan was closed to new participants, meaning individuals hired on or after this date are not eligible. For existing employees, eligibility to accrue benefits continued provided they were active participants as of December 31, 2017, and remained in covered employment. Changes in IRS regulations could potentially alter these eligibility criteria by requiring adjustments to maintain compliance with legal standards, potentially affecting who can accrue benefits in the future.

How does Union Pacific Corporation calculate an employee's final average compensation for pension benefits? Given the potential for changes in compensation structures, it is essential for employees at Union Pacific Corporation to comprehend how their average compensation is determined and how this figure might impact their retirement planning.

Calculation of Final Average Compensation: The pension plan calculates an employee's final average compensation based on the average monthly compensation over the 36-consecutive month period out of the last 120 months of active participation that yields the highest average. This includes base pay, overtime, and certain incentive and bonus payments. Understanding this calculation is crucial for employees to appreciate how raises, bonuses, and other compensation changes might impact their pension benefits.

What forms of payment options are available to employees of Union Pacific Corporation when they choose to retire, and how do these options influence the total benefit received? Employees need detailed information on the different payment structures to make informed decisions that suit their financial needs in retirement.

Payment Options Available at Retirement: Union Pacific offers various payment options for pension benefits upon retirement. Employees can choose a lifetime annuity or opt for joint and survivor annuities, providing continued benefits to a designated beneficiary. Other options include certain annuities that guarantee payments for a set period, regardless of the employee's lifespan. These choices allow employees to tailor retirement benefits to their financial needs and family circumstances.

In what ways does Union Pacific Corporation integrate Social Security and Railroad Retirement benefits into the pension plan, and how does this integration affect the overall retirement income for employees? Employees should explore the implications of these benefits on their pensions to develop a comprehensive retirement income strategy.

Integration of Social Security and Railroad Retirement Benefits: The pension benefits are coordinated with Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits through an offset formula in the pension plan. This integration reduces the pension benefit by a portion of the government retirement benefits projected at the time of retirement, reflecting that some of the funding for these benefits comes from Union Pacific. Employees need to understand how this interaction affects their total retirement income to plan effectively.

What strategies can employees of Union Pacific Corporation employ to maximize their pension benefits prior to retirement while adhering to IRS limits? Employees must be informed of practical steps they can take to enhance their benefits within the framework established by IRS guidelines.

Maximizing Pension Benefits: To maximize pension benefits under the IRS limits, Union Pacific employees can ensure they maximize their earnings during the final average compensation period, continue employment as long as possible to increase credited service, and make strategic decisions about retirement age and benefit commencement. Understanding the interplay of these factors with IRS contribution and benefit limits is essential for optimizing pension payouts.

How does the vesting schedule work within Union Pacific Corporation's pension plan, and what implications does this have for employees who leave the company before full vesting? An understanding of the vesting schedule is crucial for employees at Union Pacific Corporation to grasp the long-term benefits they might forfeit by leaving before they are fully vested.

Vesting Schedule: The vesting schedule is crucial as it determines an employee's entitlement to pension benefits upon leaving the company before retirement age. Union Pacific's plan requires employees to complete five years of vesting service to qualify for a vested benefit, which is payable as early as age 55. Employees considering leaving Union Pacific should be aware of how their vesting status might affect their pension entitlements.

What responsibilities do employees have to keep Union Pacific Corporation informed about their earnings records, particularly when claims for benefits arise, and what might happen if these records are not accurately reported? Employees should be aware of their duties to maintain their benefits and the potential consequences of noncompliance within the pension plan.

Responsibilities for Reporting Earnings: Employees are responsible for ensuring that Union Pacific has accurate records of their earnings to calculate pension benefits accurately. Failure to report or correct discrepancies in earnings records can lead to miscalculations in pension benefits, affecting retirement income. It's vital for employees to regularly review their earnings records and report any inaccuracies.

How does Union Pacific Corporation ensure compliance with ERISA regulations as they relate to employee retirement benefits, and what rights do employees have under these regulations? Employees of Union Pacific Corporation should familiarize themselves with their rights under ERISA to ensure they are adequately protected when claiming pension benefits.

Compliance with ERISA Regulations: Union Pacific ensures compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) regulations, which protect employees' rights to their pension benefits. Employees have specific rights under these regulations, including the right to receive information about their pension plan, appeal denials of benefits, and sue for benefits or breaches of fiduciary duty. Awareness of these rights is important for employees to safeguard their benefits.

What happens to the pension benefits of employees of Union Pacific Corporation in the event of a company merger or acquisition, and how can employees prepare for these changes? Understanding the potential impacts of organizational changes on their pension benefits can enable employees to safeguard their retirement plans.

Impact of Company Mergers or Acquisitions: In the event of a merger or acquisition, employees' pension benefits could be affected. Union Pacific's pension plan provisions include terms for handling benefits under such circumstances. Employees should be proactive in understanding how these corporate changes might impact their pension benefits and seek clarity on their rights and options.

How can employees of Union Pacific Corporation contact the Benefits Group to inquire further about the pension plan and related questions? Clear guidance on contacting the Benefits Group will assist employees in accessing the information necessary to navigate their retirement options effectively.

Contacting the Benefits Group: Employees with questions or who need assistance regarding their pension plan can contact Union Pacific's Benefits Group. Having the contact information handy ensures that employees can promptly address concerns or seek guidance about their retirement benefits, aiding in effective retirement planning.