<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

Navigating Retirement Resources: A Comprehensive Guide for Cognizant Technology Solutions Employees on IRA and Social Security Strategies

image-table

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Cognizant Technology Solutions Cognizant Technology Solutions offers its healthcare solutions through its TriZetto Healthcare Products division, which provides integrated software and services to improve operational efficiency for payer organizations. This division focuses on a vast range of services, primarily aimed at managing Medicaid programs and enhancing healthcare delivery through automated systems. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As 2026 approaches, healthcare costs are predicted to experience significant increases, largely driven by the loss of enhanced federal premium subsidies and rising medical expenses. Insurers are requesting steep rate hikes, with some states seeing premiums soar by over 60%. This confluence of factors could result in out-of-pocket costs for many consumers spiking by up to 75%. The healthcare landscape is evolving, and without proactive measures, families may face more financial strain amid these projected challenges. Click here to learn more

As Michael Corgiat from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, suggests, Cognizant Technology Solutions employees can improve their retirement security by understanding how to space their IRA withdrawals and Social Security benefits to minimize their taxes, and thus prolong their retirement funds.

According to Brent Wolf from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, Cognizant Technology Solutions employees should develop their own retirement plan and revisit their income and timing strategies to ensure they have a steady and efficient retirement in their golden years.

In this article:

Optimal Timing for Withdrawals:  Learning about the processes behind timing of IRA withdrawals and the drawing of Social Security benefits in order to increase the sustainability and value of retirement funds.

Tax Management Strategies:  Exploring the “tax torpedo” and how to avoid paying taxes on different retirement income such as Social Security and IRA distribution in order to reduce the total tax liability and stretch the dollars.

Retirement Planning Techniques:  Contrasting the benefits of claiming benefits early and late and review the research on how to make retirement last longer and how to withdraw taxes efficiently for Cognizant Technology Solutions retirees.

To enhance the sustainability and productivity of retirement assets, for Cognizant Technology Solutions employees, it is important to make certain financial decisions during the retirement planning process. Another important decision is when to take money from IRAs and when to start collecting Social Security benefits. While the usual advice is to leave your IRA withdrawals for as long as you can and to take your Social Security benefits as early as possible, there may be a better way to ensure financial sustainability as well as tax efficiency.

An Analysis of the New Retirement Take-Out: The Benefits of Social Security Benefits Being Claimed at a Later Age

For Cognizant Technology Solutions retirees, it is crucial to navigate the tax consequences of various income sources, such as Social Security and IRA distributions. By deferring the claiming of Social Security benefits and taking early IRA withdrawals, retirees can stretch their financial resources and decrease their taxes.

The Tax Torpedo: Controlling Taxes and Retirement Income

The “tax torpedo” is a possibility that may affect Cognizant Technology Solutions employees by increasing their tax rates. This happens when taking early Social Security benefits and extra IRA withdrawals force retirees into higher tax brackets. This strategy could be especially helpful for people with assets between $200,000 and $600,000, who may stand to benefit greatly from not claiming Social Security benefits and thus decreasing their overall taxes and prolonging their financial preparedness.

The Best Tax Treatment for IRA and Social Security Income

It is important to know how different sources of income are taxed in order to develop a good retirement plan. IRA traditional withdrawals are included in the client’s taxable income; however, Social Security benefits are taxed differently. For Cognizant Technology Solutions retirees, understanding these tax consequences and being able to modify the withdrawal strategies can greatly lower their overall taxes.

A Comparison of Real World Early and Delayed Benefit Strategies

Take, for example, two retirees: The first group of retirees who claim Social Security benefits early and have higher taxes due to higher IRA withdrawals than the second group of retirees who do not claim Social Security and have lower taxes and more financial freedom. This example shows the importance of planning for retirement.

Extending Portfolio Life Through Strategic Withdrawals

In the case of Cognizant Technology Solutions employees, deferring Social Security means that more monthly benefits will be available and the employee will not have to withdraw too much from the IRA in retirement. Research by Meyer and Reichenstein also suggests that delaying the claiming of Social Security benefits may improve the longevity of retirement funds.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Loading...

Reversed Retirement Withdrawal Strategy: A Rationalization

This Social Security strategy of using IRA accounts before retiring and after retiring and before 59.5 years of age is a good way to reduce the amount of money in the taxpayer’s tax brackets and leave more Social Security benefits untaxed. It also extends the retirement assets, thereby providing more financial stability. These strategies should be discussed with financial advisors and tailored to the client’s specific financial situation to help them manage their income and taxes upon retirement. These approaches can lead to a more protected and financially secure retirement if they are incorporated into these strategies.

A recent study by the National Bureau of Economic Research suggests transferring IRA investments to low-risk assets before making early withdrawals. This tactic helps to keep the funds needed to postpone taking Social Security benefits, which may result in higher benefits and better retirement asset growth.

Managing retirement finances is like tuning a high-performance engine. Retirement income and IRA withdrawals are like ‘fuel’ that is used to control the financial engine and make it run more efficiently and for longer. This strategic adjustment increases financial sustainability and efficiency and makes for a smoother and more protected retirement.

Disclosure:  There can be no assurance that any particular investment objective will be realized or any investment strategy seeking to achieve such objective will be successful. Investing is risky and could result in the loss of principal.

Sources:

  1. 'Plan Ahead to Optimize Your Tax Strategy in Retirement.' Vanguard, Vanguard,  https://www.investor.vanguard.com/learn-about-investing/stock-basics . Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.
  2. 'Roth IRA Withdrawals in Retirement: Timing It for Tax Efficiency.' MY Wealth Management, MY Wealth Management, October 24, 2024,  https://www.my-wealthmgmt.com/publications/roth-ira-withdrawals-in-retirement-timing-it-for-tax-efficiency . Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.
  3. 'Tax Efficient Retirement Withdrawal Strategies.' Insight Wealth Strategies, Insight Wealth Strategies,  http://www.insight2wealth.com/tax-efficient-retirement-withdrawal-strategies/ . Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.
  4. 'Tax-Efficient Withdrawal Strategies for Retirees.' Goldstone Financial Group, Goldstone Financial Group,  http://www.goldstonefinancialgroup.com/tax-efficient-withdrawal-strategies-for-retirees/ . Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.
  5. 'Roth Conversions: Strategic Timing for Tax Minimization.' Investopedia, Investopedia,  https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/072115/why-and-how-to-convert-a-traditional-ira-to-a-roth-ira.asp . Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Cognizant Technology Solutions?

The 401(k) plan at Cognizant Technology Solutions is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their earnings on a tax-deferred basis.

How does Cognizant Technology Solutions match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Cognizant Technology Solutions offers a company match on employee contributions, typically matching a percentage of the employee's contributions up to a certain limit.

Can employees of Cognizant Technology Solutions choose their investment options within the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees of Cognizant Technology Solutions can select from a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan to tailor their retirement savings according to their risk tolerance and investment goals.

What is the eligibility requirement for the 401(k) plan at Cognizant Technology Solutions?

Employees of Cognizant Technology Solutions are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, often within the first year of employment.

How can employees of Cognizant Technology Solutions enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance with the enrollment process.

What is the contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Cognizant Technology Solutions?

The contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Cognizant Technology Solutions is aligned with IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the latest limits each year.

Does Cognizant Technology Solutions offer a Roth 401(k) option?

Yes, Cognizant Technology Solutions may offer a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to make after-tax contributions for tax-free withdrawals in retirement.

What happens to my 401(k) plan if I leave Cognizant Technology Solutions?

If you leave Cognizant Technology Solutions, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the plan, subject to the plan's rules.

Are there any fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Cognizant Technology Solutions?

Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Cognizant Technology Solutions, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

Can I take a loan against my 401(k) plan at Cognizant Technology Solutions?

Yes, Cognizant Technology Solutions may allow employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Cognizant Technology Solutions offers a 401(k) plan with a company match, generally providing a 50% match on the first 6% of an employee's base salary. Employees become eligible for this plan after one year of service. The company's pension plan, referred to internally as the "Cognizant Retirement Savings Plan," is more traditional and generally available to long-term employees who meet specific years of service and age requirements. The formula for the pension plan is based on final average pay and years of service. Information can be found in Cognizant's internal documentation and employee benefits guides​
Restructuring Layoffs: In 2023, Cognizant announced plans to lay off 3,500 employees as part of its "NextGen" cost reduction program. This move is aimed at reducing operational costs and optimizing its office space to adapt to a post-pandemic hybrid work environment. The layoffs are expected to save the company $100 million annually, although it will incur costs of around $400 million spread across 2023 and 2024. It is crucial to address this news due to the current economic, investment, and political environment affecting IT services companies, which are struggling to maintain profit margins while facing muted revenue growth.
Cognizant's Stock Options and RSUs Cognizant offers RSUs (Restricted Stock Units), which are typically granted to eligible employees, including executives and other key contributors. These RSUs vest over time, usually based on a pre-determined schedule, and convert into actual shares of stock once they are fully vested. In contrast to stock options, employees receiving RSUs do not need to purchase the shares; instead, they receive the shares directly once the RSUs vest. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Cognizant continued to provide these RSUs as part of their incentive programs, with eligibility typically extending to director-level positions and above. Employees at Cognizant who meet specific performance or tenure criteria are also considered for stock option grants, allowing them to purchase company shares at a set price after a specific period. These grants are usually awarded as part of annual performance reviews or as part of a signing bonus for new hires.
For Cognizant Technology Solutions, their health benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024 focus on providing comprehensive healthcare packages. These benefits include Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and high-deductible health plans (HDHP), reflecting industry standards. The company also offers mental health resources and telemedicine options, highlighting their commitment to employee well-being. Recent news indicates that Cognizant is actively involved in healthcare IT, managing critical services for Horizon Healthcare Services, which underscores their ongoing investments in the healthcare sector.
New call-to-action

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Cognizant Technology Solutions employees

Loading...

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Cognizant Technology Solutions at 500 Frank W. Burr Blvd. Teaneck, NJ 7666; or by calling them at (201) 801-0233.

https://www.cognizant.com/en_us/about/documents/q4-2023-corporate-factsheet.pdf https://yourstory.com/enterprise-story/2023/05/cognizant-muted-q1-layoff-3500-employees https://www.cognizant.com/us/en/industries/insurance-digital-transformation/digital-retirement-operations-solutions https://www.cognizant.com/us/en/about-cognizant/2022-annual-report https://craft.co/cognizant-technology-solutions https://www.cognizant.com/us/en/about-cognizant/2023-annual-report https://investors.cognizant.com/news-and-events/news/news-details/2024/COGNIZANT-REPORTS-FOURTH-QUARTER-AND-FULL-YEAR-2023-RESULTS/ https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/retirement/net-unrealized-appreciation-nua-tax-treatment-amp-strategies/c71vBJZ2B https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/retirement/company-stock https://www.stordahlcap.com/insights/understanding-net-unrealized-appreciation-nua-and-its-tax-benefits https://www.cognizant.com/ https://news.cognizant.com/2022-11-29-Cognizant-to-Acquire-AustinCSI,-a-Premier-Digital-Transformation-Consultancy https://www.thelayoff.com/t/MqHEe7t https://www.cognizant.com/us/en

*Please see disclaimer for more information

Relevant Articles

Check Out Articles for Cognizant Technology Solutions employees