What Kontoor Brands Employees Need to Consider Before Making the Leap to Retire Abroad

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Kontoor Brands: Kontoor Brands does not publicly list a specific healthcare provider as it may depend on various factors including the employees' locations and specific plan options. However, companies of this size typically partner with major national insurance providers such as Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, or UnitedHealthcare, which offer a range of employer-sponsored health plans. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As Kontoor Brands navigates the healthcare landscape, it faces potential healthcare cost increases projected at 8.5% in 2026. This surge is attributed to several factors, including rising medical expenses, heightened claims activity, and shifts in cost-sharing strategies being implemented by employers. Furthermore, the impending expiration of enhanced ACA premium subsidies could exacerbate costs for many employees, leading to a significant 75% increase in out-of-pocket premiums for those reliant on marketplace insurance. This scenario highlights the urgent need for companies to reevaluate their health benefits strategies in preparation for the financial implications of these rising costs. Click here to learn more

For example, Kontoor Brands employees planning on moving overseas need to have a clear plan of action to overcome the challenges of acquiring residency and citizenship in another country,' according to Brent Wolf from The Retirement Group at Wealth Enhancement Group.

Kevin Landis of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, explains why detailed planning is crucial for Kontoor Brands employees who intend to retire abroad. However,

In this article we will discuss:

1. The complexity of obtaining residency or citizenship abroad: Discussing the legal, financial, and cultural issues that are involved in moving overseas for Kontoor Brands employees.

2. The necessity of professional advice and planning: Emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation and professional advice to ensure a smooth transition to retiring abroad.

3. Tax advantages and financial planning for retirees: Explaining the possible tax advantages that are available through international treaties and the strategic financial planning that needs to be done for the retirement savings of Kontoor Brands employees.

Simply for political, economic, and social reasons, many Kontoor Brands employees are looking to secure citizenship or residency in other countries if the United States is not as attractive as it once was. But, getting residency in another country and, perhaps, citizenship is not as simple as just buying a plane ticket and setting an itinerary.

This is because there are many processes that may take a few years to accomplish at times. The more people who are considering these options, the more difficult these choices become. It is therefore crucial to identify the legal, financial, and cultural implications that arise in order to ensure a smooth transition to a new home overseas before embarking on this journey.

Without a proper plan and some professional advice, it can be quite a challenge to switch gears and retire during your tenure at Kontoor Brands.

The impact of potential tax advantages when retiring abroad will definitely affect your financial position. Many countries, including the United States, have tax treaties that prevent income from being taxed twice. For instance, pensioners are attracted to Portugal by the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime that offers special tax concessions for up to 10 years.

You can enhance your retirement benefits by taking advantage of these perks and seeking the advice of a tax specialist. The IRS notes that because these treaties can be very different it is important to research and seek the advice of a professional (IRS, 2023). These advantages must be used by Kontoor Brands employees to enhance their retirement.

Expatriating and retiring is a process of planning a long and beautiful road trip. Just as you would not travel without a map, a well-maintained car, and knowledge of your location, Kontoor Brands employees who are retiring abroad need to plan carefully.

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Step by step, you will be guided on how to make your transition to your new home easier, from explaining cultural differences and tax benefits to helping you understand the legal and financial environment. Just as a road trip opens new views and experiences, retirement abroad presents a world of possibilities for a happy and comfortable retirement.

Sources:

1. The Warren Street Wealth Advisors Team. 'Kontoor Brands and Large Company Employees.' Warren Street Wealth Advisors, 3 Feb. 2025, Accessed from warrenstreetwealth.com.

2. 'US Taxes for Americans Retiring Abroad in 2025.' MyExpatTaxes, 20 Nov. 2024, Accessed 3 Feb. 2025 from myexpattaxes.com.

3. Toms, Mary, CPA, MBA, MS. 'US Tax Implications of Retiring Abroad: What You Need to Know.' PBMares, 10 Dec. 2024, Accessed 3 Feb. 2025 from pbmares.com.

4. 'Financial Planning for US Expatriates.' The Expat Financial, Accessed 3 Feb. 2025 from expatfinancial.com.

5. 'Retiring Overseas: What You Need to Know About Your US Taxes and Financial Planning.' Expat CPA, Accessed 3 Feb. 2025 from expatcpa.com.

   What type of retirement savings plan does Kontoor Brands offer to its employees?

   Kontoor Brands offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

   How can employees of Kontoor Brands enroll in the 401(k) plan?

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

   Does Kontoor Brands match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

   Yes, Kontoor Brands provides a matching contribution to employee contributions, helping to enhance retirement savings.

   What is the vesting schedule for the 401(k) match at Kontoor Brands?

   The vesting schedule for the Kontoor Brands 401(k) match typically follows a standard schedule, which employees can review in the plan documents provided by the HR department.

   Can employees of Kontoor Brands change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

   Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.

   What investment options are available in the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan?

   The Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

   Is there a loan option available through the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan?

   Yes, Kontoor Brands allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to certain terms and conditions.

   How can employees access their 401(k) account information at Kontoor Brands?

   Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the plan’s online portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

   What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Kontoor Brands?

   If an employee leaves Kontoor Brands, they have several options for their 401(k) balance, including rolling it over to another retirement account or leaving it in the Kontoor Brands plan if eligible.

   Are there any fees associated with the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan?

   Yes, there may be fees associated with the Kontoor Brands 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents and can vary based on investment choices.

   With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
   For Kontoor Brands, the company offers a 401(k) Savings Plan as part of its employee retirement benefits. In 2022 and 2023, the plan was structured to allow employees to make elective deferrals from their salaries, which are matched by the company under a safe harbor provision. Employees can also participate in hardship withdrawals and loans from their 401(k) accounts, subject to IRS rules. Participants may access their accounts at retirement, disability, death, or termination of employment. Vesting is immediate for all employee contributions and the company's matching contributions​ (Kontoor Brands, Inc.)​ (Kontoor Brands, Inc.). The company's pension-related benefits have changed over time, with a move away from traditional defined benefit plans to more flexible, employee-directed investment plans such as the 401(k). Kontoor Brands reported pension assets in their financial statements, noting a median total pension plan asset of $9.25 million from fiscal years ending 2019 through 2023​ (finbox). Although specific defined benefit pension plans were not emphasized in recent years, restructuring efforts resulted in gains from pension curtailments during fiscal events such as in 2022​
   News: In 2023, Kontoor Brands initiated workforce reductions as part of its global restructuring efforts. The company announced layoffs across several regions, including the U.S. and Europe, to streamline its operations under the "Project Jeanius Global Transformation" initiative. This restructuring also included the relocation of Kontoor's European headquarters, resulting in severance payments and other employee-related costs, while attempting to globalize its operating model​ (Business Wire)​ (Kontoor Brands, Inc.)​ (Kontoor Brands, Inc.). Additionally, Kontoor overhauled its 401(k) plan by updating its investment options lineup, providing employees with better financial planning resources for retirement​ (Business Wire).
   Stock Options: Kontoor Brands provides eligible employees with stock options, allowing them to purchase shares at a predetermined exercise price. The vesting schedules for stock options at Kontoor Brands typically span over three to four years. As of 2022 and continuing into 2023 and 2024, these stock options were available to mid-to-senior-level employees, primarily in management roles​ (Kontoor Brands, Inc.). RSUs: Kontoor Brands also grants RSUs, which vest over a set period, typically three years. RSUs do not require employees to purchase shares, but rather, once vested, they convert into actual shares of Kontoor Brands stock. This feature ensures that employees benefit directly from the company's stock price performance. The availability of RSUs in 2022, 2023, and 2024 extended to a broader group of employees, including executives and high-performing individuals within various business units
   Kontoor Brands, a global lifestyle apparel company, provides a comprehensive health and wellness program to support its employees' physical and financial well-being. Their benefits include competitive healthcare plans designed to offer flexibility, security, and choice to meet the needs of employees and their families. Key health benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with access to wellness programs like an onsite gym, company cafeteria, and a community garden​ (Kontoor Brands, Inc.)​ (Kontoor Brands, Inc.)​ (Kontoor Brands, Inc.). Employee health is further supported by Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and affinity networks, which focus on fostering diversity, inclusion, and a sense of community. Additionally, Kontoor offers paid time off for volunteering, promoting community engagement through activities like planting pollinator gardens and installing denim insulation in homes​