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How TD Synnex Employees Can Benefit from Estate Planning During Market Volatility

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for TD Synnex TD Synnex partners with a variety of healthcare providers to offer employee health benefits, primarily through major insurers including UnitedHealthcare and Anthem. These providers deliver comprehensive health plans that support the diverse needs of TD Synnex's workforce, emphasizing access to quality care and preventive services. Blog Post Paragraph on Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look towards 2026, TD Synnex and its employees face the prospect of substantial healthcare cost increases. With health insurance premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans anticipated to rise dramatically-some state filings indicating hikes of over 60%-the financial burden on policyholders is set to escalate. The potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies could push out-of-pocket costs for over 22 million Americans to soar by more than 75%. Coupled with rising medical costs, including those for hospital services and prescription drugs, businesses like TD Synnex will need to navigate these challenges to maintain access to affordable healthcare for their employees. Click here to learn more

'TD Synnex employees facing market downturns can leverage strategic estate planning opportunities, such as gifting undervalued assets and using tools like GRATs and Roth IRAs, to mitigate taxes and pass on more wealth to heirs—turning market volatility into an advantage.' – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'TD Synnex employees should view market downturns as an opportunity to reassess their estate planning strategies, using tools like GRATs and Roth IRA conversions to transfer more wealth while mitigating tax liabilities for future generations.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

How market downturns can present estate planning opportunities.
The strategic use of tools like GRATs and Roth IRA conversions.
The importance of charitable giving in reducing taxable estates during volatile periods.

Estate planning is often seen as a challenging process, particularly during volatile market conditions. Making decisions with long-term impacts can be difficult when share prices are erratic and future market performance is uncertain. However, careful planning during these volatile periods can lead to better future returns and more efficient asset transfer to successors. While many focus on estate planning during market upswings, some of the most strategic decisions can be made when asset values are declining, particularly for TD Synnex employees preparing for retirement.

Estate Planning and Volatility: A Strategic Advantage

Estate planning is often associated with market growth, focusing on transferring assets when prices are high. Yet, when assets are undervalued due to market downturns, significant opportunities often arise. The market's recovery after a sharp drop, like the one in April, shows how volatility can lead to wise decision-making. Future wealth transfers can be optimized by focusing on asset quantity instead of current value, as more shares can be passed on to heirs before gift-tax exemptions are exceeded, which can be an important strategy for TD Synnex employees planning their estates.

The concept of moving assets during a market downturn proves to be more beneficial for estate planners than it may initially appear. When asset prices are low, more shares can be transferred before hitting the $19,000 annual federal gift-tax exemption threshold for 2025. This strategy allows heirs to benefit from future growth once the market recovers, providing a valuable option for those at TD Synnex looking to optimize their estate planning during volatile times.

This approach is also useful for those aiming to stay under the $14 million per person lifetime federal estate tax exemption. For example, if a business was initially valued at $15 million but is now worth $14 million, a donor can place it in a trust. The tax-free transfer of future expansion to heirs keeps the business outside the donor's estate, a strategy that TD Synnex employees could consider when planning for their family's future.

Changes to Gifting Exemptions Affecting Taxes

Though market downturns can provide estate planning benefits, it’s important to remember that estate planning laws are always changing. With Congress debating potential changes to gifting amounts, it’s essential to act while exemptions remain high. If the estate tax exemptions aren't renewed, the exemption may revert to around $6.8 million, adjusted for inflation. This shift could greatly impact wealth transfer plans, so it’s vital for TD Synnex employees to take advantage of higher exemption levels while they are still in place.

Exploring Other Estate Planning Strategies

Grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs) are another option for individuals who have already used their lifetime exemption but still want to reduce wealth transfer taxes. These irrevocable trusts allow individuals to leave assets to their heirs while retaining annuity income for a period. GRATs help mitigate estate taxes on any asset appreciation during the trust's duration, offering an option for TD Synnex employees looking to pass on their wealth in a tax-efficient way.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sets the annuity payout rate at 120% of the applicable federal mid-term rate, which is currently 5%. For beneficiaries to profit from additional value, the asset's growth must exceed this hurdle rate. If the asset's growth surpasses this rate, the remaining balance in the trust is distributed to the heirs tax free. TD Synnex employees considering this strategy can potentially avoid estate taxes and preserve their wealth from future tax burdens.

Although current interest rates aren't exceptionally low, Dos Santos notes that using undervalued assets in a GRAT may still lead to favorable outcomes. By leveraging lower asset prices, individuals can establish GRATs with a higher chance of surpassing the hurdle rate when the market rebounds, a strategy that could be beneficial for TD Synnex employees who want to plan ahead.

A Simpler Approach: Switching to a Roth IRA

Not all estate planning strategies need to be complicated. Sometimes, simpler methods provide significant tax advantages. For instance, a 90-year-old TD Synnex employee switched from a $5 million traditional IRA to a Roth IRA during a period of market decline. The client reduced the taxable estate by paying the conversion taxes upfront, and now her son will receive the entire Roth IRA tax-free, along with any future gains.

Dos Santos believes this is a smart strategy, especially for seniors concerned about their taxable estates. By reducing the size of the estate, the Roth IRA allows its full value to be passed on tax-free to future generations, making it a great option for TD Synnex employees planning for their heirs.

The Importance of Thoughtful Estate Planning Decisions

Estate planning should be done with care, especially when using irrevocable trusts like GRATs. Once assets are placed in these trusts, they cannot be withdrawn, so individuals must carefully consider their choices. Nevertheless, strategic estate planning presents unique opportunities to pass on more wealth to heirs without incurring unnecessary taxes, particularly during market volatility. TD Synnex employees can make the most of these opportunities by strategically planning their estate transfers.

For those looking to efficiently transfer wealth and reduce their taxable estate, current market conditions may present opportunities. Market downturns can provide a tactical advantage, whether through Roth IRA conversions, using the federal estate tax exemption, or establishing GRATs. By focusing on the number of shares rather than current asset values, individuals can position themselves to realize long-term benefits and enable their heirs to inherit the full value of their transferred assets.

In conclusion, volatility is often viewed as a threat to financial stability, but it can actually be an asset when approached strategically. By leveraging low asset values during market downturns, TD Synnex employees can potentially increase future returns and build a better future for their heirs.

Tax Benefits of Charitable Giving in Estate Planning

When considering estate planning during volatile market periods, charitable giving offers additional tax benefits. By donating depreciating assets such as stocks or real estate directly to a charity, individuals can reduce their taxable estate and avoid paying capital gains tax on appreciated assets. This tactic not only reduces estate taxes but also allows individuals to give back.

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Sources:

1. Fuscaldo, Donna. 'Markets Are Down: Here's How Your Estate Can Benefit.' Kiplinger , 15 Mar. 2025, www.kiplinger.com . Accessed 26 May 2025.

2. Chmielewski, Paul. 'Estate Planning During Times of Market Volatility.' Cerity Partners , 25 Mar. 2025, www.ceritypartners.com . Accessed 26 May 2025.

3. Kiplinger Staff. 'Eight Ways to Financially Plan Your Way Through Challenging Times.' Kiplinger , 24 May 2025, www.kiplinger.com . Accessed 26 May 2025.

4. Kotlikoff, Laurence. 'This Move Can Save You Tons on Taxes in Retirement. It's Best to Go Big.' Barron's , 25 May 2025, www.barrons.com . Accessed 26 May 2025.

5. Branton, Steve. 'How Sequence of Returns Risk Could Affect Your Retirement—And What HNW Investors Should Do.' Investopedia , 25 May 2025, www.investopedia.com . Accessed 26 May 2025.

What are the key features of the retirement plans offered by TD that differentiate it from other companies in the industry, and how do these features benefit employees nearing retirement? Employees might be interested in understanding the specifics of the defined benefit pension plan, the 401(k) options, and any contributory plans, particularly how TD's offerings can provide financial security in their retirement years.

Key Features of TD Retirement Plans: TD offers an industry-leading, fully bank-paid defined benefit pension plan, particularly for eligible employees with salaries up to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) maximum pensionable earnings. For salaries exceeding that threshold, an optional contributory pension plan is available. Additionally, TD provides a 401(k) retirement plan, including a bank contribution between 2% and 6% of pay and a match up to 4.5%, allowing employees to receive up to 10.5% in retirement savings contributions. This combination of pension and 401(k) benefits ensures robust financial security for employees nearing retirement(TD_Overview_of_Benefits…).

How can TD employees maximize their pension contributions and benefits to ensure a comfortable retirement, and what steps can they take to optimize their participation in TD's Employee Future Builder Program? This question would help employees understand the importance of planning and how maximizing contributions can lead to enhanced retiree financial security, particularly with the added benefits TD provides.

Maximizing Pension Contributions and Benefits: TD employees can maximize their pension contributions and benefits by fully utilizing both the defined benefit plan and the 401(k) retirement plan. By contributing the maximum amount to the 401(k), employees can take full advantage of TD's matching contributions, significantly boosting their retirement savings. Participation in the Employee Future Builder Program, which encourages saving through payroll deductions and lump sums, can also help employees optimize their retirement outcomes(TD_Overview_of_Benefits…).

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Health and Wellness Support: TD promotes employee health and wellness through a comprehensive benefits plan that covers medical, dental, disability, and vision care. Employees also have access to health consultation services and various wellness tools, such as online health risk assessments and on-site wellness services like massages and flu shots. These initiatives support overall employee well-being and contribute to higher satisfaction and retention rates(TD_Overview_of_Benefits…).

What options do TD employees have for accessing healthcare benefits in retirement, and how does TD ensure continuity of care for retirees with medical and dental plans? This question should focus on the eligibility criteria, coverage details, and support systems that TD has in place to assist employees transitioning into retirement.

Healthcare Benefits in Retirement: TD provides retiree medical and dental benefits to eligible groups, though some of these plans have been closed to new members in the U.S. Continuity of care is ensured through subsidized coverage, helping retirees manage their healthcare needs as they transition from active employment to retirement(TD_Overview_of_Benefits…).

How do the retirement savings plans at TD compare with industry standards in terms of employer contributions and matching programs, and what implications does this have for employees' long-term financial health? Employees would benefit from a comparison that highlights TD's competitive advantages and the potential impact on their retirement savings over time.

Comparison with Industry Standards: TD's retirement savings plans stand out in the industry due to its generous 401(k) matching program, where the bank matches up to 4.5% of employee contributions, alongside a fixed contribution of up to 6%. This level of employer contribution exceeds industry averages, significantly enhancing employees' long-term financial health(TD_Overview_of_Benefits…).

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Resources for Navigating Benefits: TD offers several resources to help employees navigate their benefits, including financial advisory services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and tools such as the Employee Future Builder Program. These resources help employees make informed decisions about their benefits, particularly as they approach retirement(TD_Overview_of_Benefits…).

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Employee Ownership Plan: TD’s Employee Ownership Plan allows employees to purchase TD shares with the company matching 100% of the first $250 and 50% of additional contributions, up to a maximum of 3.5% of eligible earnings. This plan enhances employees’ financial security by giving them a stake in the company’s success, which can be an attractive retirement savings strategy(TD_Overview_of_Benefits…).

What is the process for TD employees to transition from their current roles to retirement, and what support does TD provide to ensure a smooth transition? Employees might look for details on informational sessions, retirement planning workshops, and personalized support that TD offers to facilitate this important life change.

Transitioning to Retirement: TD supports employees transitioning into retirement through informational resources, such as workshops and planning sessions. Personalized support is available to help employees navigate the various aspects of retirement planning, ensuring a smooth and well-supported transition from work to retirement(TD_Overview_of_Benefits…).

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Staying Informed About Benefits: TD communicates changes to retirement benefits through various channels, including internal communication platforms and regular updates from the human resources department. Employees can stay informed about important updates by accessing these resources and participating in informational sessions provided by TD(TD_Overview_of_Benefits…).

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Contacting TD for Retirement Information: Employees can contact TD directly to learn more about their retirement options through the human resources department or financial advisory services. TD provides dedicated personnel and resources, such as in-person consultations and phone support, to assist employees in retirement planning(TD_Overview_of_Benefits…).

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