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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Lumen Lumen Technologies offers healthcare benefits through various providers, with a significant partnership with Cigna Healthcare for their employee health plans. Cigna provides a range of coverage options including medical, dental, and vision care, tailored to meet the diverse needs of Lumen's workforce. Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, healthcare costs are projected to experience significant increases, largely driven by the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). As insurers anticipate premium hikes of around 20% on average, many states are reporting increases of over 60% in some plans. This perfect storm of rising medical expenses, coupled with increased demand for services and labor shortages, could push out-of-pocket premiums for 92% of ACA enrollees up by more than 75%. Consequently, individuals may face considerable financial barriers to accessing adequate healthcare coverage moving forward. Click here to learn more
For Lumen employees, having a defined financial plan and reviewing investment strategies is critical to long-term success - and working with a trusted advisor like myself at The Retirement Group can help you stay on course.
'I represent The Retirement Group and recommend Lumen employees review their retirement contributions and tax strategies annually to prepare for expected and unexpected financial milestones,' said Sullivan.
In this article we will discuss:
1. Wealth management for Lumen employees - goal setting, tax planning and investment reviews.
2. Monthly financial actions & milestones like tax payments, retirement contributions and estate planning adjustments.
3. Strategic retirement planning - using benefits, managing Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs).
Wealth management takes planning and constant attention. The following document is a month by month guide to financial management using proven economic methods to cover all of your financial life.
January: Setting Wealth Goals for the Lumen.
Lumen employees are encouraged at the start of the year to set financial goals. Obligations need to be defined - reducing debt, perfecting your estate plan or getting ready for early retirement. Writing them down and making a detailed plan increases the chances of them coming true.
Tax Considerations: In January, submit the last estimated tax payment for the previous year to the IRS for earnings between September 1 and December 31.
Quarterly Investment Review: Quarterly reviews - These are great for checking how investments are doing and if they are performing against your overall strategy. Strategic reviews from firms like Motley Fool Wealth Management may help (source).
February: Getting Tax Documents Ready for Lumen Employees.
By January 31, employers must issue tax documents like W-2s and 1099s. Gather all supporting documents for tax filing in February so they can be submitted by the April deadline.Contribute to a Spousal IRA to build retirement savings for a non-working spouse. This method plans for your household's future in one financial plan.
March: Addressing Lifestyle Creep
As income increases, so does the temptation to spend more. A share of these gains could help strengthen retirement funds and limit wasteful spending.Review your contribution to 401(k)s and other retirement accounts. Catch-up contributions for those over 50 help build reserves more efficiently.
March 31 - Tax Freedom Day for Lumen Employees.
The average American must work on Tax Freedom Day to complete their annual taxes. This date illustrates how planning can reduce taxes.
Continuing Retirement Contributions: If contribution limits for the previous year were not met, the deadline extended to April 15 allows additional contributions.
Filing and Payments: File any remaining taxes on time and consider an extension if more time is needed.
May: Evaluating Education Expenses
Check out the benefits of a 529 Plan contribution in light of new updates under SECURE Act 2.0 which expands its applications (source).
June: Planning Estimated Tax Payments.
Make the second estimated tax payment for the year for income from January 1 through March 31. Timely payments help with compliance.
July: Enhancing Estate Planning
Apply Transfer on Death (TOD) registrations to brokerage accounts to simplify asset distribution and administrative burden for your beneficiaries.
August: Reviewing Beneficiaries
Update estate plans and beneficiary designations as circumstances or family structures change.
September: Financial Preparedness
Articles you may find interesting:
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
This National Preparedness Month encourages review of emergency funds and insurance coverage. Preparedness may be the key to handling unexpected situations.
October: Medicare Enrollment & RMD Planning.
You can adjust coverage during open Medicare enrollment. Start preparations early for RMD to avoid end-of-year rushes.
November: Reviewing Employment Benefits
Change health savings accounts and retirement contributions during open enrollment. Those decisions can bolster tax advantages while meeting longer-term objectives.
December: Reviewing Year-End Finances
Analyze investment income for tax impacts such as IRMAA surcharges on Medicare premiums (source). This prevents surprises come tax season.
Supporting Your Financial Journey
Get organized with tools like NerdWallet's budget planner (source) or Wealth Analytics' financial checklist (source).Its monthly financial calendar outlines steps to plan and review your financial journey. Applying these strategies may increase confidence in financial management.
QCDs—Qualified Charitable Distributions
Lumen people age 70 1/2 or older can direct up to USD 100,000 annually from their IRA to a qualified charity that meets RMD requirements without increasing taxable income and may reduce Medicare premiums or tax liabilities.
Sources:
1. Warren Street Wealth Management. 'Lumen and Large Company Employees.' Warren Street Wealth Management , www.warrenstreetwealth.com/fortune-500-and-large-company-employees/?utm_source=chatgpt.com . Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
2. Lord Abbett. 'For Qualified Charitable Distributions, Timing Is Everything.' Lord Abbett , www.lordabbett.com/en-us/financial-advisor/insights/retirement-planning/qualified-charitable-distributions---timing-is-everything.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com . Published Feb. 2025.
3. CLA. 'Qualified Charitable Distributions: Benefits and Impact.' CLA Connect , www.claconnect.com/en/resources/articles/24/qualified-charitable-distributions-benefits-and-impact?utm_source=chatgpt.com . Published Dec. 2024.
4. The Retirement Group. 'Guide to a Secure Retirement for Lumen Employees or Retirees.' The Retirement Group , www.theretirementgroup.com/guide-to-a-secure-retirement-for-fortune-500-employees-or-retirees?utm_source=chatgpt.com . Published June 2024.
5. State Street Global Advisors. '6 Steps to Bring Financial Wellness to the Workplace.' State Street Global Advisors , www.ssga.com/library-content/pdfs/dc/6-steps-to-bring-financial-wellness-to-the-workplace.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com . Published Aug. 2024.
What specific retirement benefits does Lumen Technologies, Inc. offer to employees who have dedicated many years of service to the company? In what ways do these benefits reflect Lumen's commitment to taking care of its employees post-retirement, and how do they align with the company's overall values regarding employee welfare and support?
Retirement Benefits: Lumen Technologies offers its employees retirement benefits that include 401(k) plans and pension options, reflecting its commitment to post-retirement welfare. These benefits are aligned with Lumen’s values of providing security and care for its employees after years of dedicated service. They are designed to ensure long-term financial stability for retirees, aligning with Lumen's mission of enhancing employee well-being(Lumen Technologies Inc_…).
As an employee of Lumen Technologies, Inc., how can you effectively plan for your retirement to maximize your benefits? What factors should you consider, and what resources does Lumen provide to help employees navigate the complexities of retirement planning to ensure a secure financial future?
Retirement Planning: As an employee of Lumen Technologies, you should consider factors like years of service, retirement plan contributions, and projected retirement age to maximize your benefits. Lumen provides resources such as retirement calculators and financial planning tools to help employees navigate these complexities and secure their financial future post-retirement(Lumen Technologies Inc_…).
How do Lumen Technologies, Inc.'s retirement plans compare with the industry standards? In which areas can Lumen improve its offerings to remain competitive and retain top talent while ensuring the financial security of its employees in their retirement years?
Comparison with Industry Standards: Lumen’s retirement plans are competitive within the industry, but improvements could be made in areas such as enhanced pension offerings or matching contributions in the 401(k) plans to attract and retain top talent. This would ensure financial security for employees in their retirement years while keeping Lumen competitive in the market(Lumen Technologies Inc_…).
Can you explain the role of the HRCC (Human Resources and Compensation Committee) at Lumen Technologies, Inc. in overseeing employee retirement plans? What measures does this committee take to ensure that retirement benefits remain aligned with the organization’s goals and employee expectations?
HRCC Role in Retirement Plans: The Human Resources and Compensation Committee (HRCC) at Lumen oversees retirement benefits to ensure they align with the company’s goals and employee expectations. The committee reviews and updates the plans regularly, ensuring they remain relevant and meet both the company’s financial objectives and the needs of its employees(Lumen Technologies Inc_…).
What changes to federal regulations or IRS limits in 2024 could potentially impact Lumen Technologies, Inc.'s retirement plans? How should employees prepare for these potential changes to ensure they are fully utilizing their benefits?
Federal Regulation Changes in 2024: Changes to IRS limits or federal regulations, such as adjustments to contribution caps or tax deductions, could impact Lumen’s retirement plans. Employees should stay informed about these changes to fully utilize their benefits, and Lumen’s HR team provides updates and resources to assist in navigating these regulatory adjustments(Lumen Technologies Inc_…).
How does Lumen Technologies, Inc. ensure that all employees are aware of their retirement options? What communication strategies does the company employ to make sure employees understand the specifics of their retirement benefits and the necessary steps for enrollment or participation?
Employee Awareness of Retirement Options: Lumen employs a variety of communication strategies, including workshops, online resources, and HR consultations, to ensure that employees are aware of their retirement options. Regular updates and easy access to information help employees understand the steps needed for enrollment or participation(Lumen Technologies Inc_…).
In the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as death or disability, how does Lumen Technologies, Inc. protect the retirement benefits of its employees and their families? What provisions are specifically designed to support employees and their loved ones during these challenging times?
Protection of Retirement Benefits: In cases of death or disability, Lumen has provisions to protect retirement benefits for employees and their families. Survivor benefits and disability accommodations are designed to provide continued financial security for employees and their loved ones during challenging times(Lumen Technologies Inc_…).
For employees nearing retirement at Lumen Technologies, Inc., what strategies should they adopt to ensure they transition smoothly out of the workforce? What resources or programs does Lumen offer to assist employees during this significant life change?
Transitioning to Retirement: Employees nearing retirement at Lumen can benefit from financial planning tools and transition programs offered by the company. These resources help ensure a smooth exit from the workforce and provide the necessary support for this significant life change(Lumen Technologies Inc_…).
How is Lumen Technologies, Inc. addressing the challenges of an aging workforce regarding retirement readiness? What initiatives or programs are in place to help older employees prepare for retirement and to facilitate knowledge transfer to younger employees?
Addressing an Aging Workforce: Lumen is addressing retirement readiness through programs that help older employees prepare for their transition into retirement. These initiatives include financial education, retirement planning resources, and mentorship programs to facilitate knowledge transfer to younger employees(Lumen Technologies Inc_…).
For employees who wish to learn more about the retirement benefits and planning processes offered by Lumen Technologies, Inc., what contact methods are available? How can employees reach out to the appropriate department for detailed inquiries and assistance regarding their retirement options?
Contact Methods for Retirement Inquiries: Employees wishing to learn more about Lumen’s retirement benefits can reach out to the HR department via phone, email, or the company’s internal benefits portal. Lumen’s HR team provides detailed assistance regarding retirement options and planning(Lumen Technologies Inc_…).
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