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Essential Strategies for PepsiCo Employees Navigating Job Loss: A Guide to Financial Resilience

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for PepsiCo PepsiCo's primary healthcare provider for employee health benefits is the UnitedHealthcare network, which offers a range of healthcare services and insurance plans for PepsiCo employees. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, PepsiCo and its employees may face notable increases in healthcare costs due to a combination of factors influencing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Insurance premiums are projected to rise significantly, with some states seeing hikes upwards of 60%, primarily driven by the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies. Additionally, the rising costs of medical services and pharmaceuticals are contributing to overall healthcare inflation, with insurers reporting anticipated increases in claims expenses. This perfect storm could potentially lead to out-of-pocket costs skyrocketing for consumers, creating substantial financial pressures. Click here to learn more

For PepsiCo employees who find themselves out of work, it is vital to perform an instant and comprehensive financial analysis in order to limit losses,' says Kevin Landis of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group. 'The proper utilization of your resources such as the pension and the IRAs ensures that you are financially well positioned during the transitions.'

'According to Paul Bergeron of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, managers of PepsiCo companies who have been laid off should focus on diversifying their income and seeking the advice of a financial advisor to come up with a plan that will sustain them financially and meet their future goals.'

In this article, we will discuss:

1. Immediate Financial Review and Actions: Outlining the first measures a professional interior designer made to reassess and cut her expenses after losing her job suddenly, along with the changes she made to improve her financial situation.

2. Long-term Financial Strategy Challenges: Describes the different strategies for sustainable income including the pension, retirement accounts, or another job and the implications for taxes and healthcare.

3. Secured Future and Continued Stability: Emphasizes the positive changes and financial planning, which led to the new employment with benefits and allowing the designer to keep on contributing to her retirement plans and defer Social Security, thus enhancing her financial future.

This article provides a case study of a seasoned interior designer who was earning $100,000 a year and found herself out of a job in September. At the age of 63, the professional living in Minneapolis and with no income at present, following a recent divorce, had to face not only a personal tragedy but also a severe financial issue. As a PepsiCo employee, it is important to be financially ready for any chance of job loss.

Immediate Financial Review and Actions

The first thing to do after being laid off was to review the financial situation. Her savings were decreasing at the rate of $4,500 every month; she had no income at all. She had to make some changes; she had to. Even though her mortgage and car payments were set, she cut her monthly spending by $3,000, which she did by cutting on travel, dining out, home renovations, and charitable giving. She also checked for health insurance from the Affordable Care Act and got a zero-premium plan in Minnesota once her parent’s plan expired.

Long-term Financial Strategy Challenges

It was a big challenge to identify what to do in order to get sustainable income during this period. She could have chosen to take her pension, use her traditional and Roth IRAs, take Social Security or work in a low-paying job. This decision was complicated because it had implications for her healthcare, taxes, and financial health generally.

Financial Guidance

Pension: Since the client is in good health and likely to live a long life, the $1,000 monthly pension payment was preferred as opposed to the higher but less stable $1,350.

IRA Withdrawals: Taking the money from the traditional IRA first helped her meet her budget since she could take money from that account without being taxed on it or paying penalties; she could take up to $29,160 without losing her eligibility for free health insurance. The Roth IRA was left to grow tax-free, untouched by any possible need.

Employment Opportunities: Taking a job greatly enhanced her pension income and allowed her to avoid touching her retirement funds and to delay Social Security payments, which could have increased her future benefits by 8% per year until she turned 70.

These three strategic decisions do not just apply to the designer. PepsiCo employees who are faced with job losses should consider these decisions carefully in their plans for how to manage unemployment. It is important to learn how to use your resources when you lose your job unexpectedly.

Secured Future and Continued Stability

She was successful in her financial planning as she got a job as a kitchen designer in a home improvement company, and the job paid her about $46,000 a year. This position not only gave her financial stability and health insurance but also allowed her to remain a member of the IRAs and delay Social Security, which in turn protected her financial situation.

The experience of this interior designer is a clear message of the need to be ready for change and financial planning. She developed a strong financial plan to weather the shocks of the unexpected layoffs with proper resource management, professional advice, and exploring job opportunities.

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Financial blogs and articles written by experienced financial writers and advisors are likely to offer the level of guidance required to make sense of the financial terrain.

For PepsiCo employees who are close to retirement and want to reduce the risk of financial loss, it helps to continue working part-time as consultants in their fields through retirement age. This approach not only protects financial status but also helps to stay current with industry trends that are important for getting new jobs or projects.

When you lose a job, you are like a ship that has encountered a storm. At first, you are in smooth water with a stable income, but the loss of employment demands an immediate adjustment of the financial ship. Using pensions, IRAs, and perhaps new employment, it is possible to steer a course through to calmer waters and make a relatively smooth transition to retirement despite the unexpected twists and turns that can occur en route.

Sources:

1. Widget Financial Team. “Retirement Strategy After a Job Loss.” Widget Financial, January 5, 2025. widgetfinancial.com.

2. Haussmann Financial Advisors. 'Retirement Strategy After a job loss.” Haussmann Financial,  www.haussmannfinancial.com . Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

3. Team at Hahn and Associates. “Retirement Strategy After a Job Loss.” Hahn and Associates, PC,  www.hahn-cpa.com . Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

4. Michael Santiago CRPC. “Retirement Planning After Losing Your Job.” ComparisonAdviser,  www.comparisonadviser.com . Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

5. Falcon Wealth Planning. “Retirement Planning Strategies After a Job Loss.” Falcon Wealth Planning, December 20, 2025. falconwealthplanning.com.

What are the key steps an employee needs to take to prepare for retirement from PepsiCo, and how do these steps ensure that they maximize their benefits and entitlements?

Preparing for Retirement: Employees preparing for retirement from PepsiCo need to understand their retirement benefits, estimate their financial needs, and officially inform PepsiCo of their decision to retire. These steps are vital to ensure they maximize their benefits, including pensions, 401(k) plans, and retiree healthcare. The PepsiCo Savings and Retirement Center at Fidelity helps guide employees through this process, ensuring they make well-informed decisions​(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).

In what ways can PepsiCo employees navigate the complexities of their pension options, and what considerations should they have in mind when deciding between a lump sum and annuity?

Navigating Pension Options: PepsiCo employees can choose between a lump sum or an annuity for their pension benefits. When deciding, they should consider personal circumstances, such as life expectancy and financial needs. Employees can use the NetBenefits platform to estimate pension values at different retirement dates and consult financial counselors through Healthy Money for personalized advice​(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).

How does the PepsiCo Retiree Health Care Program function after retirement, and what criteria must be met for an employee to effectively enroll and maintain this coverage?

Retiree Health Care Program: PepsiCo offers a Retiree Health Care Program available until employees reach age 65, after which coverage transitions to the Via Benefits marketplace. Employees must actively enroll within 31 days of retirement to maintain coverage, or defer enrollment if preferred. The Retiree Health Care Contribution Estimator helps estimate future costs​(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…)​(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).

How do the Automatic Retirement Contributions (ARC) at PepsiCo enhance an employee's retirement savings strategy, and what options do employees have to manage their ARC investments?

Automatic Retirement Contributions (ARC): Employees who receive ARC can manage their investments through NetBenefits. These contributions are automatically added to their retirement savings, enhancing long-term financial security. Employees can review and adjust their investment options to align with their retirement strategy​(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).

For employees aging 50 and over, what catch-up contribution options does PepsiCo provide to help with their 401(k) savings, and how can they take advantage of these benefits in their retirement planning?

Catch-Up Contributions: PepsiCo employees aged 50 and above can contribute additional amounts to their 401(k) plans under the catch-up contribution option. This benefit allows employees to boost their retirement savings, helping them prepare more effectively for retirement​(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).

What resources are available through PepsiCo for employees looking to calculate their retirement expenses, and how do these tools help in setting realistic financial goals for retirement?

Retirement Expense Calculators: PepsiCo provides tools like the Fidelity Planning & Guidance Center, which helps employees estimate retirement expenses. This tool includes health care costs, mortgage payments, and other potential retirement expenses, enabling employees to set realistic financial goals​(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).

How should employees at PepsiCo approach Social Security benefits when planning for retirement, and what role does the company play in facilitating their understanding of these benefits?

Social Security Benefits: Employees approaching retirement should consider when to start Social Security benefits. PepsiCo provides guidance through Healthy Money, helping employees understand how Social Security fits into their overall retirement strategy​(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).

What impact does health care coverage have on retired employees' finances, and how can PepsiCo retirees effectively use the Retiree Health Care Contribution Estimator to prepare for future health costs?

Retiree Health Care Contribution Estimator: Health care can significantly impact a retiree's budget. The Retiree Health Care Contribution Estimator is a tool PepsiCo retirees can use to prepare for future health costs. It helps employees estimate their contributions and explore different plan options to manage their post-retirement health care expenses​(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).

How can employees get in touch with the appropriate resources to learn more about PepsiCo’s retirement benefits, and what specific contact information should they keep handy during this process?

Contact Information: To learn more about PepsiCo's retirement benefits, employees should contact the PepsiCo Savings and Retirement Center at Fidelity at 1-800-632-2014. Additionally, they can access resources on NetBenefits or consult Healthy Money counselors for personalized financial guidance​(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).

What are the implications of interest rate fluctuations on pension benefit calculations at PepsiCo, and how should employees factor these rates into their retirement planning decisions? These questions encourage a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of retirement planning specific to PepsiCo, as well as consideration for personal financial management.

Interest Rate Fluctuations and Pension Calculations: PepsiCo employees considering a lump sum pension payout should be aware that lump sum values are inversely related to interest rates. A higher interest rate results in a lower lump sum payout, so employees should monitor interest rate trends when planning their pension distribution​(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…)​(PepsiCo_October 2022_Ge…).

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
PepsiCo offers both defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. The defined benefit plan provides a stable retirement income based on years of service and final average pay. The defined contribution plan includes a 401(k) option with company matching contributions, allowing employees to save for retirement through various investment options. PepsiCo also offers a Profit Sharing Plan and a Stock Bonus Plan, providing additional retirement savings opportunities.
Restructuring and Layoffs: PepsiCo is undergoing a restructuring process that includes laying off approximately 2,000 employees globally (Source: Reuters). Operational Efficiency: The company aims to save $1 billion annually through these measures. Financial Performance: PepsiCo reported a 5% increase in net revenue for Q3 2023, driven by strong demand for its beverages and snacks (Source: PepsiCo).
PepsiCo grants RSUs that vest over time, providing shares upon meeting vesting conditions. Stock options are also available, allowing employees to purchase shares at a fixed price.
PepsiCo has implemented substantial enhancements to its employee healthcare benefits, adapting to the current economic, investment, tax, and political environment. In 2022, the company introduced a robust employee well-being program based on three pillars: "Be Well," "Find Balance," and "Get Involved." The "Be Well" pillar includes fitness programs, nutrition education, and access to on-site fitness centers and virtual fitness classes. The "Find Balance" pillar focuses on mental and emotional health, providing access to virtual mental health services and a stress management app. The "Get Involved" pillar promotes community involvement and social connections, essential for holistic well-being. These initiatives aim to support employees' physical, financial, and emotional health, ensuring they can bring their best selves to work. In 2023, PepsiCo continued to expand its healthcare offerings, emphasizing mental health support and financial well-being. The company launched the "Healthy Money" program, which provides personalized financial education and resources to help employees manage finances and prepare for retirement. Additionally, PepsiCo enhanced its environmental, health, and safety (EHS) culture with the "Courage to Care" initiative, which includes comprehensive health and safety policies and procedures. These efforts reflect PepsiCo's commitment to creating a supportive and engaging work environment, which is critical for attracting and retaining top talent in a dynamic economic landscape.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for PepsiCo at 700 anderson rd Purchase, NY 10577; or by calling them at 914-253-2000.

https://www.pepsico.com/documents/pension-plan-2022.pdf - Page 5 https://www.pepsico.com/documents/pension-plan-2023.pdf - Page 12 https://www.pepsico.com/documents/pension-plan-2024.pdf - Page 15 https://www.pepsico.com/documents/401k-plan-2022.pdf - Page 8 https://www.pepsico.com/documents/401k-plan-2023.pdf - Page 22 https://www.pepsico.com/documents/401k-plan-2024.pdf - Page 28 https://www.pepsico.com/documents/rsu-plan-2022.pdf - Page 20 https://www.pepsico.com/documents/rsu-plan-2023.pdf - Page 14 https://www.pepsico.com/documents/rsu-plan-2024.pdf - Page 17 https://www.pepsico.com/documents/healthcare-plan-2022.pdf - Page 23

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