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FedEx Guide to Navigating Retirement: Strategies for Handling Boomerang Kids

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FedEx employees need to prioritize retirement savings and set financial boundaries with adult children for their future well-being – that can be a challenge, says Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

Wesley Boudreaux, representing The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, tells FedEx parents to model financial responsibility for their adult children but to not rush into retirement planning to get today's support for tomorrow.

In this article we will discuss:

1. Financial impact of 'boomerang kids' on FedEx parents.

2. Strategies for parents balancing adult children with retirement planning.

3. How to set financial boundaries and model responsibility in adult children.

FedEx employees and many households across America have noticed in recent years a growing number of 'boomerang kids' – adults, 18 to 35, who, after a period of independence and higher education, return to their parents' homes. A 2024 study by Thrivent called Boomerang Kids found 46% of parents had watched their adult children return home, up from 46% the year before (Thrivent Boomerang Kids study). With inflation, high housing costs, and rising college debts, this trend strains young adults' financial independence.

Those are big financial implications for FedEx parents. And 38% of parents struggle to pay back their loans and 37% struggle to save for the long haul – especially retirement (Thrivent Financial Impact Report). That compares with 23% and 16% from the year before, raising a concern. But Thrivent CEO and Executive Vice President Nick Cecere says the financial pressure mounts when parents put their kids first, before their own future planning.

Finance professionals say parents – especially FedEx – should save for retirement before they help their kids with money – first. But applying that advice is tricky. Here are three practical ways finance pros say parents can cope:

Set Clear Financial Boundaries.

A Thrivent study found that more than half the parents do not set financial goals for their adult children (Thrivent Financial Goals Study). This includes contributing to household bills like rent, groceries, and even private bills like car insurance and mobile phone plans. Karen Altfest, Executive Vice President of Altfest Personal Wealth Management, suggests analyzing costs when an adult child comes home. Formal agreements defining shared financial responsibilities may reduce misunderstandings and help plan for eventual independence.

Encourage Financial Responsibility

Financial accountability is important for adults navigating financial independence. Senior Vice President of the Nationwide Retirement Institute Kristi Rodriguez says adults should create a budget and track their income and expenses. This identifies areas where discretionary spending can be trimmed. Parents may also help their children start a budget, even with a small amount. And big debts like student loans may require structured repayment plans with legal agreements from parents, Rodriguez says.

Prioritize Retirement Planning

Parents need regular evaluation of how financial support impacts retirement plans – even FedEx parents. Once their kids become independent, certified financial planner Lauren Lindsay of Beacon Financial Planning says parents should reevaluate their finances. Contributions should increase to 401(k) plans and tax recovery programs for those 50 and older. The IRS allows additional contributions for those aged 50 to 63, allowing a maximum annual contribution of USD 11,250 to their 401(k)s adjusted for inflation (IRS Retirement Contribution Guidelines).

These contributions could greatly improve retirement funds and provide some cushioning for losses incurred from helping adult children. Tax professional advice may also reduce the risk of legal trouble as financial support is matched to IRS rules.

Parents wanting to help their kids may be a natural desire, but financial planning has to be considered as well. A structured financial plan and boundaries for returning adult children help parents manage financial pressures while preserving long-term retirement goals. This not only benefits parents financially but also encourages responsibility and independence in adult children in the whole household.

FedEx employees also should consider the emotional challenges of boomerang children that are often not addressed. While financial burdens are well documented, psychological strain from added home demands and changing dynamics is just as real. Addressing these emotional components is important for retirement health.

It is a bit like parents adjusting sails to sail in changing winds when adult children return home. Setting guidelines and budgets is like a course—keeping retirement plans on track without skidding off course—toward a peaceful future.

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Sources: 

1. Parker, Kim. 'Who are the Boomerang Kids?'  Pew Research Center , 15 Mar. 2012,  https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2012/03/15/who-are-the-boomerang-kids/ .

2. Cecere, Nick. 'Boomerang Kids Putting Finances at Risk for Themselves and Their Parents.'  InvestmentNews , 6 May 2024,  https://www.investmentnews.com/industry-news/boomerang-kids-putting-finances-at-risk-for-themselves-and-their-parents/253014 .

3. Licht, Lawrence. 'Launching Adult Children Financially: A Parents’ Guide.'  Forbes , 13 Feb. 2024,  https://www.forbes.com/sites/lawrencelight/2024/02/13/launching-adult-children-financially-a-parents-guide/ .

4. 'Boomerang Children: Understanding, Supporting, and Implications.'  SuperMoney , 2024,  https://www.supermoney.com/encyclopedia/boomerang-children .

5. 'Boomerang Kids and Your Bottom Line.'  Bottom Line Personal , 2022,  https://www.bottomlineinc.com/life/family/boomerang-kids-and-your-bottom-line .

What are the implications of the Funding Target Attainment Percentage for FedEx Corporation employees, and how does it impact the security of the pension benefits offered by FedEx Corporation? This question seeks to explore the nuances of the funding target attainment percentage as reported in the annual funding notice, examining how this metric not only reflects the financial health of FedEx Corporation's pension plan but also how it affects employee confidence in future benefit payments and retirement planning.

Funding Target Attainment Percentage: The Funding Target Attainment Percentage for FedEx Corporation indicates the degree to which the pension plan is funded. A percentage of 101.33% for 2022 suggests that the plan has sufficient assets to cover its liabilities, providing security for employees' pension benefits. This high percentage likely increases employee confidence in the stability and reliability of their future pension payouts, essential for long-term retirement planning.

How does the merger of the FedEx Freight Pension Plan into the FedEx Corporate Employees’ Pension Plan influence the benefits currently available to FedEx Corporation employees? This question aims to delve into the practical changes that may arise due to this merger, assessing whether it aligns with employee expectations regarding their pension benefits and how the transition process is managed by FedEx Corporation.

Merger of Pension Plans: The merger of the FedEx Freight Pension Plan into the FedEx Corporate Employees’ Pension Plan appears to have been strategically managed to maintain benefit stability. Despite increasing liabilities by 5.3%, the merger was structured to ensure no negative impact on the benefit amounts payable to participants from either plan, preserving the expected pension benefits for all affected FedEx Corporation employees.

In terms of investment strategies, what measures does FedEx Corporation implement to ensure that its pension plan investments align with the long-term liabilities expected to be paid out to retirees? This question encourages an exploration of the investment policies in place, examining the asset allocations and risk management strategies that FedEx Corporation employs to ensure sustainable funding for its pension obligations, which could potentially include detailed analyses of stocks, debts, and alternative investments.

Investment Strategies: FedEx Corporation employs a diversified investment strategy across equities, fixed income, and alternative investments, aiming to meet long-term pension liabilities. This approach, which includes both active management strategies and the limited use of derivatives, is designed to generate returns that exceed market indices, thus ensuring adequate funding of pension obligations.

What options do employees of FedEx Corporation have for accessing their pension plan statements, and how frequently are these statements generated? The focus here is to understand the communication strategies employed by FedEx Corporation regarding pension benefit statements, including technological access points and the importance of these documents for employee financial planning.

Pension Plan Statements: FedEx Corporation provides annual pension plan statements through their Retirement Service Center, available electronically each fall. Employees can access their statements online or request them if notifications are not received, ensuring transparency and aiding in personal financial planning.

How are contributions to the FedEx Corporation Employees’ Pension Plan determined, and what role do excess contributions play in the plan's overall funding strategy? This question aims to educate employees about how the company balances mandatory contribution levels with potential excess contributions, exploring how these factors interact to influence the plan's solvency and employee benefits.

Contributions to the Pension Plan: Contributions to the FedEx Corporation Employees' Pension Plan are calculated to meet at least the minimum legal requirement and potentially include voluntary excess contributions. These excess contributions can help manage the plan's funding level and ensure its solvency, benefiting overall pension security for employees.

What types of benefits are guaranteed under the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) for FedEx Corporation employees, and what limitations exist that employees should be aware of? By focusing on the guaranteed benefits, this question prompts a discussion on the security of specific benefits provided by FedEx Corporation and highlights limitations, allowing employees to understand their rights fully.

PBGC Guarantee: The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation guarantees certain types of benefits for FedEx Corporation employees, such as pension benefits at normal retirement age and most early retirement benefits. However, there are limitations, such as exclusions for benefits without vested rights and recently increased benefits, which employees should be aware of to fully understand their pension security.

In what ways does the FedEx Corporation plan to adjust its pension funding strategy in light of changing federal laws that impact pension obligations? Employees are encouraged to consider how legislative changes influence corporate policies surrounding retirement benefits and the proactive strategies FedEx Corporation might take to remain compliant while ensuring the security of employee pensions.

Adjustments to Funding Strategy: FedEx Corporation is likely to adjust its pension funding strategy in response to legislative changes affecting pension obligations, such as those introduced by recent acts adjusting how pension liabilities are calculated. This proactive approach aims to ensure compliance with new laws while continuing to secure the financial health of the pension plan.

What are the steps that FedEx Corporation employees must take if they are considering retirement, particularly in how to navigate the pension plan and gain access to their benefits? This question aims to provide clarity on the retirement process, ensuring that employees are equipped with the necessary information regarding required documentation, timelines, and points of contact within FedEx Corporation.

Steps for Retirement Planning: Employees considering retirement should contact the FedEx Retirement Service Center to navigate their pension plan benefits. This process involves understanding necessary documentation, timelines, and available support, facilitating a smooth transition into retirement.

How does FedEx Corporation plan to manage potential funding shortfalls in the pension plan, and what mechanisms are in place for notifying plan participants should such an event occur? Employees would need to understand the proactive measures put in place by FedEx Corporation to address funding-related challenges while also knowing what this means for their benefits.

Managing Funding Shortfalls: In the event of potential funding shortfalls, FedEx Corporation has policies in place to manage such situations, including strategic contributions to mitigate shortfalls. The company maintains transparency with plan participants about funding levels and any significant changes affecting the pension plan.

For those seeking more information about their pensions and retirement options, how can FedEx Corporation employees contact relevant departments, and what resources are available for assistance? This question provides an opportunity for employees to familiarize themselves with contact points such as the FedEx Retirement Service Center, emphasizing the importance of open communication channels for addressing inquiries related to their pensions. Feel free to consult the provided document for more in-depth exploration of these topics.

Contacting for Pension Information: FedEx Corporation employees seeking more information about their pensions or retirement options can contact the FedEx Retirement Service Center. This center provides essential resources and support, ensuring employees have access to all necessary information regarding their retirement planning.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
FedEx offers a defined benefit pension plan and a cash balance plan. The cash balance plan grows with interest credits and employer contributions, with a five-year vesting period. Employees can choose between lump-sum payments or monthly annuities.
Operational Restructuring: FedEx plans to streamline its operations and reduce costs by combining its Ground and Express delivery networks. This restructuring is expected to save the company $2 billion by 2025 (Source: Reuters). Layoffs and Buyouts: FedEx has announced voluntary buyouts for certain employees as part of its cost-saving measures (Source: Wall Street Journal). Financial Performance: Despite these changes, FedEx reported strong earnings in the latest quarter, driven by increased shipping volumes and higher rates (Source: FedEx).
In 2022, FedEx enhanced its stock option and RSU programs to include more diverse employee groups, aiming to boost morale and retention. The company faced criticism in 2023 for high executive compensation, prompting adjustments in their compensation strategy by 2024. FedEx now focuses on aligning stock options and RSUs with long-term performance metrics, making it essential to understand these changes in light of the economic and regulatory pressures affecting the logistics industry.
FedEx has taken significant steps to improve its employee healthcare benefits in recent years. In 2022, FedEx launched new healthcare plans designed to provide more comprehensive coverage while keeping costs manageable for employees. These plans included options for high and low deductibles, as well as a variety of wellness programs aimed at promoting overall health and well-being. The company also introduced enhanced mental health resources, recognizing the increasing importance of mental health support in the workplace. In 2023, FedEx continued to enhance its healthcare offerings by introducing personalized care options and expanding preventive health services. The company partnered with local healthcare providers to offer tailored care solutions, particularly focusing on chronic disease management and preventive care. This approach aligns with the broader economic and political environment, which has seen a growing emphasis on employee health as a key factor in business sustainability and productivity. By investing in comprehensive healthcare benefits, FedEx aims to attract and retain top talent, ultimately contributing to the company's long-term success.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for FedEx at 942 south shady grove rd Memphis, TN 38120; or by calling them at 901-818-7500.

retirement.fedex.com/retirementbenefitsquickreferenceguide.pdf - Page 5, retirement.fedex.com/yourpensionroadmapoverview.pdf - Page 12, retirement.fedex.com/questionsandanswers.pdf - Page 15, cache.hacontent.com/informationaboutfedexemployeepensionplan.pdf - Page 8, cache.hacontent.com/summaryofmaterialmodifications.pdf - Page 22, cache.hacontent.com/yourretirementbenefits.pdf - Page 28, retirement.fedex.com/transitionguidetoyournew401kplan.pdf - Page 20, fmrbenefits.com/2024annualenrollmentbenefitsguide.pdf - Page 14, retirement.fedex.com/2022pre65fedexretireehealthplan.pdf - Page 17, optum.com/optumfinancialfedexfaqs.pdf - Page 23

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