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Healthcare Provider Update: FedEx's healthcare provider is primarily Cigna, which partners with the company to offer health insurance solutions to its employees through a range of plans, including High Deductible Health Plans paired with Health Savings Accounts. In 2026, FedEx employees may face significant healthcare cost increases, mirroring a broader trend across the nation. With the expected elimination of enhanced ACA premium subsidies, some workers could see their out-of-pocket premium costs surge by over 75%. Coupled with the anticipated double-digit rate hikes from major insurers and rising medical expenses, the financial burden on employees is poised to escalate sharply, potentially impacting their overall healthcare affordability. Click here to learn more
For FedEx employees facing gray divorce, it helps to rethink retirement plans and asset division with a financial advisor so everyone knows where they stand to minimize emotional and financial strain during this life transition - said Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.
With gray divorce on the rise, FedEx employees should review their retirement plans and long-term financial goals to prepare for possible asset division changes and future financial stability - Tyson Mavar, of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.
In this article we will discuss:
1. The rise of gray divorce and its prevalence among older adults.
2. Common triggers & unique challenges of late-life divorces.
3. Methods for managing financial, emotional and social impacts - particularly for FedEx employees.
Trends in Divorce & Late-Life Challenges.
The possibility of divorce is often unimaginable - especially for couples who have been together decades. New patterns indicate a shift in divorce demographics - more people over 50 are splitting. This so-called 'gray divorce' has grown. Couples this age account for about 36% of divorces now compared with 8.7% in 1990. For FedEx employees nearing or entering retirement, that process presents challenges younger couples might not face.
Understanding Gray Divorce: The Rise of Gray Divorce.
The term gray divorce describes a trend among older adults who separate after years of marriage. Studies like those by Susan L. Brown and data from the Pew Research Center show that divorce rates have remained steady or decreased among younger age groups, but they have doubled for older adults since the 1990s. Linked to this change are longer lives and larger social movements through the decades.
Common Causes of Late-Life Divorce.
Several reasons explain the increase in divorces among people over 50: Interests, values and priorities change over time - and sometimes break relationships.
Empty Nest Syndrome: Adjusting to life without children at home can upset family dynamics and reduce spouse contact.
Money Disputes: budgeting and retirement plans often become disputed at this point in time.
Health concerns: Chronic health concerns, which become more common with age, can add stress to a marriage when one partner becomes a caregiver. Societal changes have also promoted greater independence - particularly for women - in pursuit of happiness outside unhappy marriages.
Some Unique Challenges in Gray Divorce.
A later divorce can present its own challenges: Couples with decades of financial history may have complex asset divisions. Separations can change long-term planning for budgets, health insurance and living arrangements.
Psychosocial and emotional impacts: Separation can create loneliness and isolation - particularly for seniors - and raise health risks including cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.
Financial and Emotional Considerations
The financial impact of gray divorce is often enormous. Study after study shows that women over 50 lose 45% more quality of life following a divorce than men do by 21%. That difference shows how structured financial planning and support is critical during this transition. (SOURCE: Study on the Financial Impact of Gray Divorce)
For FedEx Employees: Navigating Gray Divorce.
And for employees at FedEx companies going through late-life divorces, you need a team of professionals - lawyers, financial and mental health advisors. These experts understand gray divorce and can help you navigate financial and emotional waters.
With societal values shifting toward personal fulfillment, gray divorce will probably remain a major trend. Understanding its challenges and preparing proactively may allow individuals to move more smoothly into the next phase of their lives.
And including Social Security benefits in retirement planning is important. For example, someone married 10 years or more may be eligible for benefits based on the earnings record of their former spouse, the Social Security Administration said. This can be a large financial help to those 60 and older planning.
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!
Sources:
1. AARP. 'Study: Gray Divorce a Trend Among Boomers.' AARP , 2023, https://www.aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2023/gray-divorce-trend.html .
2. Verywell Mind. '7 Reasons Behind the Gray Divorce Phenomenon.' Verywell Mind , 2024, https://www.verywellmind.com/gray-divorce-8646068 .
3. Social Security Administration. 'Ex-Spouse Benefits and How They Affect You.' Social Security Matters , 2017, https://blog.ssa.gov/ex-spouse-benefits-and-how-they-affect-you .
4. NerdWallet. 'Divorced-Spouse Social Security Benefits: How Much and How to Qualify.' NerdWallet , 2023, https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/social-security/divorced-spouse-social-security-benefits .
5. Business Insider. 'A Major Curveball in Retirement Preparedness: Divorce.' Business Insider , 2024, https://www.businessinsider.com/divorced-boomers-lower-retirement-savings-401ks-social-security-income-2024-10 .
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.
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