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PepsiCo Guide to Navigating Retirement: Strategies for Handling Boomerang Kids

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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

PepsiCo 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 PepsiCo 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 PepsiCo parents.

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

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

PepsiCo 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 PepsiCo 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 PepsiCo – 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 PepsiCo 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.

PepsiCo 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 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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