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Verizon 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 Verizon 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 Verizon parents.
2. Strategies for parents balancing adult children with retirement planning.
3. How to set financial boundaries and model responsibility in adult children.
Verizon 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 Verizon 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 Verizon – 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 Verizon 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.
Verizon 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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- 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?
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- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
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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 .
How does the Verizon Pension Plan facilitate retirement income for long-term employees, and what specific benefits can employees expect when enrolling in the retirement program provided by Verizon? What unique features does the Verizon Pension Plan offer compared to other retirement plans an employee might have encountered, and how can employees maximize the benefits of these features throughout their career at Verizon?
Verizon Pension Plan Benefits: Verizon's Pension Plan offers substantial benefits aimed at facilitating a secure retirement for long-term employees. Upon enrolling in the retirement program, employees can expect defined benefits that are based on their salary and years of service, ensuring a predictable and stable income after retirement. Unique to Verizon, compared to some other plans, may include options for early retirement under certain conditions and a choice between annuity payments or a lump-sum distribution upon retirement. Employees can maximize these features by planning for long-term service and considering their retirement income needs early in their careers.
In what ways can employees at Verizon strategize their rollover decisions when transitioning from the Verizon Pension Plan to other retirement savings plans upon leaving the company? What factors should be considered by Verizon employees to ensure they are making informed choices regarding rolling over funds to a traditional IRA or another qualified employer plan?
Rollover Strategies: When transitioning from the Verizon Pension Plan to other retirement savings options upon leaving the company, employees should strategize their rollover decisions carefully. Factors to consider include the tax implications, the investment options available in the rollover destination, and the timing of the transfer to avoid penalties. Verizon employees should evaluate the benefits of rolling over to a traditional IRA or another employer's plan, considering their future financial needs and retirement goals.
What are the implications of the recent IRS limits for 2024 concerning contributions to retirement plans for Verizon employees, and how does Verizon align its offerings with these federal regulations? Additionally, how can Verizon employees best take advantage of these limits to enhance their retirement savings while adhering to tax regulations?
IRS Contribution Limits: The implications of IRS limits for 2024 are critical for Verizon employees as these limits dictate how much can be contributed tax-deferred into retirement plans. Verizon aligns its offerings with these federal regulations by adjusting contribution limits in their plans accordingly. Employees are encouraged to maximize their contributions to take full advantage of tax-deferred growth, especially when IRS limits increase, thereby enhancing their retirement savings while adhering to tax regulations.
How does the special tax treatment for lump sum distributions from the Verizon Pension Plan affect employees who receive their benefits early or have specific circumstances, such as being born before 1936? What options do these employees have to manage their tax burden effectively, and how can they best navigate these complicated rules while planning for their retirement?
Tax Treatment of Lump Sum Distributions: The special tax treatment for lump sum distributions from the Verizon Pension Plan can significantly affect employees who opt to receive their benefits early or under specific circumstances like being born before 1936. These employees have options to manage their tax burden effectively by opting for ten-year averaging or capital gain treatment on eligible distributions, allowing for a potentially lower tax rate on their pension benefits.
For surviving spouses and alternate payees of Verizon employees, what are the specific benefits available under the Verizon Pension Plan? How do these benefits compare to those available to employees, and what steps must surviving spouses or alternate payees take to ensure they receive their entitled benefits without delays or complications?
Benefits for Surviving Spouses and Alternate Payees: For surviving spouses and alternate payees, the Verizon Pension Plan offers benefits similar to those available to employees, such as annuity payments or lump-sum options. These beneficiaries must take certain steps to ensure they receive their benefits without delays, such as providing necessary documentation and adhering to plan rules. The plan details and processes for claiming benefits should be clearly understood to avoid complications.
How can Verizon employees utilize the resources available through the Verizon Benefits Center to better understand and manage their retirement benefits? What specific tools and services does the Benefits Center provide, and how can these resources assist employees in making informed decisions regarding their pension plan options?
Utilizing Resources at the Verizon Benefits Center: Verizon employees can utilize various tools and services provided by the Verizon Benefits Center to manage and understand their retirement benefits. The Benefits Center offers personalized consultations, detailed plan documentation, and tools for estimating pension benefits and planning retirement income, assisting employees in making informed decisions about their pension plan options.
What challenges might Verizon employees face regarding eligibility and tax withholding when receiving their pension payments, and how can they mitigate these issues? It's crucial for employees to understand the mechanics of eligibility regarding rollovers and payment processing; what key pieces of information should they be aware of to avoid unexpected taxes?
Challenges in Eligibility and Tax Withholding: Verizon employees might face challenges regarding eligibility and tax withholding when receiving pension payments. Understanding the plan's criteria for eligibility, the implications of rollovers, and the impact of mandatory withholding on distributions is crucial. Employees can mitigate these issues by consulting with the Verizon Benefits Center or a tax advisor to ensure compliance and avoid unexpected taxes.
What is the process for Verizon employees wishing to initiate a direct rollover from the Verizon Pension Plan, and what documentation will they need to prepare? Can employees receive assistance from the Verizon Benefits Center during this process, and how does using a direct rollover benefit them compared to other forms of payment?
Direct Rollover Process: The process for initiating a direct rollover involves deciding the destination of the rollover (traditional IRA or another employer plan), completing necessary documentation, and potentially seeking assistance from the Verizon Benefits Center. A direct rollover helps in avoiding immediate taxes and maintaining the tax-deferred status of retirement savings.
In terms of retirement preparedness, how does the pension plan at Verizon accommodate employees’ needs for financial security in their senior years? What additional education or resources does Verizon provide to assure that employees fully understand their retirement options and the importance of planning ahead?
Retirement Preparedness: Verizon's pension plan is designed to accommodate the financial security needs of employees in their senior years. In addition to the pension benefits, Verizon provides educational resources and planning tools to ensure employees understand their retirement options and the importance of early and consistent retirement planning.
How can employees reach out to the Verizon Benefits Center for further information about the pension plan and other retirement benefits? What specific contact methods are available to employees, and how can these interactions enhance their understanding and management of retirement benefits provided by Verizon?
Contacting the Verizon Benefits Center: Verizon employees seeking more information about their pension plan and other retirement benefits can reach out to the Verizon Benefits Center through various contact methods such as phone, email, or online portals. These interactions are crucial for enhancing understanding and effective management of retirement benefits, ensuring employees make the most of the benefits available to them.