New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

EPAM Systems Employees: Is Now the Time to Sell Your Home, or Should You Wait?

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for EPAM Systems EPAM Systems primarily partners with large health insurers, but specific healthcare providers may vary depending on the regional office and employee benefits package they offer. Typically, recognized national insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, and Cigna are among those involved in providing healthcare coverage to EPAM Systems employees. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As 2026 approaches, EPAM Systems employees should prepare for potential healthcare cost increases, significantly influenced by the anticipated rise in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums. States may see hikes upwards of 60%, with many large insurers adjusting their rates to counteract escalating medical expenses and the possible expiration of federal premium subsidies. Without these subsidies, over 22 million participants could face out-of-pocket premium increases of over 75%. Consequently, employees at EPAM Systems could find themselves absorbing a larger share of healthcare costs, prompting the need for proactive planning and informed decision-making regarding their healthcare benefits. Click here to learn more

In view of the expected property price growth, EPAM Systems employees should consider their real estate as an important part of their wealth and determine their readiness to sell, recommends Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group at Wealth Enhancement Group. 'Knowledge of the market trends and timings can make a huge difference to your financial returns.'

'Wesley Boudreaux of The Retirement Group at Wealth Enhancement Group recommends that EPAM Systems employees determine how the anticipated rise in home values will affect their personal financial plans. It is possible that delaying the decisions on the housing market, especially in the current economic environment, may improve their long-term financial position.'

In this article, we will discuss:

1. 'Forecasted Trends in Housing Prices: An analysis of the predicted rise in house prices by Bank of America and the possible positive implications for homeowners, particularly those from the EPAM Systems company in light of the pandemic and current mortgage rates.'

2. 'Economic Factors Influencing the Housing Market: Examining how changes caused by the pandemic, including increased remote working and preference for suburban areas, along with fluctuating mortgage rates, are influencing the present and future of real estate.'

3. 'Strategic Considerations for Home Selling: Examining the advantages and disadvantages of not selling a home until the prices rise and how population changes influence the housing market trends.'

Learn why it is beneficial to hold off on selling your real estate property in today’s market and how these tips can help you maximize your return on investment.

According to Michael Gapen, the Chief US Economist at Bank of America, the prices are still going to rise quickly. According to the bank, house prices will grow by 5% in 2025 and 4.5% in 2024. For the EPAM Systems employees who plan on selling their homes, it may be worth considering the post-pandemic world and the present mortgage rates. It might be better to wait for a few more years.

The property market has been on the rise post-pandemic and the values of homes have increased by 6% on average every year. This has created a very good market for those who own the properties. Bank of America has pointed out that this trend is likely to persist.

In their most recent analysis of the housing market, Gapen and his team expect prices to keep rising by 4.5% this year and 5% in 2025. They predict that there will be no cooling down of the market until the year 2026, which means that current homeowners, including those from EPAM Systems, might stand to benefit from waiting since higher sale prices may be possible in the near future.

The Virtue of Patience

There are several good reasons why it could be advantageous for homeowners to prevent selling. Gapen points out that the economic effects of the pandemic are still ongoing and may not reach their fullest in late 2025. This has also increased long-term housing trends such as working from home and preferring suburban areas which still keep the prices high. Another important factor for homeowners is the changing mortgage rates. Many got rates as low as 3% during the pandemic. With rates now sitting at 7%, it may actually be more advantageous to remain in one’s home. The Federal Reserve may cut rates later this year, but Bank of America believes it may take years for the difference between current and historical mortgage rates to disappear, which makes a strong case for staying in one’s home.

Possibility of Price Increases After 2026

Homeowners can expect price increases for the next two years at the minimum. If the impacts of the pandemic decrease to the point of almost being unnoticeable by the end of 2025, the market may level off and even experience a slight rise of 0.5% in 2026. The macroeconomic conditions are expected to improve, the housing supply is expected to increase, and the monetary policy is expected to loosen, which should bring down the prices. However, there is a possibility of prices rising even after 2026.

Historically, real personal discretionary income has been highly correlated with housing prices. As Bank of America notes, the current momentum in home prices may lead to sustainably higher prices than the fundamental values. This inertia provides homeowners, including those at EPAM Systems, with more opportunities for appreciation. If the effects of the pandemic are worse than expected, and the housing market remains strong, prices can rise another 5% by 2026. Furthermore, the population dynamics in the subsequent years will continue to stimulate housing demand. Millennials have now become the largest home buying segment and are likely to influence the market in a big way.

Therefore, it is recommended that a homeowner only considers selling their property when they are certain that they can sell at a higher price due to market trends. A recent Harvard University study pointed out that the percentage of older individuals with mortgage debts has doubled over the last three decades, which is good news for many retirees to wait out potential increases in property value.

This information is not intended as a recommendation. The opinions are subject to change at any time and no forecasts can be guaranteed. Investment decisions should always be made based on an investor's specific circumstances. Investing has its risks, including the possibility of losing principal.

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Sources:

Santarelli, Marco. 'Housing Market: Sell Now or Wait? What Does Bank of America Say?' Norada Real Estate Investing July 8, 2024, www.noradarealestate.com/blog/housing-market-sell-now-or-wait/ . Accessed February 4, 2025.
Dahl, Roxanne. 'According to Bank of America Economist, Housing Market is 'Stuck' Until at Least 2026.' Weekly Real Estate News, July 7, 2024, wrenews.com/bank-of-america-economist-housing-market-stuck-2026. Accessed February 4, 2025.
Amelia. 'Bank of America: Housing Market Challenges Expected to Persist Until 2026.' Realty Biz Blog, 2024, realtybizblog.com/us-housing-market-stuck-until-2026. Accessed February 4, 2025.
'BoA Michael Gapen - Macro Economic Trends and Risks.' Motley Fool Community, September 11, 2022, discussion.fool.com/boa-michael-gapen-74773. Accessed February 4, 2025.
'Household Spending Remains Strong.' Bloomberg, undated, bloomberg.com/article/household-spending-gapen/. Accessed February 4, 2025.

What retirement savings options does EPAM Systems offer to its employees?

EPAM Systems offers a 401(k) plan as a primary retirement savings option for its employees.

Does EPAM Systems match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, EPAM Systems provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in the EPAM Systems 401(k) plan?

Employees of EPAM Systems are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of employment, typically within the first year.

How can employees at EPAM Systems enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at EPAM Systems can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What types of investment options are available in the EPAM Systems 401(k) plan?

The EPAM Systems 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, index funds, and target-date funds.

Can employees at EPAM Systems take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, EPAM Systems allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What is the vesting schedule for EPAM Systems’ 401(k) matching contributions?

The vesting schedule for EPAM Systems’ 401(k) matching contributions typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which employees can review in the plan documents.

How often can employees at EPAM Systems change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Employees at EPAM Systems can change their 401(k) contribution amounts during designated enrollment periods or as specified by the plan guidelines.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves EPAM Systems?

If an employee leaves EPAM Systems, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the EPAM Systems plan if allowed.

Are there any fees associated with the EPAM Systems 401(k) plan?

Yes, the EPAM Systems 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

EPAM Systems provides a 401(k) plan that was established in 2006. By the end of 2022, the EPAM Systems, Inc. 401(k) Plan had total assets of $258,770,185 with 4,037 participants. On average, participants had an account balance of $64,099. The plan includes automatic enrollment, meaning that employee contributions are deducted directly from payroll unless employees opt out. Additionally, EPAM Systems offers a self-directed brokerage option, allowing employees to invest part of their account as they see fit. The company matches approximately 47.93% of employee contributions, with an average employer match of $4,967 per participant in 2022. The 401(k) plan is a critical component of EPAM Systems' employee benefits package, reflecting their focus on long-term financial planning for their employees. In terms of their pension plan, EPAM Systems does not provide detailed public information about a specific pension formula or defined benefit plan in the same manner they outline their 401(k) offering. However, based on their comprehensive 401(k) plan, it is clear that the company emphasizes retirement planning through this mechanism.

Layoffs: In early 2024, EPAM Systems announced a reduction in its workforce by approximately 4% globally. This decision was influenced by a slowdown in demand for its services, which is part of a broader trend affecting the tech sector. The company indicated that the layoffs were a strategic move to align its workforce with the current economic conditions and client needs. Benefits and Pension Changes: EPAM Systems has also made adjustments to its employee benefits program, including modifications to its 401(k) matching contributions and changes to pension plan options. These changes are intended to better manage the company’s financial resources in light of current economic uncertainties. Given the volatile economic climate and evolving tax policies, staying updated on these changes is crucial for employees to make informed financial decisions.

EPAM Systems offers stock options (SO) and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of their employee compensation package. SO allows employees to purchase company stock at a set price, while RSUs grant employees company shares after certain conditions are met. These benefits are typically available to senior employees and key contributors.

Company’s Official Website: Check EPAM Systems' official site for their latest health benefits information. Health Benefits Information: Plan Types: Details on the types of health plans offered (e.g., PPO, HMO). Coverage Details: Information on coverage for medical, dental, vision, mental health, etc. Acronyms and Terms: Specific healthcare-related terms and acronyms used by EPAM Systems.