Healthcare Provider Update: FTI Consulting provides its U.S. employees with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. Employees can also access Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), life and disability insurance, and mental health support. Additional perks include paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and a 401(k) plan with matching contributions 2. Healthcare costs in the United States are projected to continue rising through 2026, with insurers proposing significant premium increases for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. A recent analysis found that ACA insurers are seeking a median premium increase of 15% for 2026, marking the largest hike since 2018. This surge is attributed to factors such as the anticipated expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, rising medical costsincluding expensive medications and increased hospital staysand a shift in the risk pool towards higher-cost enrollees. Without the renewal of enhanced subsidies, out-of-pocket premiums for ACA marketplace enrollees could increase by more than 75% on average. Click here to learn more
FTI Consulting employees navigating Required Minimum Distributions should strategically consider the timing and method of their withdrawals to optimize tax efficiency and income sustainability throughout retirement,' advises Tyson Mavar from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.
Wesley Boudreaux of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, emphasizes the importance for FTI Consulting retirees to understand the flexibility and strategic options RMDs offer, advocating for early consultation to enhance retirement outcomes through tailored planning and execution.
In this article, we will discuss:
1. Overview of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Exploring the mandatory withdrawal rules for FTI Consulting retirees and the upcoming age changes.
2. Strategies for Managing RMDs: Options such as delaying the first RMD and techniques for reducing the taxable impact through various planning methods.
3. Common Misconceptions and Advanced Techniques: Addressing misconceptions about RMDs and detailing advanced techniques like QCDs and QLACs to optimize financial outcomes.
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are a crucial element of retirement planning for FTI Consulting retirees with tax-deferred accounts. Understanding the rules and strategies for managing RMDs can significantly influence your future planning and tax minimization efforts.
Overview of Mandatory Minimum Distributions
For FTI Consulting retirees, RMDs are mandatory withdrawals from retirement accounts that must start at a certain age. Currently, RMDs begin at age 73, but changes are set to increase this to age 75 by 2033. This is particularly beneficial for those born in 1960 or later, allowing more growth time for retirement savings before withdrawals become mandatory.
Adaptability in Receiving First RMDs
The timing of your first RMD offers some flexibility. For FTI Consulting retirees turning 73 in 2024, the first RMD can be deferred until April 1, 2025. However, this delay requires taking two distributions in the same year—increasing the potential tax impact for that year.
Delaying Seniors' RMDs Who Are Employed
FTI Consulting employees who are still working can delay taking RMDs from certain employer retirement plans like a 401(k), provided they don’t own more than 5% of the company. It’s beneficial to consider transferring IRA assets into a 401(k) plan to take advantage of this postponement option.
Receiving Reimbursements in Kind
Another lesser-known option is receiving RMDs in kind rather than cash withdrawals. This method can be advantageous in a down market, allowing FTI Consulting retirees to maintain market exposure and potentially favorable tax treatments by transferring securities directly out of retirement accounts.
Misconceptions about RMDs
It's a misconception that RMDs dictate the withdrawal pace of retirement funds. RMDs simply set the minimum withdrawal amount from tax-deferred accounts annually. Surplus withdrawals can be reinvested in taxable accounts or other investments.
Furthermore, it's incorrect to assume RMDs must be taken from each account. IRS rules require the correct total amount to be withdrawn, but strategic planning can determine from which accounts to withdraw based on investment performance and tax implications.
Techniques for Lowering RMDs
RMD impacts can be mitigated through strategies like directing them to a charity via qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), which can reduce taxable income. Additionally, purchasing a Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract (QLAC) within an IRA can defer and reduce RMD amounts, securing income for later retirement years and addressing longevity concerns.
In summary
For FTI Consulting retirees, a deep understanding of RMDs is essential for effective retirement planning. Employing strategies such as delaying initial RMDs, accepting in-kind distributions, and utilizing QCDs or QLACs can provide significant tax advantages and align retirement withdrawals with personal financial goals. Consulting with a financial advisor or tax professional is recommended to tailor these strategies to individual needs.
The influence of RMDs on Medicare premiums, particularly through the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), is another critical consideration. Managing overall income with an RMD strategy can help mitigate potential increases in Medicare Part B and Part D premiums, highlighting the importance of comprehensive financial planning for retirement outcomes.
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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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Sources:
1. Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) Rules: Key Things Every Retiree Should Know.' Birch Street Financial Advisors , www.birchstreetadvisors.com . Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.
2. Kasper, Bud, CFP®, AIF®. 'RMD Strategies for Before & After Retirement.' Modern Wealth Management , www.modwm.com . Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.
3. 'Navigating Required Minimum Distributions: Key Rules, Changes and Challenges.' Stadia Financial , www.stadiafinancial.com . Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.
4. Armstrong, Reginald A.T. 'Making the Most of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) in Your Retirement Strategy.' Armstrong Wealth Management Group , www.armstrongwealth.com . Originally published 14 Oct. 2024. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.
5. 'RMD Strategies for Before & After Retirement.' Modern Wealth Management , www.modwm.com . Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.
What is the 401(k) plan offered by FTI Consulting?
The 401(k) plan at FTI Consulting is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis, which can help reduce their taxable income.
How can employees enroll in FTI Consulting's 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in FTI Consulting's 401(k) plan by accessing the benefits portal or contacting the HR department for guidance on the enrollment process.
Does FTI Consulting match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, FTI Consulting offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for FTI Consulting's 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for FTI Consulting's 401(k) plan is determined by the IRS guidelines, which can change annually. Employees should check the latest limits for the current year.
When can employees start contributing to FTI Consulting's 401(k) plan?
Employees at FTI Consulting can typically start contributing to the 401(k) plan after completing a specified waiting period, which is outlined in the plan documents.
What investment options are available in FTI Consulting's 401(k) plan?
FTI Consulting's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
Can employees take loans against their 401(k) accounts at FTI Consulting?
Yes, FTI Consulting allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) accounts, subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
What happens to an employee's 401(k) account if they leave FTI Consulting?
If an employee leaves FTI Consulting, they have several options for their 401(k) account, including rolling it over to a new employer's plan, an IRA, or cashing it out, subject to taxes and penalties.
How often can employees change their contribution amounts in FTI Consulting's 401(k) plan?
Employees at FTI Consulting can change their contribution amounts at designated times throughout the year, as specified in the plan guidelines.
Is there a vesting schedule for FTI Consulting's 401(k) matching contributions?
Yes, FTI Consulting has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which determines how much of the employer's contributions an employee is entitled to based on their length of service.