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

Essential RMD Insights for WestRock Retirees: Navigate Your Retirement Withdrawals with Confidence

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for WestRock: WestRock employees typically receive their health care benefits through various providers as part of employer-sponsored insurance plans. Specific details on the primary healthcare provider may vary, but it's known that large companies like WestRock often collaborate with major insurers. To identify the exact provider, employees should consult their HR department, which can provide the most accurate and relevant information. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As WestRock prepares for 2026, employees should brace for significant healthcare cost increases. With the expiration of enhanced federal ACA subsidies and rising medical costs, many workers could face steep premium hikes, potentially exceeding 75%. A recent survey indicates that nearly half of large employers, including WestRock, anticipate transferring more healthcare expenses to employees, raising deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. This evolving landscape highlights the importance for WestRock employees to understand their benefits and mitigate potential financial impacts. Click here to learn more

WestRock 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 WestRock 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 WestRock 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 WestRock 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 WestRock 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 WestRock 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

WestRock 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 WestRock 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 WestRock 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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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.

How does the WestRock Company Consolidated Pension Plan specifically calculate the Normal Retirement Benefit for its employees, and what considerations should employees be aware of regarding the Final Average Pay calculation used by WestRock Company?

Normal Retirement Benefit Calculation: The WestRock Company calculates the Normal Retirement Benefit based on the employee's Final Average Pay. This is defined as the average of the employee's highest five years of earnings over the last ten years of employment before termination. Earnings included in the Final Average Pay are most wages, bonuses, commissions, and amounts deferred under the company’s 401(k) plan. Employees should be aware that earnings after December 31, 2015, are excluded unless they qualify under the Rule of 75(WestRock Company_Issued…).

What are the specific eligibility requirements for the Disability Retirement Pension under the WestRock Company plan, and how does this differ for Legacy Mead and Legacy Westvaco participants within the WestRock Company workforce?

Disability Retirement Pension Eligibility: To qualify for a Disability Retirement Pension, an employee must have earned at least five years of Vesting Service and be deemed "totally and permanently disabled" according to specific criteria. Legacy Mead and Legacy Westvaco participants are subject to special rules detailed in the Legacy Supplement. Legacy Mead employees must apply separate criteria from Legacy Westvaco employees(WestRock Company_Issued…).

In what ways can employees at WestRock Company manage and maximize their Vesting Service to ensure they receive the full benefits from the companyâ€™s pension plan, particularly for those with interrupted service or re-employment?

Vesting Service Maximization: WestRock employees can manage their Vesting Service by ensuring that they complete at least five years of service, which guarantees their right to pension benefits. Employees with interrupted service can still receive credit for Vesting Service if they return within five years. Additionally, employees who leave and return within a year will receive credit for the time they were absent(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How does the WestRock Company handle the transition of benefits for employees who transfer between different positions within the company, and what impacts could this have on their eventual retirement benefits?

Transfer Between Positions: When WestRock employees transfer between different positions, their retirement benefit is calculated based on the greater of two methods. The first method calculates the benefit accrued at each position separately, while the second method applies the total benefit service across positions. Vesting Service is always combined, regardless of location or position(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How does the WestRock Company plan ensure that pension benefits are protected, particularly through the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), and what should employees know about their rights and guarantees under this insurance?

Pension Benefit Protection (PBGC): The WestRock Pension Plan is insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). This federal insurance guarantees that employees will receive their vested pension benefits even if the plan is terminated. Employees should understand that PBGC coverage has limits, and benefits might be reduced under certain circumstances(WestRock Company_Issued…).

What are the consequences for WestRock Company employees who choose to withdraw from their pension plan or to rollover their benefits upon retirement or termination? How can they navigate these options effectively to avoid penalties?

Withdrawals and Rollovers: Employees can withdraw or roll over their pension benefits upon retirement or termination. Lump-sum withdrawals may be subject to taxes unless rolled over into a qualifying retirement account. Employees should consult the WestRock Benefits Center to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with federal tax regulations(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How does the WestRock Company maintain compliance with federal regulations and best practices under ERISA, and what specific rights do employees have concerning their pension benefits?

ERISA Compliance: WestRock complies with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), ensuring that employees' pension rights are protected. Employees have the right to receive information about their benefits, act prudently, and enforce their rights through the claims and appeals process outlined in the plan(WestRock Company_Issued…).

What resources are available to employees of WestRock Company for understanding their benefits under the Consolidated Pension Plan, and how can they utilize these resources to ensure they make informed decisions about their retirement?

Resources for Understanding Benefits: WestRock provides employees access to the WestRock Benefits Center, where they can obtain information on their pension plan. Employees are encouraged to review the Summary Plan Description and consult with the Benefits Center for clarification on their benefits and to make informed retirement decisions(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How will the integration of employee benefits from various company acquisitions impact current staff at WestRock Company, and what steps is the company taking to communicate these changes effectively to its employees?

Impact of Acquisitions on Benefits: WestRock has acquired various companies over time, and employees from these acquisitions may have different pension rules applied to them. WestRock takes steps to integrate these employees and communicates any changes through the WestRock Benefits Center. Special rules may apply based on the previous employer’s pension plan(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How can employees of WestRock Company get in touch with the WestRock Benefits Center to seek clarification about the Summary Plan Description, and what are the best practices to follow when requesting information regarding their pension plan?

Contacting the Benefits Center: Employees can contact the WestRock Benefits Center for clarification on the Summary Plan Description. Best practices include having detailed questions prepared, reviewing the SPD in advance, and requesting copies of documents or forms that clarify specific aspects of their pension plan(WestRock Company_Issued…).