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Loews Employees: Will Inflation Ruin Your Retirement?

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Loews Loews Corporation utilizes Aetna for its employee healthcare coverage. Aetna is known for providing a range of health insurance services, including employer-sponsored insurance, which aligns with Loews' needs for its workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look ahead to 2026, healthcare costs are projected to escalate significantly, driven largely by the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and rising medical expenses. Many states, particularly New York and Arkansas, are witnessing proposed premium hikes exceeding 60%, reflecting a broader average increase of 20% across the ACA Marketplace. This alarming trend forecasts that over 22 million marketplace enrollees could see their premiums spike by more than 75%, making it increasingly challenging for families to afford comprehensive healthcare coverage. Click here to learn more

For Loews employees, the proper handling of retirement funds in the context of inflation is a pretty complex process and this requires some knowledge of the financial markets and a lot of attention to asset management,” said Patrick Ray of The Retirement Group at Wealth Enhancement Group.

“We advise our employees to seek professional advice on the management of their portfolios on a regular basis and to diversify their investments to minimize risks that come with economic shifts.”

“In this article, we will discuss.”

1. Strategies for Managing Retirement Finances Amid Inflation. This article explores investment diversification, emergency savings, and Social Security timing to cope with financial uncertainties caused by inflation.

2. The Impact of Healthcare Costs on Retirement Budgeting. The focus is on the rise in healthcare expenditures for retirees, which are significantly higher than the rate of inflation, and the need to include these expenses in retirement planning.

3. Investment Risks and Considerations. Discussed are the uncertainties of investing, the basics of asset division, and the necessity of investment recommendations based on personal circumstances.

This is especially important for a Loews employee who has to navigate the uncertainty of inflation. It is possible to have a secure and comfortable retirement if you know how to manage your finances in this way.

For example, let’s look at a typical retirement age for a couple who are 60 years old, and have a $145,000 annual pension that rises by two percent every year. They own their property and have no debts, and they have $105,000 remaining each year for travel, entertainment, and house maintenance. Moreover, they generate enough from their side hustles to cover their health insurance premiums.

These side jobs will end when they turn 65 and become eligible for Medicare and start to receive their $10,000 per year in Social Security benefits. They also pay for long-term care insurance and have invested $1.5 million in moderate growth assets that are not currently used.

This is why, like many of their Loews colleagues, they are concerned about how inflation will impact their retirement plans. The consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers (CPI-W), which measures the price of a basket of goods and services, came in at 3.3% in May. It had been 3% for the past year but surged to 9.8% in June 2022, showing that inflation can be volatile and unpredictable.

To reduce the possible financial effects of inflation, they could do the following:

  1. Investment Diversification: They can reduce the risk of losing money on their surplus funds (what’s left over after subtracting income from expenses) by putting the money in CDs, money market accounts, balanced investment portfolios, and high yield savings accounts. This is currently a good time to invest as rates are still high.

  2. Emergency Savings: It is wise to have three to six months’ worth of living expenses in an emergency fund when plans are made to exit side businesses. Retirees will need a larger emergency fund than other people because they are more likely to encounter unexpected expenses.

  3. Social Security Strategy: When it comes to collecting Social Security benefits, the time of claiming them is critical. Although the benefits are adjusted for inflation, taking them after the FRA will result in higher monthly payments. For instance, if you begin receiving benefits at 65 instead of 67, you will receive about 87.22% of your benefits, and an additional 8% boost for each year you delay between the age of 65 and the age of 70.

  4. Long-Term Care Insurance: If it is possible to align the long-term care insurance for inflation, this can be a good approach to the increasing healthcare expenditures. However, this will be accompanied by higher premiums.

Although they are currently in good financial shape, wise financial planning and adaptations are crucial to maintain their standard of living in the face of volatile economic conditions. Their retirement financial stability will depend on making sure that their savings and investment plans are sufficiently robust to withstand inflationary pressures.

If you want to get more information, or if you have any questions about your retirement planning, you may want to attend financial forums or meet with financial advisers that focus on retirement planning. Such discussions can offer specific recommendations and tips on how to minimize losses and risks in the current economic environment.

Furthermore, the availability of healthcare expenses of the Loews employees who are the main focus of this report as well as the rate of their increase are important factors that cannot be ignored in retirement planning. According to the HealthView Services’ report, the healthcare expenses are likely to grow by an average of 5.9% annually in the next 10 years – a rate that is significantly higher than the inflation rate. This difference shows that medical costs must be taken into consideration when developing a budget, which may require the help of a financial expert.

Managing retirement finances in an environment of inflation is like controlling a ship in a storm. To safely navigate through the turbulent economic waters, Loews employees must tighten their financial strategies—such as diversifying investments, timing Social Security benefits, and preparing for rising healthcare expenditures. This ensures a smooth journey, allowing them to maintain their desired lifestyle without being derailed by unexpected economic shifts.

*There is no guarantee that asset allocation or diversification will enhance overall returns, outperform a non-diversified portfolio, nor ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. There can be no assurance that any particular investment objective will be realized or any investment strategy seeking to achieve such objective will be successful. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

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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 involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

The sources of the information:

  1. Reddick, Chris. 'How to Effectively Save for Retirement in Loews Companies.' Chris Reddick Financial Planning, LLC, October 2021,  www.chrisreddickfp.com . Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

  2. 'Loews and Large Company Employees.' Warren Street Wealth Advisors, 2025,  www.warrenstreetwealth.com . Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

  3. 'How Many Loews Companies Have a Pension Plan? (2025).' Investguiding, 2025,  www.investguiding.com . Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

  4. 'The Benefits of Pooled Employer Plans for Retirement Outcomes.' Aon, April 2025,  www.aon.com . Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

  5. 'Planning for the Future: Four Changing Retirement Trends.' Forbes, 13 Nov. 2018,  www.forbes.com . Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

What is the purpose of the 401(k) plan offered by Loews?

The 401(k) plan offered by Loews is designed to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis.

How can I enroll in Loews' 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in Loews' 401(k) plan by accessing the benefits portal or contacting the HR department for assistance with the enrollment process.

Does Loews offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Loews offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps to enhance overall retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Loews' 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Loews' 401(k) plan is in accordance with IRS guidelines, which can change annually. Employees should check the latest limits for accuracy.

Can I change my contribution percentage to Loews' 401(k) plan at any time?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to Loews' 401(k) plan at any time, typically through the benefits portal or by contacting HR.

What investment options are available in Loews' 401(k) plan?

Loews' 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

When can I start withdrawing from my Loews 401(k) plan?

Employees can typically start withdrawing from their Loews 401(k) plan at age 59½, but specific rules and penalties may apply depending on the circumstances.

Are there any fees associated with Loews' 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be fees associated with Loews' 401(k) plan, which can include administrative fees and investment management fees. Employees should review the plan documents for details.

How does Loews communicate changes to the 401(k) plan?

Loews communicates changes to the 401(k) plan through official company emails, newsletters, and updates on the benefits portal to ensure all employees are informed.

Can I take a loan against my 401(k) with Loews?

Yes, Loews allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined 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.
Loews offers a defined contribution plan (401(k)) to its employees, allowing them to save for retirement. Employees can contribute a percentage of their salary, with limits set by the IRS, which have increased from $20,500 in 2022 to $22,500 in 2023 and $23,000 in 2024. Employees aged 50 and above can make catch-up contributions, which are $6,500 in 2022 and $7,500 in 2023 and 2024​ (Pension Rights Center)​ (CliftonLarsonAllen). These plans are structured to encourage long-term savings, with Loews often matching employee contributions up to a certain percentage, enhancing retirement security​ (CliftonLarsonAllen). The company also provides a defined benefit pension plan for certain long-term employees. This pension plan has age and years of service requirements, typically requiring employees to be at least 65 years old with a set number of years of service to receive full benefits. The pension formula is generally based on final average pay and years of service​ (CliftonLarsonAllen)​ (My Lowe's Life). For both the pension and 401(k) plans, Loews has specific terminology and acronyms, such as "final average pay" for pension calculations and "vesting periods" for the 401(k) plan. These details help employees understand how their benefits are calculated and when they become eligible​
Loews Corporation has been navigating significant corporate restructuring, leading to workforce reductions across several of its subsidiaries, particularly in the insurance and energy sectors. Alongside these layoffs, Loews has implemented changes in employee benefit structures, with a stronger emphasis on enhanced 401(k) plans replacing traditional pension offerings. Employees who were previously enrolled in defined benefit pensions have seen modifications, including the cessation of new contributions to these pensions, in favor of shifting toward defined contribution plans, such as 401(k)s.
For Loews, stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are a significant part of employee compensation, especially in fostering long-term engagement and retention. Loews typically offers time-based RSUs to a select group of employees, with vesting periods linked to tenure at the company. RSUs at Loews grant employees shares of company stock once they have met the vesting conditions, such as staying with the company for a specified number of years. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Loews continued to issue stock options and RSUs as a key component of their long-term incentive plans (LTI). These incentives are available to employees based on their role within the company, particularly to senior management and executives. RSUs are vested over a set period, and employees must meet specific performance or tenure criteria to receive their shares. Once the shares vest, employees have the option to either hold or sell them, though this is subject to Loews’ trading policies. The RSU grants at Loews are taxed as ordinary income upon vesting, and the company withholds federal income tax at the time of vesting to meet IRS requirements. Additionally, employees who qualify for Loews' RSUs may also benefit from capital gains tax treatment on any price appreciation of the stock after the vesting period.
Health Plan Design & Cost: Loews has incorporated High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) into their offerings, which are becoming increasingly popular among employees due to their lower premium costs but higher deductibles. This is aligned with a broader industry trend, as HDHP enrollment has risen in 2023 despite significant increases in premiums​ (Stephens). Healthcare-Related Terms and Acronyms: Loews employees frequently encounter terms such as HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan), PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), and HSA (Health Savings Account). The HSA is particularly relevant for employees enrolled in HDHPs, offering tax advantages for medical expenses​ (Loews). Recent Employee Healthcare News: In recent years, Loews has been proactive in responding to healthcare inflation. In 2023, Loews adjusted its plan designs to mitigate rising costs, with a focus on prescription drug tiers and other cost-containment strategies. This reflects a broader trend among employers to manage healthcare spending through strategic plan modifications, particularly for small and midsize businesses
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Loews at , ; or by calling them at .

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