Healthcare Provider Update: First Horizon offers health, dental, and vision insurance tailored to individual and family needs. Employees benefit from HSAs, FSAs, disability coverage, and parental leave. The company provides a 401(k) with up to 6% matching, adoption reimbursement, and wellness programs. Additional perks include tuition reimbursement, mentoring, and digital wellness platforms3. First Horizon With ACA premiums projected to rise sharply, First Horizons employer-sponsored plans and financial wellness tools help employees avoid the volatility of marketplace costs. Their matched savings and flexible spending options provide a buffer against rising healthcare expenses. Click here to learn more
The classic 4% rule, developed by financial planning professional William Bengen in the early 1990s, remains a widely recognized benchmark for managing retirement savings. According to Bengen's study, based on historical returns and a 30-year withdrawal period, retirees are advised to withdraw 4% of their retirement savings in the first year, and then withdraw the same dollar amount adjusted for inflation in subsequent years. However, evolving economic conditions and financial strategies highlight the importance of more flexible and dynamic approaches to retirement spending. This article explores different flexible methods to help First Horizon retirees preserve their nest eggs while accommodating market fluctuations.
Dynamic Spending Approaches
A dynamic spending method involves adjusting withdrawals based on market performance. This strategy allows retirees at First Horizon to decrease their withdrawals in down markets to preserve their assets and increase spending when markets are healthy. This flexibility can have a significant impact on long-term financial stability and provide opportunities to fully enjoy prosperous years.
Guardrails Approach
The guardrail approach sets upper and lower limits around the initial withdrawal percentage. When withdrawals exceed these limits, adjusted for inflation, they are modified by ±10% to align with the guardrails. For example, a retiree with an initial investment of $1.5 million and a withdrawal margin of 4.5% might withdraw $67,500 in the first year. The guardrails would be set at 5.4% and 3.6% of the portfolio value each year.
Why Is It Effective?
The guardrail method allows management of the sequence of return risks, especially at the onset of withdrawal, by mitigating excessive withdrawals in weak markets and allowing increased spending in robust markets. This method can be particularly beneficial in preserving long-term financial health for First Horizon employees. Moreover, reducing withdrawals from pre-tax retirement accounts can also result in lower taxes, thus contributing to overall financial preservation.
Annual Inflation Adjustments
This strategy involves ceasing inflation adjustments to the withdrawal margin in years following a market downturn. For example, if the initial withdrawal amount was $67,500 in 2022, and the S&P 500 had decreased by 18.11% with an inflation of 8.3%, the withdrawal amount in 2023 would be $67,500 rather than increasing to $73,103. Over time, these periodic reductions can significantly extend the lifespan of retirement savings.
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In conclusion.
Discussing flexible spending and withdrawal strategies offers various options to enhance the adaptability of retirement plans beyond the traditional 4% principle. When evaluating these methods, retirees should consider factors such as:
- Lifetime withdrawal rates
- Tax implications
- Legacies for loved ones and associations
- Cash flow stability
Regular review of withdrawal and spending rates with a financial advisor is essential to ensure they align with personal priorities and financial goals. Moreover, retirees have the option to switch methods as circumstances change, maintaining rigorous monitoring to avoid prematurely depleting their retirement savings.
Retirement planning is an ever-evolving process, and adopting a flexible approach to spending and withdrawals can help you pursue confidence and satisfaction throughout retirement. This is particularly relevant for employees at First Horizon, where understanding and navigating market dynamics is part of the corporate culture.
What type of retirement savings plan does First Horizon offer to its employees?
First Horizon offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
Does First Horizon provide matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, First Horizon provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the eligibility requirement to participate in First Horizon's 401(k) plan?
Employees at First Horizon are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific period of service, typically within the first year of employment.
How can employees at First Horizon enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in First Horizon's 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What investment options are available in First Horizon's 401(k) plan?
First Horizon offers a variety of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Can employees at First Horizon take loans against their 401(k) balance?
Yes, First Horizon allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance under certain conditions, as outlined in the plan documents.
What is the vesting schedule for First Horizon's 401(k) matching contributions?
The vesting schedule for First Horizon's matching contributions typically follows a graded schedule, which means employees earn ownership of the match over a period of time.
Are there any fees associated with First Horizon's 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with First Horizon's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
How often can employees at First Horizon change their 401(k) contribution amount?
Employees at First Horizon can change their 401(k) contribution amount at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.
What is the maximum contribution limit for First Horizon's 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for First Horizon's 401(k) plan is set by the IRS and may change annually; employees should refer to the latest IRS guidelines for specifics.