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Enhancing Retirement Strategy for Topgolf Callaway Brands Employees: 2025 Social Security COLA Insights

For Topgolf Callaway Brands employees nearing retirement, navigating the economic landscape is essential for maintaining financial health. The annual Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), a significant factor in this dynamic, is set to increase by 2.5% for the coming year, reflecting more moderate inflation trends compared to recent years.

Understanding the 2025 COLA for Topgolf Callaway Brands Employees

Originally established in the 1970s to address hyperinflation, the COLA is designed to adjust Social Security benefits in line with cost-of-living increases, offering retirees a measure of stability. This adjustment is linked to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which saw a 2.2% rise through September 2024, forming the basis for next year’s COLA determination.

While an increase in Social Security benefits is beneficial, it’s important for retirees, including those from Topgolf Callaway Brands, to understand potential tax implications. Higher Social Security benefits can lead to increased combined income, which may affect taxes due to the inclusion of wages, interest, dividends, and distributions from retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs.

For example, a retiree receiving $24,000 in Social Security benefits while drawing $37,667 from an IRA might face higher tax obligations if inflation requires increased withdrawals. This could raise the taxable portion of their Social Security benefits, thus elevating their overall tax liability.

Tax Management Strategies for Topgolf Callaway Brands Retirees

To manage potential tax increases, Topgolf Callaway Brands retirees may consider several strategies:

Diversifying Income Sources : Using brokerage accounts can help control how Social Security benefits are taxed, as capital gains may contribute to provisional income, but the principal does not.
Strategic Withdrawals : Managing withdrawals from traditional 401(k)s or IRAs is essential, as these are taxed as ordinary income. Complying with required minimum distributions is also crucial to prevent penalties.
Utilizing Tax-Advantaged Accounts : Withdrawals from Roth IRAs or Roth 401(k)s, and contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), are exempt from federal taxes and do not impact Social Security taxes. https://www.irs.gov/

Timing Social Security Benefits Wisely

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Selecting the right time to begin collecting Social Security benefits is a critical decision. Starting benefits early may seem appealing, especially with an increased COLA, but it usually results in lower lifetime earnings. A more measured approach for Topgolf Callaway Brands employees could involve waiting until the Full Retirement Age (FRA) of 67 or even delaying until age 70, allowing benefits to increase by 8% annually after FRA.

Long-Term Planning for Topgolf Callaway Brands Retirees

Long-term tax planning is valuable for navigating retirement successfully. This approach includes multi-year strategies that can potentially reduce overall tax burdens. For comprehensive planning, it’s beneficial for Topgolf Callaway Brands retirees to consult with a tax advisor who can handle the intricacies of tax management effectively and align strategies with their financial and retirement goals.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the implications of the Social Security COLA is essential for Topgolf Callaway Brands retirees facing the challenges of inflation and tax planning. By adopting a careful financial strategy and seeking professional advice, retirees can enhance their financial foundation. Proactive financial management is key to building a stable and fulfilling retirement.

Additionally, Topgolf Callaway Brands retirees should note the Senior Citizens' Freedom to Work Act of 2000 , which removes the earnings test for Social Security recipients who have reached or exceeded their full retirement age. This change allows retirees who continue working while receiving benefits to do so without a reduction in benefits, regardless of their earnings. This policy can significantly increase income flexibility for retirees who choose to remain active in the workforce.

What type of retirement savings plan does Topgolf Callaway Brands offer to its employees?

Topgolf Callaway Brands offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

How can employees of Topgolf Callaway Brands enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Topgolf Callaway Brands can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Is there a company match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan at Topgolf Callaway Brands?

Yes, Topgolf Callaway Brands provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

What is the minimum contribution percentage required for employees at Topgolf Callaway Brands to receive the company match?

Employees at Topgolf Callaway Brands typically need to contribute at least 3% of their salary to qualify for the company match.

Can employees of Topgolf Callaway Brands choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?

Yes, employees of Topgolf Callaway Brands can select from a variety of investment options for their 401(k) contributions.

What is the vesting schedule for the company match in the 401(k) plan at Topgolf Callaway Brands?

The vesting schedule for the company match at Topgolf Callaway Brands generally follows a standard schedule, which may vary based on tenure.

Are there any fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Topgolf Callaway Brands?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Topgolf Callaway Brands, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

How often can employees at Topgolf Callaway Brands change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Topgolf Callaway Brands can typically change their contribution amounts on a quarterly basis.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Topgolf Callaway Brands?

If an employee leaves Topgolf Callaway Brands, they have several options for their 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account or cashing it out.

Does Topgolf Callaway Brands offer educational resources about the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Topgolf Callaway Brands provides educational resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) plan options.