Recent research by Empower, a leading retirement plan provider , has highlighted substantial regional differences in retirement savings across the United States. The study, conducted in April through a survey of 1,011 U.S. adults, shows that retirement account balances (pensions, IRAs, and 401(k)s) vary widely by region. Masco employees should consider these geographical differences when planning their retirement strategies.
The findings indicate that northern regions typically have larger retirement savings, attributed to factors like higher local wages, state taxes, and the cost of living. This regional advantage results in significant differences in average retirement savings, with some states notably ahead of others. The Masco workforce is in a favorable position to benefit from understanding these economic conditions across regions.
According to data from the Empower Personal Dashboard ™ for September 2024, the average 401(k) balance nationwide is $293,695. This figure serves as an essential indicator of personal spending and investments, which generally rise over time. Notably, for individuals around age 50 who are nearing retirement, this average increases to $583,231—a key consideration for Masco employees approaching retirement age.
Furthermore, the national average for retirement savings is approximately $498,000. However, the top ten states exceed this average by at least $49,000, underscoring the diversity in retirement savings accumulation across the country. The states with the highest retirement savings are:
-
Minnesota - $547,000
-
Washington - $550,700
-
Vermont - $550,000
-
Massachusetts - $563,000
-
Alaska – $570,000
-
New Hampshire - $570,000
-
North Dakota - $582,000
-
Virginia - $590,000
-
New Jersey - $600,000
-
Connecticut - $634,000
These statistics illustrate the differences in retirement preparation across states and the challenges many face in building a substantial retirement fund. A January 2024 study by Northwestern Mutual , conducted via the Harris Poll, reveals a substantial gap between the desired and actual retirement savings of adults, with an average shortfall exceeding one million dollars. Masco employees can use this information to gauge their own retirement planning.
This data emphasizes the critical role of thoughtful financial planning and the importance of investment strategies tailored to local economic factors. Survey results provide valuable comparisons for individuals assessing their retirement preparedness. For Masco staff, this means aligning investment strategies with regional economic conditions for stronger retirement outcomes.
Featured Video
Articles you may find interesting:
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- 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?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- 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?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
Additional insights from the Employee Benefit Research Institute’s Retirement Confidence Survey of May 2024 show that individuals in wealthier states often benefit from employer-supported financial initiatives. This approach, increasingly adopted by major corporations, has been shown to substantially improve retirement outcomes. The study indicates that employees with access to such resources not only have the ability to save more but also express greater confidence in their retirement plans. These findings suggest that geographic disparities in retirement savings may also reflect different levels of corporate support in financial education and planning, which are essential for enhancing retirement readiness among older workers.
Think of retirement savings as a garden, where each section represents a different plot. In this “garden,” the northern states resemble fertile zones where factors like higher wages and strong employer-sponsored plans foster a notable increase in retirement savings compared to other regions. This fertile area produces significantly larger “crops” (savings), surpassing the national average. This analogy highlights territorial inequalities in retirement preparation, showing how regional and financial factors contribute to the growth of retirement funds across the country. Masco employees can use these prosperous regions as examples for building their own retirement plans effectively.
What is the purpose of Masco's 401(k) Savings Plan?
The purpose of Masco's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by providing a tax-advantaged way to invest their earnings.
How can Masco employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Masco employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the enrollment process through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What types of contributions can employees make to Masco's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and possibly catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older in Masco's 401(k) Savings Plan.
Does Masco offer a company match for 401(k) contributions?
Yes, Masco offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees grow their retirement savings.
What is the vesting schedule for Masco's 401(k) company match?
The vesting schedule for Masco's 401(k) company match typically requires employees to work for a certain number of years before they fully own the matched contributions.
Can Masco employees take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Masco allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.
What investment options are available in Masco's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Masco's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and possibly company stock.
How often can Masco employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Masco employees can typically change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) Savings Plan on a quarterly basis or as specified in the plan guidelines.
What resources does Masco provide to help employees understand their 401(k) Savings Plan?
Masco provides educational resources, such as seminars, online tools, and access to financial advisors to help employees understand their 401(k) Savings Plan.
When can Masco employees start withdrawing from their 401(k) Savings Plan?
Masco employees can generally start withdrawing from their 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties at age 59½, but specific rules may vary.