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Navigating Retirement at Deere: A Guide to Helping Increase Your Benefits in 2025

'Deere employees must remain vigilant in adapting to ongoing changes in retirement benefits, from COLA adjustments to TSP contributions, to ensure they are maximizing their retirement options and securing their financial future.' – Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

'Deere employees should take advantage of retirement tools like catch-up contributions and Medicare strategies to optimize their benefits, ensuring a smooth transition into retirement with comprehensive coverage and financial security.' – Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article, we will discuss:

Key Updates on Retirement Benefits— Changes in annuities, cost-of-living adjustments, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions.
Essential Insurance and Healthcare Considerations— Medicare enrollment strategies, FEGLI policy adjustments, and FEDVIP premium updates.
Financial and Estate Planning for a Comprehensive Future— Long-term care options, estate planning, and managing post-retirement benefits.

As 2025 unfolds, more options and considerations for Deere employees and retirees are emerging in the retirement landscape. You will find this guide useful for making the transition to retirement.

Updates on Annuities & Cost of Living Adjustments.

Here are a few tools and services from Deere to help you manage your annuity benefits. Annuity payments for retirees were adjusted in January 2025 for the 2024 cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), effective December 1, 2024. The COLA is 2.0% for Federal Employees Retirement System recipients and 2.5% for Civil Service Retirement System recipients. Social Security and military retirement payments also rise 2.5%. [Source needed]

Insurance Considerations

In retirement planning, insurance is an essential purchase. Regular reviews of your Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) policy are recommended as retirement approaches. Remember, FEGLI premiums increase every five years starting at age 50 - this can squeeze your budget. You can also enroll in Medicare Part A when you reach 65 to avoid penalties if you haven't claimed Social Security benefits yet.

Thrift Savings Plan Insights

Contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) must increase. Those over 50 can contribute an additional USD 7,500 in 2025. To receive the full benefit of matching contributions, a minimum contribution of 5% per pay period is advised.

Medicare Enrollment Strategies

Crucial decisions regarding Medicare enrollment include when to enroll in parts A, B, C, and D. Combining your FEHB and TRICARE for Life with Medicare Parts A and B can lower your out-of-pocket costs.

The Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) is administered by the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).

Participants in FEDVIP should know that 2025 premium changes could impact benefits. Update your enrollment details after a major life event or relocation for coverage continuity.

Long-Term Care & Retirement Planning.

Understand long-term care insurance and how it fits into your retirement planning. Check out the terms of your policy and how it fits in with other benefits you may be able to receive.

Estate Planning & Beneficiary Designations.

Estate planning and current beneficiary designations are critical to your assets. Regularly review and update these designations based on your personal situation.

Retirement Training and Resources

People nearing retirement can get training and tools. They include webinars and seminars on topics as simple as retirement planning to more complex issues like long-term care and Medicare options.

TSP Withdrawals and Regulations

New legislation affecting required minimum distributions (RMDs) and TSP withdrawals will help you manage your TSP account in retirement.

Retention of Personal Documents

Retaining copies of important documents, such as your proof of insurance and Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50s), is helpful when you retire to verify eligibility and service estimates.

Post-Retirement Federal Benefits Management

Staying connected with the Office of Personnel Management and other relevant agencies helps with benefit administration after retirement. Continuous management is needed for Medicare coordination, insurance coverage maintenance, and annuity adjustment.

So, in conclusion, 2025 brought many updates and revisions to retirement planning at Deere. Staying proactive in managing your retirement plans, understanding policy impacts, and making informed decisions will enhance your retirement outcomes for a full and fulfilling retirement.

Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1. The Thrift Savings Plan. 2025 TSP Contribution Limits . 13 Nov. 2024, www.tsp.gov .

2. Friedman, Drew. 2025 COLA Will Be 2.5%, but Some Federal Retirees Get a Smaller Percentage . Federal News Network , 10 Oct. 2024, www.federalnewsnetwork.com .

3. Internal Revenue Service. 401(k) Limit Increases to $23,500 for 2025, IRA Limit Remains $7,000 . 1 Nov. 2024, www.irs.gov .

4. Serving Those Who Serve Editorial Team. 2025 Social Security COLA Increase . Serving Those Who Serve , Oct. 2024, www.stwserve.com .

5. The Thrift Savings Plan. SECURE Act 2.0, Section 109: Higher Catch-Up Limit to Apply at Age 60, 61, 62, and 63 . Jan. 2025, www.tsp.gov .

What is the purpose of the 401(k) Savings Plan at Deere?

The purpose of the 401(k) Savings Plan at Deere is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth after-tax basis.

How can employees enroll in Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can enroll in Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the plan's website or contacting the HR department for enrollment instructions.

What types of contributions can employees make to Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth after-tax contributions, and, in some cases, catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older.

Does Deere offer a company match for the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Deere offers a company match for the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees boost their retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for Deere's company match in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

The vesting schedule for Deere's company match varies based on the employee's length of service, and employees should refer to the plan documents for specific details.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan at Deere?

Yes, employees may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan at Deere, subject to the plan's rules and limits.

What investment options are available in Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can change their contribution amounts to Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to plan rules and limits.

What happens to my 401(k) Savings Plan at Deere if I leave the company?

If you leave Deere, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) Savings Plan balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the plan, depending on the plan's rules.

Are there penalties for withdrawing funds from Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan before retirement?

Yes, there may be penalties for early withdrawals from Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan before age 59½, along with potential tax implications.