'Northwestern Mutual 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.
'Northwestern Mutual 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:
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Key Updates on Retirement Benefits— Changes in annuities, cost-of-living adjustments, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions.
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Essential Insurance and Healthcare Considerations— Medicare enrollment strategies, FEGLI policy adjustments, and FEDVIP premium updates.
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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 Northwestern Mutual 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 Northwestern Mutual 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 Northwestern Mutual. 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:
- 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!
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 type of retirement savings plan does Northwestern Mutual offer to its employees?
Northwestern Mutual offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
Does Northwestern Mutual match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Northwestern Mutual provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the Northwestern Mutual 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the Northwestern Mutual 401(k) plan is in line with IRS guidelines, which can change annually.
Can employees at Northwestern Mutual choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?
Yes, employees at Northwestern Mutual can choose from a variety of investment options for their 401(k) contributions.
Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in Northwestern Mutual's 401(k) plan?
Yes, Northwestern Mutual has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matched funds.
Can Northwestern Mutual employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Northwestern Mutual allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.
What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Northwestern Mutual?
If you leave Northwestern Mutual, you can either roll over your 401(k) savings to another retirement account, leave it in the Northwestern Mutual plan, or withdraw it, subject to tax implications.
Does Northwestern Mutual offer financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plans?
Yes, Northwestern Mutual provides financial education resources to help employees understand and manage their 401(k) plans effectively.
How often can Northwestern Mutual employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?
Northwestern Mutual employees can typically change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to plan rules.
Are there any fees associated with the Northwestern Mutual 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the Northwestern Mutual 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
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