Hertz Global Holdings employees should take Jay Zigmont’s message to heart by embracing a retirement centered on personal fulfillment rather than obligatory inheritance, says Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement, who emphasizes the importance of aligning financial plans with values that bring meaning and joy in the present.
Hertz Global Holdings employees should recall that true financial success isn't just about preserving wealth for others. As noted by Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement, who echoes Jay Zigmont's message, it's about using that wealth to create a fulfilling, experience-rich retirement that honors the life you've worked so hard to build.
In this article, we will discuss:
-
Why Jay Zigmont challenges the traditional notion of leaving large inheritances.
-
How Hertz Global Holdings employees can prioritize personal happiness over leaving a financial legacy.
-
The growing trend of valuing meaningful experiences over wealth transfer in retirement.
Jay Zigmont, a licensed financial planner and author, challenges traditional views on inheritance and wealth accumulation when it comes to financial management. In an episode of Morningstar's podcast, The Long View, Zigmont introduced a persuasive perspective that questions the merit of leaving sizable inheritances, particularly under strained family conditions. Instead, he emphasizes using accumulated wealth to improve one's own life rather than as a means to mend relationships or to gain affection.
In his book The Childfree Guide to Life and Money, Zigmont initially targeted childless individuals. Now, his insights extend to Hertz Global Holdings employees and others who may have heirs less appreciative of their efforts to amass wealth. He critiques the traditional financial planning approach that emphasizes leaving a monetary legacy for such heirs as overly idealistic.
Zigmont promotes prioritizing personal happiness over leaving financial legacies. He encourages spending on activities that bring joy, freedom, and comfort, and supporting those who genuinely value such generosity. His clear message: Hertz Global Holdings employees who have spent years building their wealth should feel entitled to enjoy their earnings without the obligation of leaving an inheritance, particularly to those who may seem indifferent or ungrateful.
Zigmont's philosophy prompts a reevaluation of one's financial planning objectives. He suggests using wealth to improve personal living standards rather than repairing broken relationships or leaving a financial legacy for future generations. Ultimately, he proposes that a life rich in satisfaction and meaningful experiences is the most valuable legacy one can leave.
Research by the National Endowment for Financial Education reveals that about 70% of seniors who focused on enriching personal experiences reported higher satisfaction in retirement compared to those who concentrated on wealth transfer. This correlation underscores the significance of personal fulfillment in one's later years. The emerging trend of prioritizing living fully over leaving inheritances is gaining traction, suggesting a shift towards more rewarding post-career lives.
Explore Jay Zigmont's innovative financial approach, which advocates for relishing life's simple pleasures rather than accumulating wealth for ungrateful heirs. Discover how you, as a Hertz Global Holdings employee, can redefine your retirement years by focusing more on meaningful experiences and personal satisfaction. Understand why an inheritance is not mandatory and learn the benefits of investing wisely in what truly enriches your life.
Consider the wealth you've accumulated like a beautiful, expansive garden you've nurtured over many years. You could open the gates for garden parties, enjoying the colors, fragrances, and company of those who truly appreciate the garden's splendor, or you could keep the gates closed, preserving every bloom for future generations who may not value its beauty. Zigmont's advice leans towards the former: rather than saving everything for successors who may not recognize the effort and love invested, use your resources to enhance your life now and create joyful memories. This approach allows your golden years to flourish beautifully, filled with cherished moments and personal happiness.
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. Business Insider. Spend More to Avoid Dying Rich If You Don’t Have Kids, Says This Financial Guru. Business Insider , 5 Apr. 2025.
2. Business Insider. I Asked 200 Retirees for Their Best Advice. The Biggest Tip Had Nothing to Do with Money. Business Insider , 6 Apr. 2025.
3. Morningstar Podcast Team. Dr. Jay Zigmont: Handling Your Finances When You Don’t Have Kids. Morningstar , 2 Apr. 2025.
4. Zigmont, Jay, PhD, MBA, CFP®. The Childfree Guide to Life and Money: Make Your Finances Simple So Your Life Without Kids Can Be Amazing . The American College, 31 Dec. 2024.
5. Fortune. Retirement Is Becoming Just the 'Third Half' of Life. Here Are the 4 Key Mindsets We've Identified Among the New Generation of Retirees. Fortune , 7 Mar. 2024.
How does The Hertz Corporation's pension plan ensure that employees are fairly compensated for their years of service, and what specific criteria does The Hertz Corporation use to determine eligibility for benefits under the Account Balance Defined Benefit Pension Plan?
Fair Compensation for Years of Service: The Hertz Corporation's pension plan ensures employees are fairly compensated for their years of service by granting Compensation Credits as a percentage of eligible pay. Eligibility for benefits starts once employees have at least 1,000 Hours of Service in a 12-month period, ensuring that benefits are proportional to service time. Benefits become vested after three years of service, securing an employee’s accumulated benefits.
In what ways do the Compensation Credits and Interest Credits contribute to the growth of an employee's retirement account within The Hertz Corporation's pension plan, and how does the company guarantee these credits are applied accurately throughout an employee’s tenure?
Growth of Retirement Account: Within The Hertz Corporation's pension plan, Compensation Credits and Interest Credits contribute to the growth of an employee's retirement account. Compensation Credits are calculated as a percentage of the employee’s eligible pay, and Interest Credits grow the account balance annually based on a preset rate, ensuring a systematic increase in the retirement funds over an employee's tenure.
What are the implications of the freeze date on participation in The Hertz Corporation's pension plan, and how might this affect current employees who are considering their retirement options within the next few years?
Implications of Freeze Date: The freeze date impacts current employees by discontinuing the accrual of new Compensation Credits. Employees enrolled in the plan before the freeze date retain their accrued benefits, but no new benefits will be added post-freeze. This could influence current employees' decisions on retirement timing and financial planning.
How does The Hertz Corporation handle claims for pension benefits, and what processes are in place for employees to appeal denied claims according to the guidelines set out in the Account Balance Defined Benefit Pension Plan?
Claims for Pension Benefits: The Hertz Corporation handles claims for pension benefits through a detailed procedure where employees can file a claim with the Committee. If denied, the employee can appeal the decision. This process ensures that employees have a structured avenue for resolving disputes regarding their pension benefits.
Under what circumstances can an employee of The Hertz Corporation be considered fully vested, and how does vesting impact an employee's future retirement benefits?
Vesting and Impact on Retirement Benefits: Employees of The Hertz Corporation are considered fully vested in their pension benefits after three years of service, which secures their right to pension benefits accrued till that point. Vesting ensures that upon leaving the company, employees are entitled to their accumulated benefits, directly impacting their financial stability in retirement.
How do The Hertz Corporation's pension benefits compare to other companies in the industry, especially in terms of contribution percentages and payment options available upon retirement?
Comparison with Industry Standards: The pension benefits at The Hertz Corporation, which include both Compensation and Interest Credits, are competitive within the industry, particularly because the company covers the full cost of the plan. The option to receive benefits as a lump sum or an annuity upon retirement provides flexibility compared to other industry plans.
Can you explain the process and the timeline involved for receiving pension benefits after retirement from The Hertz Corporation, including any choices that the retiree must make regarding payout methods?
Receiving Pension Benefits Post-Retirement: The timeline and process for receiving pension benefits after retirement involve choosing a payout method (lump sum or annuity) and filing a claim. Benefits can start as early as age 55 for early retirement, or at the normal retirement age of 65, with the account continuing to accrue Interest Credits until the benefits commence.
What resources does The Hertz Corporation provide to employees looking to understand their rights and benefits under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), and how can this information assist employees in making informed retirement decisions?
Resources on ERISA Rights: The Hertz Corporation provides resources to help employees understand their rights under ERISA through its pension plan website and support center. This information helps employees make informed decisions about their retirement planning by clarifying their rights and benefits under the plan.
What procedures should an employee at The Hertz Corporation follow to update their personal information or beneficiary designations in their pension account, and why is it crucial to keep this information up to date?
Updating Personal Information: Employees at The Hertz Corporation are encouraged to update their personal and beneficiary information via the Hertz Pension Center website. Keeping information current is crucial for ensuring that all communications and benefits are correctly handled, especially for claims and beneficiary designations.
If employees of The Hertz Corporation have questions or require further information regarding the pension plan, what steps should they take to contact the company, and what information will they need to facilitate their inquiry?
Contacting for Further Information: For further inquiries about the pension plan, employees should contact the Hertz Pension Center. This center provides access to plan details and assistance for any additional information required by employees, ensuring transparency and accessibility in managing their retirement benefits.