By: Shad Ketcher
It is imperative for individuals in your city, your state to be aware of new changes made by the IRS. The main factors that will impact employees will be the following:
Retirement account contributions: Contributing to your company's 401k plan can cut your tax bill significantly, and the amount you can save has increased for 2024. The amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2024 will increase to $23,000 -- up from $22,500 for 2023. The catch-up contribution limit for employees age 50 and over will increase to $7,500.
There are important changes for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) that you, as a taxpayer employed by a corporation, should know:
Deduction for cash charitable contributions: The special deduction that allowed single nonitemizers to deduct up to $300—and married filing jointly couples to deduct $600— in cash donations to qualifying charities has expired.
Child Tax Credit changes:
2024 Tax Brackets
Inflation reduces purchasing power over time as the same basket of goods will cost more as prices rise. In order to maintain the same standard of living throughout your retirement after leaving your company, you will have to factor rising costs into your plan. While the Federal Reserve strives to achieve a 2% inflation rate each year, in 2023 that rate shot up to 4.9% which was a drastic increase from 2020’s 1.4%. While prices as a whole have risen dramatically, there are specific areas to pay attention to if you are nearing or in retirement from your company, like healthcare.
It is crucial to take all of these factors into consideration when constructing your holistic plan for retirement from your company.
*Source: IRS.gov, Yahoo, Bankrate, Forbes
Please choose a date that works for you from the available dates highlighted on the calendar.
On January 8, 2024, 3M announced that it will freeze its U.S. pension plans for non-union U.S. employees, effective Dec. 31, 2028.
Pension-eligible employees in your city, your state will continue to accrue benefits under the pension plans until the freeze date.
This decision applies to both 3M and the future, independent health care company's U.S. pension plans.
Former employees with vested pension benefits, 3M or 3M Health Care retirees, and those currently receiving pension annuity payments are not impacted by this action.
The move from a pension plan structure to a 401(k) retirement plan structure has been underway at 3M for many years.
In 2009, the company closed Portfolio II of the U.S. pension plan to new hires and rehires. By moving to a 401(k) retirement plan structure, the company is focused on providing employees, especially those nearing the age of retirement age, with more flexibility and control when it comes to investing in their future.
3M is providing advance notice to ensure employees can plan alternative strategies to meet their post-retirement income needs.
No matter where you stand in the planning process, or your current age, we hope this guide provides you a good overview of the steps to take and resources that help you simplify your transition from your company into retirement and get the most from your benefits in your city your state. You know you need to be saving and investing, especially since time is on your side the sooner you start, but you don’t have the time or expertise to know if you’re building retirement savings that can last after leaving your company at the age of retirement age.
You know you need to be saving and investing, especially since time is on your side the sooner you start, but you don’t have the time or expertise to know if you’re building retirement savings that can last after leaving your company.
Source: Is it Worth the Money to Hire a Financial Advisor? The Balance, 2021
Starting to save as early as possible matters. Time on your side means compounding can have significant impacts on your future savings. And, once you’ve started, continuing to increase and maximize your contributions for your 401(k) plan is key.
*Source: Bridging the Gap Between 401(k) Sponsors and Participants, T.Rowe Price, 2020
As decades go by, you’re likely full swing into your career at your company in your city, your state and your income probably reflects that. However, the challenges of saving for retirement start coming from large competing expenses: a mortgage, raising children, and saving for their college when you are around retirement age.
One of the classic planning conflicts is saving for retirement versus saving for college. Most financial planners will tell you that retirement from your company should be your top priority because your child can usually find support from financial aid while you’ll be on your own to fund your retirement.
How much we recommend that you invest towards your retirement is always based on your unique financial situation and goals. However, consider investing a minimum of 10% of your salary toward retirement through your 30s and 40s.
As you enter your 50s and 60s, you’re ideally at your peak earning years with some of your major expenses, such as a mortgage or child-rearing, behind you or soon to be in the rearview mirror. This can be a good time to consider whether you have the ability to boost your retirement savings goal to 20% or more of your income. For many people, this could potentially be the last opportunity to stash away funds.
In 2024, workers age 50 or older can invest up to $23,000 into their retirement plan/401(k), and once they meet this limit, they can add an additional $7,500 in catch-up contributions for a combined annual total of $30,500. These limits are adjusted annually for inflation.
These retirement savings vehicles give you the chance to take advantage of three main benefits:
On January 8, 2024, 3M announced that it will freeze its U.S. pension plans for non-union U.S. employees, effective Dec. 31, 2028.
Pension-eligible employees will continue to accrue benefits under the pension plans until the freeze date.
This decision applies to both 3M and the future, independent health care company's U.S. pension plans.
Former employees with vested pension benefits, 3M or 3M Health Care retirees, and those currently receiving pension annuity payments are not impacted by this action.
The move from a pension plan structure to a 401(k) retirement plan structure has been underway at 3M for many years.
In 2009, the company closed Portfolio II of the U.S. pension plan to new hires and rehires. By moving to a 401(k) retirement plan structure, the company is focused on providing employees with more flexibility and control when it comes to investing in their future.
3M is providing advance notice to ensure employees can plan alternative strategies to meet their post-retirement income needs.
3M Retirement Plan Overview
The 3M pension plan for U.S. employees, prior to its planned freeze in 2028, operates as a defined benefit plan. In such plans, the formula for calculating the pension benefits is generally based on a combination of factors, including:
The formula used for existing participants will remain in effect until the freeze date on December 31, 2028.
However, for new hires after 2009, 3M shifted its focus toward a 401(k)-based plan, no longer offering traditional pension benefits to those employees.
Eligibility:
Any employee of 3M or an affiliate who is a Participant in the ERIP, and who is within a class of employees described in the Appendix A attached to this plan document, shall be eligible to become a Member in this Nonqualified Plan III.
Complex Formulas and Contributions
Similar to other companies, 3M's retirement contributions are determined by a combination of factors such as years of service, average earnings, and specific company policies designed to reward longevity and dedication.
Different Plans
3M offers various retirement plans tailored to different employee categories and roles.
With 80 different defined benefit plans in 28 different countries.
Pension Options When you retire from 3M, you’ll have several options for receiving your pension:
Considerations
Given current economic conditions, understanding the interest rate risks associated with pension plans is crucial. While annuities offer stability, they may lack inflation protection. Advisors often recommend considering strategies like electing a single life annuity and supplementing with additional retirement savings for security.
For personalized advice regarding your 3M retirement plan, consult with a financial advisor familiar with 3M’s specific retirement offerings and policies. It’s important to review your Summary Plan Description (SPD) or similar documentation for detailed insights tailored to your career at 3M.
Conclusion
If you’re navigating your retirement options at 3M, reach out to The Retirement Group at(800) 900-5867 for expert guidance. They specialize in retirement planning for employees of major corporations like 3M and can provide clarity on your pension choices. Remember to always verify information against your company’s official documents, as The Retirement Group is independent from 3M and its affiliates.
Note: The examples provided are for illustrative purposes only.
Who Is Eligible?
You are eligible to participate in the Portfolio III VIP if you are an active regular U.S salaried or hourly nonunion production/maintenance/warehouse employee of 3M or a 3M subsidiary offering Portfolio III employees hired or rehired on or after January 1, 2009 or later, or employees who were hired prior to January 1, 2009 whose employer became a participating subsidiary on January 1, 2009 or later. Your participation is voluntary. Residents of your city, your state in the retirement age age range are especially encouraged to consider this opportunity.
3M 401k and Retirement Income Account (RIA)
The 3M 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan offers employees an excellent opportunity to save for retirement with contributions from both the employee and the company. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how the plan works:
Vesting:
The vesting schedule uses years of service to determine what percentage of your Company Match Account and Retirement Income Account is vested. You start to earn service beginning on your date of hire. It includes your active employment, time you are on approved absences from work such as vacations, Company holidays and short- or long-term disability as well as any period of military leave.
The chart below shows how the vesting schedule works:
Loans:
While actively employed, you may take out a loan from your 401(k) Accounts and/or Rollover Accounts. You can have up to two loans outstanding at any time. Only employees receiving regular wage payroll payments are eligible to take a loan. All loans are subject to an origination fee that is deducted from your loan amount. The minimum loan amount is currently $1,000 plus the loan origination fee.
The maximum loan amount is the lesser of:
Withdrawals:
Distributions When You Leave 3M:
Over half of plan participants in your city your state, aged retirement age, admit they don’t have the time, interest, or knowledge needed to manage their 401(k) portfolio. But the benefits of getting help goes beyond convenience. Studies like this one, from Charles Schwab, show those plan participants who get help with their investments tend to have portfolios that perform better: The annual performance gap between those who get help and those who do not is 3.32% net of fees. This means a 45-year-old participant could see a 79% boost in wealth by age 65 simply by contacting an advisor. That’s a pretty big difference.
Getting help can be the key to better results across the 401(k) board.
A Charles Schwab study found several positive outcomes common to those using independent professional advice. They include:
Rolling Over Your 401(k)
Borrowing from your 401(k)
Should you? Maybe you lose your job with your company, have a serious health emergency, or face some other reason that you need a lot of cash. Banks make you jump through too many hoops for a personal loan, credit cards charge too much interest, and … suddenly, you start looking at your 401(k) account and doing some quick calculations about pushing your retirement from your company off a few years to make up for taking some money out.
We understand how you feel: It’s your money, and you need it now. But, take a second to see how this could adversely affect your retirement plans after leaving your company.
Consider these facts when deciding if you should borrow from your 401(k). You could:
When you qualify for a distribution, you have three options:
How does Net Unrealized Appreciation work?
First an employee must be eligible for a distribution from their qualified company-sponsored plan. Generally, at retirement or age retirement age, the employee takes a 'lump-sum' distribution from the plan, distributing all assets from the plan during a 1-year period. The portion of the plan that is made up of mutual funds and other investments can be rolled into an IRA for further tax deferral. The highly appreciated company stock is then transferred to a non-retirement account.
The tax benefit comes when you transfer the company stock from a tax-deferred account to a taxable account. At this time, you apply NUA and you incur an ordinary income tax liability on only the cost basis of your stock. The appreciated value of the stock above its basis is not taxed at the higher ordinary income tax but at the lower long-term capital gains rate, currently 15%. This could mean a potential savings of over 30%.
You may be interested in learning more about NUA with a complimentary one-on-one session with a financial advisor from The Retirement Group in your city, your state.
When you qualify for a distribution, you have three options:
Your retirement assets may consist of several retirement accounts: IRAs, 401(k)s, taxable accounts, and others.
So, what is the most efficient way to take your retirement income after leaving your company?
You may want to consider meeting your income needs in retirement by first drawing down taxable accounts rather than tax-deferred accounts.
This may help your retirement assets with your company last longer as they continue to potentially grow tax deferred.
You will also need to plan to take the required minimum distributions (RMDs) from any company-sponsored retirement plans and traditional or rollover IRA accounts.
That is due to IRS requirements for 2024 to begin taking distributions from these types of accounts when you reach age 73. Beginning in 2024, the excise tax for every dollar of your RMD under-distributed is reduced from 50% to 25%.
There is new legislation that allows account owners to delay taking their first RMD until April 1 following the later of the calendar year they reach age 73 or, in a workplace retirement plan, retire.
Two flexible distribution options for your IRA
When you need to draw on your IRA for income or take your RMDs, you have a few choices. Regardless of what you choose, IRA distributions are subject to income taxes and may be subject to penalties and other conditions if you’re under 59½.
Partial withdrawals: Withdraw any amount from your IRA at any time. If you’re retirement age or over, you’ll have to take at least enough from one or more IRAs to meet your annual RMD.
Systematic withdrawal plans: Structure regular, automatic withdrawals from your IRA by choosing the amount and frequency to meet your income needs after retiring from your company. If you’re under 59½, you may be subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty (unless your withdrawal plan meets Code Section 72(t) rules).
Your tax advisor can help you understand distribution options, determine RMD requirements, calculate RMDs, and set up a systematic withdrawal plan.
3M offers a comprehensive benefits package called "3M Total Rewards," designed to enhance employees' physical, financial, and overall well-being in your city, your state. The benefits package is structured into categories such as health care, retirement savings, and additional perks, depending on employment status and eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for 3M’s benefits depends on the employee’s role, years of service, and age.
Employees in the age range of retirement age become eligible for most benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans, on the first day of employment.
Health Coverage: 3M provides medical, dental, and vision plans, covering routine, emergency, and preventive care. Some medical plans include a Health Savings Account (HSA), and all cover preventive care at 100% for in-network providers. Dental and vision plans offer comprehensive coverage, including orthodontia for adults.
Retirement Plans: 3M offers a 401(k) plan with company matching contributions, as well as contributions to a Retirement Income Account. Employees also have access to financial education resources to support retirement planning.
Stock Purchase and Incentives: Employees can purchase 3M stock at a 15% discount through the General Employee Stock Purchase Plan (GESPP). Additionally, there are variable pay opportunities like annual incentives and long-term incentive plans for eligible employees.
Paid Time Off: This includes vacation days, holidays, paid sick leave, and parental leave. Employees can also take paid volunteer time.
General Employee Stock Purchase Plan (GESPP)
Monthly purchases of shares of 3M stock at discounted prices through convenient payroll deductions.
The price for shares purchased under the GESPP is fixed at the beginning of each month and represents a 15% discount from the average of the high and low trading price of a share of 3M stock on the first trading day of the month.
Eligible employees may choose to contribute 3%-10% of their eligible compensation.
Retirement Benefits: 3M offers both a 401(k) plan with employer matching, and a pension plan.
Eligibility for the pension plan depends on date of hire, age and years of service, with vesting typically occurring after five years of service.
Additional Benefits: 3M provides voluntary benefits such as life insurance, disability coverage, critical illness and accident insurance, legal services, and even pet insurance.
HSA's
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are often celebrated for their utility in managing healthcare expenses, particularly for those with high-deductible health plans in your city, your state. However, their benefits extend beyond medical cost management, positioning HSAs as a potentially superior retirement savings vehicle compared to traditional retirement plans like 401(k)s, especially after employer matching contributions are maxed out. For individuals in the retirement age age range, understanding the nuances of HSAs becomes increasingly pertinent.
Understanding HSAs
HSAs are tax-advantaged accounts designed for individuals with high-deductible health insurance plans. For 2024, the IRS defines high-deductible plans as those with a minimum deductible of $1,600 for individuals and $3,200 for families. HSAs allow pre-tax contributions, tax-free growth of investments, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses—making them a triple-tax-advantaged account.
The annual contribution limits for HSAs in 2024 are $4,150 for individuals and $8,300 for families, with an additional $1,000 allowed for those aged 55 and older. Unlike Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), HSA funds do not expire at the end of the year; they accumulate and can be carried over indefinitely.
Comparing HSAs to 401(k)s Post-Matching
Once an employer's maximum match in a 401(k) is reached, further contributions yield diminished immediate financial benefits. This is where HSAs can become a strategic complement. While 401(k)s offer tax-deferred growth and tax-deductible contributions, their withdrawals are taxable. HSAs, in contrast, provide tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses, which are a significant portion of retirement costs.
HSA as a Retirement Tool
Post age 65, the HSA flexes its muscles as a robust retirement tool. Funds can be withdrawn for any purpose, subject only to regular income tax if used for non-medical expenses. This flexibility is akin to that of traditional retirement accounts, but with the added advantage of tax-free withdrawals for medical costs—a significant benefit given the rising healthcare expenses in retirement.
Furthermore, HSAs do not have Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), unlike 401(k)s and Traditional IRAs, offering more control over tax planning in retirement. This makes HSAs particularly advantageous for those who might not need to tap into their savings immediately at retirement or who want to minimize their taxable income.
Investment Strategy for HSAs
Initially, it's prudent to invest conservatively within an HSA, focusing on ensuring that there are sufficient liquid funds to cover near-term deductible and other out-of-pocket medical expenses. However, once a financial cushion is established, treating the HSA like a retirement account by investing in a diversified mix of stocks and bonds can significantly enhance the account's growth potential over the long term.
Utilizing HSAs in Retirement
In retirement, HSAs can cover a range of expenses:
Conclusion
In summary, HSAs offer unique advantages that can make them a superior option for retirement savings, particularly after the benefits of 401(k) matching are maximized. Their flexibility in fund usage, coupled with tax advantages, makes HSAs an essential component of a comprehensive retirement strategy. By strategically managing contributions and withdrawals, individuals can maximize their financial health in retirement, keeping both their medical and financial well-being secure.
Divorce doesn’t disqualify you from survivor benefits. You can claim a divorced spouse’s survivor benefit if the following are true:
In the process of divorcing?
If your divorce isn’t final before your retirement date from your company, you’re still considered married. You have two options:
Source: The Retirement Group, “Retirement Plans - Benefits and Savings,” U.S. Department of Labor, 2019; “Generating Income That Will Last Throughout Retirement,” Fidelity, 2019
In the unfortunate event that you aren’t able to collect your benefits from your company, your survivor will be responsible for taking action.
What your survivor needs to do:
If you have a joint pension:
If your survivor has medical coverage through your company:
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-provides-tax-inflation-adjustments-for-tax-year-2022
https://news.yahoo.com/taxes-2022-important-changes-to-know-164333287.html
https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/taxes/federal-income-tax-brackets
https://www.the-sun.com/money/4490094/key-tax-changes-for-2022/
https://www.bankrate.com/taxes/child-tax-credit-2022-what-to-know/