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Retirement Guide for 3M Employees

By: Shad Ketcher

Author:
Shad Ketcher
Shad Ketcher - Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor
 

In our comprehensive retirement guide for 3M employees in your city, your state, we go through many factors which you, at the age of retirement age, may take into account when deciding on the proper time to retire from 3M. Some of those factors include: healthcare & benefit changes, interest rates, the new 2024 tax rates, inflation, and much more. Keep in mind we are not affiliated with 3M. We recommend reaching out to your 3M benefits department for further information.

Table of Contents

2024 Tax Changes & Inflation

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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:

  • The 2024 standard deduction will increase to $14,600 for single filers and those married filing separately, $29,200 for joint filers, and $21,900 for heads of household.

  • Taxpayers who are over the age of retirement age or blind can add an additional $1,550 to their standard deduction. That amount jumps to $1,950 if also unmarried or not a surviving spouse.

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:

  • The tax year 2024 maximum Earned Income Tax Credit amount is $7,830 for qualifying taxpayers who have three or more qualifying children, up from $7,430 for tax year 2023.
  • Married taxpayers filing separately can qualify: You can claim the EITC as married filing separately if you meet other qualifications. This was not available in previous years.

 

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:

  • The maximum tax credit per qualifying child is $2,000 for children five and under – or $3,000 for children six through 17 years old. Additionally, you can't receive a portion of the credit in advance, as was the case in 2023. 
  • As a parent or guardian, you are eligible for the Child Tax Credit if your adjusted gross income is less than $200,000 when filing individually or less than $400,000 if you're filing a joint return with a spouse. 
  • A 70 percent, partial refundability affecting individuals whose tax bill falls below the credit amount.

 

2024 Tax Brackets

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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

Schedule An Appointment with a Retirement Group Advisor


Please choose a date that works for you from the available dates highlighted on the calendar.

 

Recent Layoff Announcements & Other 3M News

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. 

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Planning Your Retirement

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Retirement planning is a verb; consistent action must be taken whether you’re 20 or 60.

The truth is that most Americans don’t know how much to save or the amount of income they’ll need.

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.

"A separate study by Russell Investments, a large money management firm, came to a similar conclusionRussell estimates a good financial advisor can increase investor returns by 3.75 percent."

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.

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There's a 79% potential boost in wealth at age 65 over a 20-year period when choosing to invest in your company's retirement plan.

*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.

Why are 401(k)s and matching contributions so popular?

These retirement savings vehicles give you the chance to take advantage of three main benefits:

  • Compound growth opportunities (as seen above)
  • Tax saving opportunities
  • Matching contributions

Matching contributions are just what they sound like: your company matches your own 401(k) contributions with money that comes from the company. If your company matches, the company money typically matches up to a certain percent of the amount that you put in.

Unfortunately, many people in your city your state fail to take advantage of their company's matching contributions because they’re not contributing the required minimum to receive the full company match, especially those in the retirement age age group.
Research published in 2022 by Principal Financial Group identified that 62% of workers in your city, your state deemed company 401(k) matches significantly important to reaching their retirement goals.

According to Bank of America's "2022 Financial Life Benefit Impact Report", despite 58% of eligible employees participating in a 401(k) plan, 61% of them contributed less than $5,000 during the current year.

The study also found that fewer than one in 10 participants’ contributions reached the ceiling on elective deferrals, under IRS Section 402(g) — which is $23,000 for 2024.

According to Bank of America's "2022 Financial Life Benefit Impact Report", despite 58% of eligible employees in the retirement age bracket participating in a 401(k) plan, 61% of them contributed less than $5,000 during the current year.

For example, if your company will match up to 3% of your plan contributions and you only contribute 2% of your salary, you aren’t getting the full amount of the company match.  By simply increasing your contribution by just 1%, your company is now matching the full 3% of your contributions for a total combined contribution of 6%. By doing so, you aren’t leaving money on the table.

 

Schedule a Call

Your Pension Plan

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Whether you’re changing jobs or retiring from your company in your city, your state, knowing what to do with your hard-earned retirement savings can be difficult. A company-sponsored plan, such as a pension and 401(k), may make up the majority of your retirement savings, but how much do you really know about that plan and how it works?
 
There are seemingly endless rules that vary from one retirement plan to the next, early out offers, interest rate impacts, age penalties, and complex tax impacts.
 
Increasing your investment balance and reducing taxes is the key to a successful retirement plan spending strategy. At The Retirement Group, we can help you understand how your company's 401(k) fits into your overall financial picture and how to make that plan work for you as you approach retirement age.
 
"Getting help and leveraging the financial planning tools and resources your company
makes available can help you understand whether you are on track, or need to
make adjustments to meet your long-term retirement goals..."
 
Source: Schwab 401(k) Survey Finds Savings Goals and Stress Levels on the Rise

Please Note:  

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:

  1. Years of Service: Employees accumulate benefits based on how many years they work at the company.
  2. Final Average Pay: The pension is calculated based on the employee's average salary during the last few years (usually the highest 3-5 years of earnings) before retirement.
  3. Accrual Rate: Each year of service contributes a percentage (known as the accrual rate) to the final pension amount. This rate ranges between 1-2% of the final average pay for each year of service.

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:

  • Single Life Annuity: An eligible member who retires unmarried on the Annuity Starting Date receives their benefit in the form of a Life Annuity by default. Unless waived in favor of a Joint and Non-spouse Beneficiary Survivor Annuity, payments are made monthly starting on the Annuity Starting Date until the member's death.
  •  
  • Lump-Sum Option: Nonqualified Plan III Benefits are typically paid as a lump sum, calculated by converting the monthly benefit into a present value lump sum using the average daily rates on 30-year U.S. Treasury securities from the previous calendar quarter. This ensures the benefit amount reflects current economic conditions and mortality assumptions.
  •  
  • Joint & Survivor Annuity: If an eligible member retires married on the Annuity Starting Date, their benefit is paid as a 50% Joint and Spouse Beneficiary Survivor Annuity by default. They may choose to waive this option in favor of a Life Annuity, another Joint and Spouse Beneficiary Survivor Annuity (75% or 100%), or a Joint and Nonspouse Beneficiary Survivor Annuity (50%, 75%, or 100%) available under the ERIP.
  •  
  • Optional Annuity Forms for Certain Vested Former Members: Former members classified as L1 or L2 who separated from service before 2009 were permitted a one-time irrevocable election in 2008. They could elect to receive their Nonqualified Plan III Benefit as a Life Annuity or a Joint and Spouse Beneficiary Survivor Annuity (50% or 75%). Benefits commence on the first day of the calendar month following attainment of age sixty-five (65) in the elected annuity form, instead of a lump sum.
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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.

Your 401(k) Plan

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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:

Eligibility:

  • All active employees of 3M are eligible to participate in the plan from their date of hire.
  • Employees can elect to contribute a percentage of their salary to their 401(k), and contributions are typically made on a pre-tax basis.
  •  

Vesting:

  • 3M provides immediate vesting for both employee contributions and employer matching contributions. This means that employees own all the money contributed to their 401(k) from day one.
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Employer Matching:

  • 3M matches employee contributions dollar for dollar up to 6% of the employee's eligible compensation. For example, if an employee earns $100,000 per year and contributes 6% ($6,000), 3M would also contribute $6,000, bringing the total contribution for the year to $12,000.
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Example Calculation:

  • If an employee makes $80,000 annually and contributes 5% ($4,000) to their 401(k), 3M will match this contribution up to 6%. Therefore, 3M will contribute an additional $4,000, making the total annual contribution to the employee's 401(k) $8,000.
  •  

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:

  • 50% of the total of your 401(k) Accounts, Rollover Accounts, Retirement Income Account, Company Contribution Account and vested Company Match Account, minus any outstanding loans; or
  • $50,000 minus the highest outstanding loan balance you had during the last 12 months; or
  • The sum of your 401(k) Account and Rollover Account balances invested in the Plan’s investment funds (excluding 3M stock and PCRA), minus $1,000 if you have a balance in the self-directed brokerage account (PCRA)
  •  

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.
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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:

  • Improved savings rates – 70% of participants who used 401(k) advice increased their contributions.
  • Increased diversification – Participants who managed their own portfolios invested in an average of just under four asset classes, while participants in advice-based portfolios invested in a minimum of eight asset classes.
  • Increased likelihood of staying the course – Getting advice increased the chances of participants staying true to their investment objectives, making them less reactive during volatile market conditions and more likely to remain in their original 401(k) investments during a downturn. Don’t try to do it alone. Get help with your company's 401(k) plan investments. Your nest egg will thank you.
In-Service Withdrawals
 
Generally speaking, you can withdraw amounts from your account while still employed with your company under the circumstances described below.

It’s important to know that certain withdrawals are subject to regular federal income tax and, if you’re under age retirement age, you may also be subject to an additional 10% penalty tax. If you are located in your city, your state, you can determine if you’re eligible for a withdrawal, and request one, online or by calling your company's Benefits Center.

Rolling Over Your 401(k) 

As long as the plan participant is younger than age 72, an in-service distribution can be rolled over to an IRA. A direct rollover would avoid the 10% early withdrawal penalty as well as the mandatory 20% tax withholding. Your company's plan summary outlines more information and possible restrictions on rollovers and withdrawals.

Because a withdrawal permanently reduces your retirement savings and is subject to tax, you should always consider taking a loan from the plan 
instead of a withdrawal to meet your financial needs. Unlike withdrawals, loans must be repaid, and are not taxable (unless you fail to repay them). In some cases, as with hardship withdrawals, you are not allowed to make a withdrawal unless you have also taken out the maximum loan available within the company plan.

You should also know that your company's plan administrator reserves the right to modify the rules regarding withdrawals at any time, and may further restrict or limit the availability of withdrawals for administrative or other reasons. All plan participants will be advised of any such restrictions, and they apply equally to all corporate employees living in your city, your state. If you are between the ages of retirement age and 72, these options are particularly pertinent.

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:

  • Lose growth potential on the money you borrowed.
  • Deal with repayment and tax issues if you leave your company.
  • Repayment and tax issues, if you leave your company.

 

Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA)

When you qualify for a distribution, you have three options:Pads with color diagrams and color shining on background-3

  • Roll-over your qualified plan to an IRA and continue deferring taxes.
  • Take a distribution and pay ordinary income tax on the full amount.
  • Take advantage of NUA and reap the benefits of a more favorable tax structure on gains.

 

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.

IRA Withdrawal

When you qualify for a distribution, you have three options:IRA

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.

Your 3M Benefits

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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

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:

  • Healthcare Costs-Pre Medicare: HSA's Can pay for healthcare costs to bridge you to Medicare
  • Healthcare Costs-Post Medicare: HSAs can pay for Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket medical costs, including dental and vision, which are often not covered by Medicare.
  • Long-term Care: Funds can be used for qualified long-term care services and insurance premiums.
  • Non-medical Expenses: After age 65, HSA funds can be used for non-medical expenses without incurring penalties, although these withdrawals are subject to income tax.

 

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.

What Happens If Your Employment Ends

Your life insurance coverage and any optional coverage you purchase for your spouse/domestic partner and/or children ends on the date your employment with your company ends, unless your employment ends due to disability. If you die within 31 days of your termination date from your company, benefits are paid to your beneficiary for your basic life insurance, as well as any additional life insurance coverage you elected.

Note:
  • You may have the option to convert your life insurance to an individual policy or elect portability on any optional coverage.
  • If you stop paying supplementary contributions, your coverage will end.
  • If you are at least 65 and you pay for supplemental life insurance, you should receive information in the mail from the insurance company that explains your options.
  • Make sure to update your beneficiaries. See your company's SPD for more details.
Beneficiary Designations
 
As part of your retirement planning and estate planning, it’s important to name someone to receive the proceeds of your benefit programs in the event of your death. That’s how your company will know whom to send your final compensation and benefits. This can include life insurance payouts and any pension or savings balances you may have.

Next Step:
  • When you retire, make sure that you update your beneficiaries, and complete the  Beneficiary Designation form for life events such as death, marriage, divorce, childbirth, adoptions, etc.

 

 
 
 
 

Social Security & Medicare

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For many retirees in your city, your state, understanding and claiming Social Security can be difficult but identifying optimal ways to claim Social Security is essential to your retirement income planning. Social Security benefits are not designed to be the sole source of your retirement income, but a part of your overall withdrawal strategy.

Knowing the foundation of Social Security, and using this knowledge to your advantage, can help you claim your maximum benefit.

It’s your responsibility to enroll in Medicare parts A and B when you first become eligible — and you must stay enrolled to have coverage for Medicare-eligible expenses. This applies to your Medicare eligible dependents as well.

You should know how your retiree medical plan choices or Medicare eligibility impacts your plan options. Before you retire from your company, contact the U.S. Social Security Administration directly at 800-772-1213, call your local Social Security Office or visit ssa.gov.
They can help determine your eligibility, get you and/or your eligible dependents enrolled in Medicare or provide you with other government program information. For more in-depth information on Social Security, please call us.
 
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Check the status of your Social Security benefits before you retire from your company. Contact the U.S. Social Security Administration, your local Social Security office in your city, your state, or visit ssa.gov.
 
Are you in the retirement age age range? If you or your dependents are eligible after you leave your telecom industry company, Medicare generally becomes the primary coverage for you or any of your dependents as soon as they are eligible for Medicare. This will affect company-provided medical benefits.

You and your Medicare-eligible dependents must enroll in Medicare Parts A and B when you first become eligible. Medical and MH/SA benefits payable under the company's-sponsored plan will be reduced by the amounts Medicare Parts A and B would have paid whether you actually enroll in them or not.
For details on coordination of benefits, refer to your company's summary plan description.
If you or your eligible dependent don’t enroll in Medicare Parts A and B, your provider can bill you for the amounts that are not paid by Medicare or your company-specific medical plan … making your out-of-pocket expenses significantly higher in your city, your state.
 
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According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), Medicare will only cover about 60% of an individual’s medical expenses. This means a retirement age-year-old couple, with average prescription-drug expenses for their age, will need $259,000 in savings to have a 90% chance of covering their healthcare expenses. A single male will need $124,000 and a single female, thanks to her longer life expectancy, will need $140,000.
Check your company's plan summary to see if you’re eligible to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B.
 
 
If you become Medicare-eligible for reasons other than age, you must contact your company’s benefit center about your status.

Divorce

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The ideas of happily ever after and until death do us part won’t happen for 28% of couples over the age of retirement age. Most couples in your city, your state saved together for decades, assuming they would retire together. After a divorce, they face the expenses of a pre-or post-retirement life, but with half their savings.

If you’re divorced or in the process of divorcing, your former spouse(s) may have an interest in a portion of your retirement benefits from your company. Before you can start your pension — and for each former spouse who may have an interest — you’ll need to provide your company with the following documentation:
 
  • A copy of the court-filed Judgment of Dissolution or Judgment of Divorce along with any Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA)
  • A copy of the court-filed Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)

 

Provide your company with any requested documentation to avoid having your pension benefit delayed or suspended. To find out more information on strategies if divorce is affecting your company's retirement benefits, please give us a call.
You’ll need to submit this documentation to your company’s online pension center regardless of how old the divorce or how short the marriage. *Source: The Retirement Group, “Retirement Plans - Benefits and Savings,” U.S. Department of Labor, 2019; “Generating Income That Will Last Throughout Retirement,” Fidelity, 2019
Social Security and Divorce
You can apply for a divorced spouse’s benefit if the following criteria are met:
 
You’re at least 62 years of age.
You were married for at least 10 years prior to the divorce.
You are currently unmarried.
Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security benefits.
 
Your own Social Security benefit amount is less than your spousal benefit amount, which is equal to one-half of what your ex’s full benefit amount would be if claimed at Full Retirement Age (FRA).
 
Unlike with a married couple, your ex-spouse doesn’t have to have filed for Social Security before you can apply for your divorced spouse’s benefit, but this only applies if you’ve been divorced for at least two years and your ex is at least retirement age years of age. If the divorce was less than two years ago, your ex must already be receiving benefits before you can file as a divorced spouse.

 

Unlike with a married couple, your ex-spouse doesn’t have to have filed for Social Security before you can apply for your divorced spouse’s benefit.

Divorce doesn’t disqualify you from survivor benefits. You can claim a divorced spouse’s survivor benefit if the following are true:

  • Your ex-spouse is deceased.
  • You are at least 60 years of age.
  • You were married for at least 10 years prior to the divorce.
  • You are single (or you remarried after age 60).

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:

  • Retire from your company before your divorce is final and elect a joint pension of at least 50% with your spouse — or get your spouse’s signed, notarized consent to a different election or lump sum.

  • Delay your retirement from your company until after your divorce is final and you can provide the required divorce documentation in your city, your state once you retirement age.

Source: The Retirement Group, “Retirement Plans - Benefits and Savings,” U.S. Department of Labor, 2019; “Generating Income That Will Last Throughout Retirement,” Fidelity, 2019

Survivor Checklist

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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:

  • Report your death. Your spouse, a family member or even a friend should call your company’s benefits service center as soon as possible to report your death.

  • Collect life insurance benefits. Your spouse, or other named beneficiary, will need to call your company's benefits service center in your city, your state to collect life insurance benefits once you have reached retirement age.

If you have a joint pension:

  • Start the joint pension payments in your city, your state. The joint pension is not automatic. Your joint pensioner, aged retirement age, will need to complete and return the paperwork from your company's pension center to start receiving joint pension payments.

  • Be prepared financially to cover living expenses. Your spouse will need to be prepared with enough savings to bridge at least one month between the end of your pension payments from your company and the beginning of his or her own pension payments.

If your survivor has medical coverage through your company:

  • Decide whether to keep medical coverage.

  • If your survivor is enrolled as a dependent in your company-sponsored retiree medical coverage in your city, your state when you die, he or she needs to decide whether to keep it. Survivors who are retirement age have to pay the full monthly premium.

Life After Your Career

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While you may be ready for some rest and relaxation, without the stress and schedule of your full-time career with your company, it may make sense to you financially, and emotionally, to continue to work.
Financial benefits of working

Make up for decreased value of savings or investments. Low interest rates make it great for lump sums but harder for generating portfolio income. Some people continue to work to make up for poor performance of their savings and investments.

Maybe you took an offer from your company and left earlier than you wanted with less retirement savings than you needed. Instead of drawing down savings, you may decide to work a little longer to pay for extras you’ve always denied yourself in the past.

Meet financial requirements of day-to-day living. Expenses can increase during your retirement from your company and working can be a logical and effective solution. You might choose to continue working in order to keep your insurance or other benefits — many employers offer free to low-cost health insurance for part-time workers in your city, your state. This can be particularly appealing if you are around retirement age years old.
Emotional benefits of working

You might find yourself with very tempting job opportunities in your city, your state at a time when you thought you’d be withdrawing from the workforce at retirement age.

Staying active and involved. Retaining employment after your previous job, even if it’s just part-time, can be a great way to use the skills you’ve worked so hard to build over the years and keep up with friends and colleagues.

Enjoying yourself at work. Just because the government has set a retirement age with its Social Security program doesn’t mean you have to schedule your own life that way. Many people genuinely enjoy their employment and continue working because their jobs enrich their lives.
Individuals interested in planning their retirement may be interested in live webinars hosted by experienced financial advisors. Click here to register for our upcoming webinars.
By: Shad Ketcher

Sources

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