A Retirement Income Roadmap for Women For Intel Employees

Recent studies have shown that women tend to face unique financial challenges during retirement, including longer life expectancies, lower lifetime earnings, and increased healthcare costs. According to a report by the National Institute on Retirement Security published in March 2021, women are 80% more likely than men to be impoverished at age 65 and older. To address these challenges, experts recommend that women take steps to create a retirement income roadmap that includes maximizing Social Security benefits, saving aggressively, and investing in a diversified portfolio. Additionally, women may want to consider purchasing long-term care insurance to protect against unexpected healthcare costs in retirement.

It's important for you to be involved in the retirement income planning process even

if you're married. While you may plan to be married forever, many women

end up single at some point in their lives due to divorce or death of a spouse.

More women than ever before are employed and responsible for their own retirement planning. What does it mean to you to retire from Intel? Do you yearn to travel? Pursuing a pastime? Volunteering or establishing a new profession or business? Spending additional time with your grandchildren? Regardless of your objective, you will need a retirement income plan that is designed to support your desired retirement lifestyle and minimize the risk of outliving your savings.

When Will You Retire From Intel?

Establishing a target age is essential, as the age at which you retire from Intel will have a significant impact on the amount you must save. For instance, if you retire early from Intel at age 55 instead of waiting until age 67, you will have 12 fewer years to accumulate funds and more years to live off your retirement savings. Additionally, we'd like Intel customers to consider:

The longer you delay your Intel retirement, the longer you have to accumulate tax-deferred funds in your IRAs and Intel-sponsored plans such as 401(k)s, or accrue benefits in a traditional pension plan if you're fortunate enough to be covered.
Medicare coverage typically begins at age 65. Does Intel provide post-retirement medical benefits? Are you eligible for coverage if you leave Intel before your retirement age? Do you have health insurance through the employer of your spouse? If not, you may need to consider COBRA or a private individual policy, which may be costly.
At age 62, you can begin obtaining your Social Security retirement benefit. However, your benefit may be reduced by 25% to 30% compared to if you had waited until complete retirement age. If you delay your Intel retirement past the age of complete retirement, you may be able to increase your Social Security retirement benefit.
If you work part-time during retirement, you will earn money and rely less on your retirement savings, allowing more of your savings to grow for the future (and you may also have access to affordable health care).
Consider staggering your retirements if you and your spouse are both employed and approach retirement age and are married Intel customers. If one spouse earns substantially more than the other, it is typically prudent for the higher-earning spouse to continue working in order to maximize current income and ease the transition into retirement.

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How Long Will Retirement Last When You Leave Intel?

We all aspire to live to a ripe old age, but a longer life means you'll have to fund more retirement years. As women tend to live longer than males, the problem is especially acute for them. To protect against the possibility of outliving your investments, you must calculate your life expectancy. You can estimate your life expectancy using government statistics, life insurance tables, or life expectancy calculators. These estimates are based on your age, gender, race, health, lifestyle, and profession, as well as your familial history. However, Intel customers must keep in mind that these are only estimates. It's impossible to predict how long you'll actually live, but given rising life expectancies, it's probably safest to presume you'll outlive your expectations.

Project Your Retirement Expenses

Once you've determined when your Intel retirement will likely begin, how long it may last, and the type of retirement lifestyle you desire, it's time to estimate how much money you'll need. Underestimating the amount you'll need to save by the time you retire from Intel is one of the biggest retirement planning errors you can make. It is commonly stated that you will need 70 to 80 percent of your pre-retirement income in retirement. However, the issue with this strategy is that it does not account for your unique circumstances.

Consider whether your current expenses will remain the same, increase, decrease, or even disappear by the time you retire from Intel. While some expenses, such as a mortgage or commuting costs, may diminish as you age, others, such as health care and insurance, may increase. If travel or hobbies will be a part of your retirement, be sure to include the associated expenditures. Also, remember to consider the prospective impact of inflation and taxes.

Identify Your Sources of Income

The next stage, after determining your retirement income requirements, is to evaluate your (or you and your spouse's) ability to meet those needs. In other terms, what retirement income sources will you have access to? Intel may provide a traditional pension plan with periodic benefits. In addition, it is likely that Social Security will contribute to your retirement income. Other sources of retirement income may include IRAs, annuities, and other investments.

The quantity of income you receive from these sources depends on the amount you invest, the rate of return on your investments, and other variables. Lastly, if you intend to work during your Intel retirement, your earnings will be an additional source of income. When you compare your projected expenses to your expected sources of retirement income, you may discover that you will not have sufficient funds to meet your needs and objectives. This difference, or 'gap,' must be closed as part of your retirement income strategy. In general, if you face a shortfall, you have five options: save more now, delay your Intel retirement or work during retirement, attempt to increase the returns on your retirement assets, find new sources of retirement income, or reduce your retirement spending.

Transitioning Into Retirement

Even after that special day arrives, you will continue to have responsibilities. So that your retirement savings last as long as you need them to, you will need to carefully manage your assets.

We recommend that our Intel clients regularly evaluate their portfolios. According to conventional wisdom, retirees should prioritize the security of their principal above all else. As a result, as they approach retirement, some individuals transfer their portfolio towards fixed-income investments, such as bonds and money market accounts. The issue with this strategy is that you will effectively lose purchasing power if your investment returns do not maintain pace with inflation. While it is generally prudent for your portfolio to become increasingly conservative as you age, it may be prudent to maintain at least a portion in growth investments.

Spend carefully. You should avoid spending too much too quickly. This can be a significant temptation, especially in the early stages of retirement. A decent rule of thumb is to withdraw no more than 4 to 6 percent of your portfolio annually. (The appropriate percentage will depend on a number of factors, including the duration of your payout period and the asset allocation of your portfolio.) Keep in mind that if you deplete your principal too rapidly, you may not be able to earn enough on the remaining principal to sustain you in later years.

Understand your distribution options for your retirement plan. The majority of pension programs provide benefits as an annuity. The majority of our Intel clients who are married must choose between a larger retirement benefit that terminates upon the death of their spouse and a smaller retirement benefit that continues in whole or in part for the surviving spouse. A financial expert can assist you with this difficult but crucial decision.

Consider which assets to utilize initially. In theory, the answer for many retirees is straightforward: withdraw funds from taxable accounts first, then tax-deferred accounts, and finally tax-free accounts. By using tax-favored accounts last and deferring taxes for as long as possible, you will keep more of your retirement funds working for you. However, we would like to remind Intel customers that this approach is not suitable for everyone. And remember to account for mandated distributions. You are required to begin drawing minimum distributions from Intel retirement plans and traditional IRAs at age 72, regardless of whether or not you require them. Plan to use these funds first during retirement.

Consider an immediate annuity purchase. Annuities offer a unique benefit: a guaranteed income stream for the remainder of your life or for the lifetimes of you and your spouse combined (although this guarantee is contingent on the claims-paying ability and financial strength of the issuer). In the context of retirement income planning, the apparent benefit is that an annuity allows you to lock in a predictable, risk-free annual income stream that you cannot outlive.** Sadly, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to retirement income planning. A financial professional can evaluate your situation, assist you in evaluating your options, and help you develop an appropriate plan.

Conclusion

A Retirement Income Roadmap for Women is like a GPS for a road trip. Just as a GPS helps drivers navigate through unfamiliar terrain to reach their destination, a Retirement Income Roadmap guides women towards a financially secure retirement. By providing a clear path with step-by-step directions, it helps women avoid financial roadblocks and detours that can derail their retirement plans. Just as drivers need to stay alert and adjust their route when necessary, women also need to regularly review and update their retirement plan to ensure they stay on course and reach their financial goals.

How does the Intel Pension Plan define the eligibility criteria for employees looking to retire, and what specific steps must they take to determine their benefit under the Intel Pension Plan?

Eligibility Criteria for Retirement: To be eligible for the Intel Pension Plan, employees must meet specific criteria, such as age and years of service. Benefits are calculated based on final average pay and years of service, and employees can determine their benefits by logging into their Fidelity NetBenefits account, where they can view their projected monthly benefit and explore different retirement dates(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

What are the implications of choosing between a lump-sum distribution and a monthly income from the Intel Pension Plan, and how can employees assess which option is best suited for their individual financial circumstances?

Lump-Sum vs. Monthly Income: Choosing between a lump-sum distribution and monthly income under the Intel Pension Plan depends on personal financial goals. A lump-sum provides flexibility but exposes retirees to market risk, while monthly payments offer consistent income. Employees should consider factors like their financial needs, life expectancy, and risk tolerance when deciding which option fits their situation(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

In what ways can changes in interest rates affect the lump-sum benefit calculation under the Intel Pension Plan, and why is it essential for employees to be proactive about their retirement planning concerning these fluctuations?

Interest Rates and Lump-Sum Calculations: Interest rates directly affect the lump-sum calculation, as higher rates reduce the present value of future payments, leading to a smaller lump-sum benefit. Therefore, it's crucial for employees to monitor interest rate trends when planning their retirement to avoid potential reductions in their lump-sum payout(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

How do factors like final average pay and years of service impact the pension benefits calculated under the Intel Pension Plan, and what resources are available for employees to estimate their potential benefits?

Impact of Final Average Pay and Years of Service: Pension benefits under the Intel Pension Plan are calculated using final average pay (highest-earning years) and years of service. Employees can use available tools, such as the Fidelity NetBenefits calculator, to estimate their potential pension based on these factors, giving them a clearer picture of their retirement income(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

How should employees approach their financial planning in light of their Intel Pension Plan benefits, and what role does risk tolerance play in deciding between a lump-sum payment and monthly income?

Financial Planning and Risk Tolerance: Employees should incorporate their pension plan benefits into broader financial planning. Those with a lower risk tolerance might prefer the steady income of monthly payments, while individuals willing to take investment risks might opt for the lump-sum payout. Balancing these decisions with other income sources is vital(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

What considerations should Intel employees evaluate regarding healthcare and insurance needs when transitioning into retirement, based on the guidelines established by the Intel Pension Plan?

Healthcare and Insurance Needs: Intel employees approaching retirement should carefully evaluate their healthcare options, including Medicare eligibility, private insurance, and the use of their SERMA accounts. Considering how healthcare costs fit into their retirement budget is crucial, as these costs will likely increase over time(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

How can employees maximize their benefits from the Intel Pension Plan by understanding the minimum pension benefit provision, and what steps can they take if their Retirement Contribution account falls short?

Maximizing Benefits with the Minimum Pension Provision: Employees can maximize their pension benefits by understanding the minimum pension benefit provision, which ensures that retirees receive a certain income even if their Retirement Contribution (RC) account balance is insufficient. Those whose RC accounts fall short will receive a benefit from the Minimum Pension Plan (MPP)(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

What resources does Intel offer to support employees in their retirement transition, including assessment tools and financial planning services tailored to those benefiting from the Intel Pension Plan?

Resources for Retirement Transition: Intel provides several resources to support employees' transition into retirement, including financial planning tools and access to Fidelity's retirement calculators. Employees can use these tools to run scenarios and determine the most beneficial pension options based on their financial goals(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

What strategies can retirees implement to manage taxes effectively when receiving payments from the Intel Pension Plan, and how do these strategies vary between lump-sum distributions and monthly income options?

Tax Strategies for Pension Payments: Managing taxes on pension payments requires strategic planning. Lump-sum distributions are often subject to immediate taxation, while monthly income is taxed as regular income. Retirees can explore tax-deferred accounts and other strategies to minimize their tax burden(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

How can employees of Intel contact Human Resources to get personalized assistance with their pension questions or concerns regarding the Intel Pension Plan, and what specific information should they be prepared to provide during this communication?

Contacting HR for Pension Assistance: Intel employees seeking assistance with their pension plan can contact HR for personalized support. It is recommended that they have their employee ID, retirement dates, and specific pension-related questions ready to expedite the process. HR can guide them through benefit calculations and options(Intel_Pension_Plan_Dece…).

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Intel offers a Minimum Pension Plan with a cash balance component. Benefits are calculated based on years of service, final average pay, and excess final average pay. Employees can choose between a lump-sum payment or monthly annuities upon retirement.

Layoffs and Restructuring: Intel is laying off around 12,000 employees as part of its restructuring plan to focus on cloud computing and data centers. Operational Strategy: The company is shifting its focus from PC-centric to data-centric businesses (Source: CNBC). Financial Performance: Despite the layoffs, Intel reported a strong financial performance in Q4 2023, with revenue increasing by 8% year-over-year (Source: Intel).

Intel Corporation provides stock options (SOs) and RSUs as part of its equity compensation packages. Stock options allow employees to purchase company stock at a fixed price after a specified vesting period, while RSUs vest over a few years based on performance or tenure. In 2022, Intel enhanced its equity programs with performance-based RSUs to align employee incentives with corporate goals. This trend continued in 2023 and 2024, with broader RSU availability and performance-linked stock options. Executives and middle management receive significant portions of their compensation in stock options and RSUs, fostering long-term alignment with company performance. [Source: Intel Annual Report 2022, p. 45; Intel Q4 2023 Report, p. 23; Intel Q2 2024 Report, p. 12]

Intel Corporation has been consistently updating its employee healthcare benefits to adapt to the changing economic, investment, tax, and political environment. In 2022, Intel introduced enhanced fertility benefits, offering up to $40,000 in fertility treatments and $15,000 for adoption expenses without any lifetime cap. These benefits are designed to support employees in starting or expanding their families, reflecting Intel's commitment to employee well-being and family support. Additionally, Intel provides comprehensive health coverage that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with mental health support through various wellness apps like CALM, Modern Health, and Headspace. In 2023, Intel further bolstered its healthcare benefits by integrating advanced AI solutions to improve healthcare delivery and efficiency. Intel's AI technology is being used in medical imaging, predictive analytics for early intervention, and enhancing telemedicine services. These innovations aim to provide better healthcare support to employees by enabling more accurate diagnostics and efficient healthcare management. Intel's focus on leveraging AI for healthcare aligns with its broader strategy to drive innovation and improve employee health and productivity, ensuring the company remains competitive in a dynamic economic landscape.