Attention Keysight Technologies Employees: Vanguard Report Reveals Significant Decline in 401k Balances Over Two Years

Keysight Technologies employees must change their approach to the decreasing 401K assets. 'It is crucial to prevent the decrease of the investment portfolio and increase the savings rate,' suggested Wesley Boudreaux, the representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group. 'Navigating through market volatilities is a process that requires a lot of knowledge that includes taking advantage of the employer’s contributions and seeking the advice of a financial advisor.'

'It is crucial for the employees of Keysight Technologies companies to interact with financial advisors who can give them individual guidance,' says Patrick Ray from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group. “Increasing the financial literacy and opting for all the options provided by the employer can greatly improve the retirement preparedness in the current ambiguous environment.”

In this article, we will discuss:

1. The current state of the 401K market: An analysis of the decline in assets in the Keysight Technologies sponsored retirement plans and the underlying economics.

2. Strategies for navigating retirement challenges: Practical tips for increasing retirement savings, diversifying investments and other ways to improve the financial situation of retirees.

3. The role of professional guidance and market trends: The need to stay informed and seek the advice of financial advisers in order to make the right investment decisions.

Introduction:

The 401K retirement plan market in the United States has currently faced some issues in 2023. The combined assets of Keysight Technologies sponsored retirement savings plans have been on the decline which affects the financial status of individuals who are approaching retirement age. Some of the factors that have led to this decline include; market performances, inflation, interest rates and the COVID-19 pandemic. For this article, we will explain why 401K assets have decreased and how to overcome the challenges that come with it.

Diminishing 401K Assets:

As stated by Vanguard, a large provider of investment funds, the average balance in 401K and 403B plan accounts has decreased from $141,542 in 2021 to $112,572 which is a 20% decline within a two year period. Median balances have also been down, moving from $35,345 to $27,376 for retirement account clients. The main cause of this decrease is the negative performance of equity and bond markets. However, inflation that rose to a 40-year high in 2022 is still a concern to both policymakers and households. The impact of the rising interest rates especially in the mortgage segment has also led to the decline in 401K assets.

Navigating Retirement Challenges:

Since Keysight Technologies retirement plan investors have faced some challenges, it is important to determine some ways that can be helpful to ensure a comfortable retirement. Some factors are out of the control of the individual but there are some measures that can be taken to reduce the effects of the lost value.

Save More:

It is advised that Keysight Technologies workers should try to save as much as they can within their employment contracts. Aim to contribute 12-15% of your pay toward your retirement savings. This is because if one is disciplined in saving, one can be able to achieve their long term financial goals.

Invest Across Multiple Assets:

To reduce the effects of volatility in the market, you should diversify your investment portfolio. You should also diversify your investments across different asset classes such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds to diversify your risk and enhance your returns.

Seek Professional Advice:

It is advisable to seek the opinion of a financial advisor who deals especially with retirement planning. They will be able to help you understand the market, change your investment approach, and ensure that your retirement goals are consistent with your financial situation.
Stay Informed:

Keep yourself updated on the market movements, economic indicators and financial news that are connected to retirement planning. This will help you to know how these factors can affect your 401K investments and make better decisions.
Exploit the Matching Contributions:

If your employer is a Keysight Technologies firm, and it offers a matching contribution, then you should make sure you take it to the maximum. Such programs offer a way to increase your savings and therefore your retirement account balance.
Consider Catch-Up Contributions:

If you are 50 or older, you can take advantage of catch-up contributions. This provision allows you to contribute more money to your retirement account than the normal limits, which is a good way to try to make up for lost time.

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Conclusion:

This is because in the last few years, 401K assets in employer sponsored plans including those of Keysight Technologies employees and retirees have been on the decline. This decline has been attributed to market underperformance, inflation, increasing interest rates and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, through measures such as increasing savings, diversifying investments, seeking the advice of professionals, being informed and optimizing Keysight Technologies matching contributions and catch up contributions, one can strive to ensure their retirement goals. Although the factors outside of our control can be adverse, financial planning and decision-making are crucial for a happy retirement.

Sources:

1. T. Rowe Price . '2023 U.S. Retirement Market Outlook'. T. Rowe Price, March 2022. Web. Pages 17-18.

2. Haberli, Ralph . '2023 Retirement Plan Trends: Big Changes Coming.' Capital Group, 17 Jan. 2023. Web.

3. Barstein, Fred . 'What Are the Biggest Opportunities and Challenges Facing 401(k) Plans Today?' WealthManagement.com, 11 Sept. 2023. Web.

4. Chiffer, Elizabeth . 'Research and Consulting for the U.S. Retirement Market.' Cerulli, 2023. Web.

5. Morningstar . '2023 Retirement Plan Landscape Report.' Morningstar, 2023. Web.

What type of retirement savings plan does Keysight Technologies offer?

Keysight Technologies offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does Keysight Technologies match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Keysight Technologies provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) plans, enhancing the overall savings potential.

What is the eligibility requirement for Keysight Technologies' 401(k) plan?

Employees of Keysight Technologies are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically within the first year of employment.

Can employees at Keysight Technologies choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?

Yes, employees at Keysight Technologies can choose from a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan to align with their individual financial goals.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Keysight Technologies?

The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Keysight Technologies is determined by IRS regulations, which may change annually.

How often can employees at Keysight Technologies change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Employees at Keysight Technologies can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, typically through the company’s benefits portal.

Does Keysight Technologies offer a Roth 401(k) option?

Yes, Keysight Technologies offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to make after-tax contributions for potential tax-free withdrawals in retirement.

What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Keysight Technologies?

If you leave Keysight Technologies, you have several options for your 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Keysight Technologies plan if allowed.

Are there any fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Keysight Technologies?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Keysight Technologies, which are typically disclosed in the plan documents.

How can I access my 401(k) account information at Keysight Technologies?

Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the Keysight Technologies benefits portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

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

Keysight Technologies offers competitive retirement benefits, including a 401(k) plan. For employees hired on or after August 1, 2015, the company provides a matching contribution of $1 for every $1 contributed by the employee, up to 4% of their pay, and $0.50 for every additional $1 contributed on the next 4%. This means contributions above 8% are not matched by Keysight. For those hired before August 1, 2015, the matching contribution is $1 for every $1 up to 3%, with an additional $0.50 for contributions on the next 2% of pay. Employees can contribute pre-tax and Roth after-tax contributions to the 401(k) plan, though catch-up and after-tax contributions are not eligible for matching (Keysight MatchMaximizer). Keysight Technologies caps the eligible compensation for matching contributions at $345,000, following the IRS 401(a)(17) limit for 2024. However, there is no compensation cap for employee contributions, which are limited to the IRS 402(g) annual limit of $23,000 in 2024. Employees aged 50 and older may also contribute up to $7,500 as a catch-up contribution

Keysight Technologies reported significant restructuring activities in 2023-2024, including cost-cutting measures and workforce adjustments as part of their strategy to streamline operations. Although the company has demonstrated solid performance in its financial results, there were notable reductions in operational expenditures, including employee compensation and layoffs, primarily due to constrained demand in semiconductor and manufacturing sectors (Keysight Investor) (Keysight Investor). It is crucial to address these restructuring measures as they reflect the broader economic climate of the tech industry, influenced by fluctuating demand and rising interest rates. For employees, such layoffs could impact retirement planning, pensions, and benefits, especially amid heightened uncertainty around tax laws and potential regulatory changes in the global market.

Stock Options: At Keysight Technologies, stock options are made available to a broad range of employees, particularly those in leadership and key technical roles. These stock options (KEYSO) allow employees to purchase company shares at a predetermined price, offering potential gains as the stock price appreciates. This aligns employees' financial interests with the company's performance. Stock options are typically granted annually, and vesting occurs over a defined period, commonly three to four years, with eligibility depending on the employee's role and tenure. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs): RSUs (KEYRSU) are a prominent part of Keysight's compensation structure, granted primarily to senior employees and high performers. These units represent a promise to deliver company shares at a future date once vesting conditions, such as continued employment or performance targets, are met. RSUs provide an additional incentive for long-term employment and are often part of executive compensation packages. Like stock options, RSUs are awarded annually with multi-year vesting schedules.

Keysight Technologies offers comprehensive health benefits designed to cater to various employee needs, emphasizing affordability and flexibility. The company provides options such as a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) compatibility, which is a popular choice among employees for its tax benefits and lower premiums. The company also includes a lower-deductible plan with higher monthly premiums, catering to those preferring more predictable healthcare expenses. Dental and vision care benefits are part of their offerings, enhancing overall wellness coverage. Keysight has introduced wellness initiatives, such as preventive care incentives, which include routine exams, screenings, and immunizations, to encourage a healthier workforce. The company's health benefits package aligns with its efforts to foster employee well-being by offering both flexibility and robust coverage, including extensive family care options. In recent years, employees have appreciated the ability to select between these two medical plan types, based on their personal or family health needs.