Do AT&T Retirees Need Life Insurance?

And AT&T employees should consider life insurance as part of their retirement planning - to protect loved ones, pay off debts and leave a legacy - to give them financial security in their absence - says Tyson Mavar, representative of the Retirement Group, part of Wealth Enhancement Group.

Life insurance can give you peace of mind in retirement - protecting your family and your wealth from the unexpected - Wesley Boudreaux, of the Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article, we will discuss:

1. Life insurance for retirees - especially AT&T types.

2. Financial dependents, outstanding debt and savings are key factors determining life insurance needs.

3. The role of life insurance in securing a financial future and leaving a legacy for loved ones.

More than 60% of Americans who feel confident they understand life insurance are insured. Nonetheless, life insurance covers less than 20% of those who do not know about life insurance. See if life insurance is a good asset for retirees if you work for AT&T and are considering retiring. Life insurance buyers can get free price quotes from their preferred insurers before making a commitment. But, despite the variety and ease of getting coverage, more than two out of every three Americans say they lack adequate life insurance. AT&T employees must consider whether life insurance is necessary for retirement.

Financial Dependents:

AT&T employees with financial dependents must secure them at any age or position. A retiree with a spouse and children who depend on their retirement income might profit from an active life insurance policy. A full four in five (44%) American households would be broke within six months if the primary wage earner were to lose his or her job. More than a quarter (28%) would go broke in a month. The insured's dependents would not be left broke if they died; they would keep their income. 75% of Americans with life insurance say they would still feel financially secure if their main wage earner died. But only about half of uninsured Americans say they would be financially safe in such circumstances. And even though life insurance is commonplace, just owning a policy does not necessarily provide adequate protection.

More than 100 million Americans are underinsured or uninsured, according to estimates. Taken together, AT&T employees then need to determine how much life insurance they need. That depends on your standard of living, monthly contribution, overall financial position, and situation. Ideally, you would have enough life insurance to replace lost income on death. Even so, AT&T employees know that buying insurance beyond this scenario is possible - and it is your job to determine what coverage meets their needs.

Outstanding Debt:

AT&T employees with outstanding debt that passes to beneficiaries upon death should buy life insurance now. Around forty percent will leave a financial burden to a loved one. Life insurance would relieve your beneficiaries of financial responsibility should you die unexpectedly. For instance, you should buy a policy that lets you repay a mortgage loan. Should you be unable to pay off your mortgage on your own with your income, you may want to buy coverage at least equal to that amount. This way, AT&T employees can lock in the mortgage balance should they die.

Savings:

AT&T employees who have not left a substantial inheritance for their beneficiaries can buy life insurance as a supplement. As savings aren't restricted to cash account balances either, the prospect of buying a policy for hundreds of thousands of dollars for less than USD 100 a month might be tempting. AT&T employees should research insurance benefits, limits, and price ranges before purchasing to avoid overspending and understating.

A study by research and consulting firm LIMRA found that life insurance ownership among Americans age 55 and older has steadily increased over the past decade. In 2011, only 63% of this age group had life insurance coverage - by 2021, it was 70%. That shows more AT&T retirees realize life insurance can protect their heirs financially. The study also noted that reasons for getting life insurance in this age group included replacing lost income, paying for funeral expenses and leaving an inheritance.

Whether AT&T employees need insurance depends on their situation. If you have dependents and beneficiaries, life insurance could give them income when you die. Your buying life insurance could spare your family obligations that would have been passed down if you were in debt. A life insurance policy could be an alternative if you cannot save a large nest egg for your heirs. AT&T employees uncertain whether to buy coverage should seek professional financial advice. Get a free cash flow analysis when you contact The Retirement Group to see which option best fits your needs.

Now picture your retirement as a garden that you have grown over time. You've sodded the seeds of financial security and watched them grow into wealth. As a garden needs protection so does your retirement - and life insurance can put a fence around your financial legacy.

Consider life insurance like the evergreen hedges that preserve your garden. Like hedges protect your garden from outside dangers, life insurance covers your family from financial strain should you die. That way, your labors will continue to feed your family - giving them a source of income and paying off any debts you may have left behind.

As each plant in your garden has a purpose, so does life insurance in retirement. It may replace lost income, pay down outstanding debts such as a mortgage, or provide a substantial cushion for your beneficiaries. Sow in your financial garden and bolster it with the right life insurance coverage - and you plant a seed that will bear fruit in your absence.

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Also, as you consider retirement, plant a garden of financial security with life insurance. A well-tended garden brings joy and security, too - and so will life insurance - the assurance that your family and your legacy will thrive long after you retire from work.

Sources:

1. Rodeck, David. 'Do You Need Life Insurance in Retirement?' Investopedia , 22 June 2023, https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/010716/do-you-need-life-insurance-after-you-retire.asp .

2. 'Life Insurance Statistics in 2025.' The Zebra , March 2024, https://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/life-insurance-statistics/?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

3. 'What is a Life Insurance Retirement Plan (LIRP)?' Aflac , 24 Aug. 2023, https://www.aflac.com/resources/life-insurance/life-insurance-retirement-plans-lirp.aspx .

4. 'Life Insurance Benefits for Retired Workers.' Bureau of Labor Statistics , Sept. 1990, https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/1990/09/Art2full.pdf .

5. '10 Reasons Why You Need Life Insurance in Retirement.' GBS Life , 15 June 2016, https://www.gbslife.com/media/28501/10-reasons-retirement.pdf .

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

AT&T offers a defined benefit pension plan with a cash balance component. The cash balance plan grows with annual interest credits and employer contributions. Employees can choose between a lump-sum payment or monthly annuities upon retirement.

Layoffs and Restructuring: AT&T is expanding its $8 billion cost-reduction program, which includes significant layoffs. The company has reduced its workforce by more than 115,000 employees over the past five years, with further cuts expected in 2024 (Sources: TechBlog, WRAL TechWire). Operational Strategy: The restructuring efforts are part of AT&T's broader strategy to improve efficiency and adapt to a maturing market. This includes collaborations with firms like Blackrock to create open-access networks, which could provide new growth opportunities (Source: TechBlog). Financial Performance: Despite these challenges, AT&T reported strong financial results in 2023, driven by growth in 5G and fiber services. Revenues from mobility and consumer wireline segments saw significant increases, reflecting the company's strategic focus on high-growth areas (Source: AT&T).

AT&T offers RSUs that vest over several years, giving employees a stake in the company's equity. They also grant stock options, allowing employees to purchase shares at a set price.

AT&T has consistently updated its healthcare benefits to address the dynamic healthcare landscape and ensure comprehensive coverage for its employees. In recent years, AT&T has focused on enhancing its wellness programs, introducing initiatives like virtual healthcare services and telemedicine, which have become increasingly important during and after the pandemic. These services provide employees with convenient access to healthcare, reducing the need for in-person visits and supporting overall health management. Additionally, AT&T has increased its focus on mental health resources, offering counseling services and stress management programs, reflecting the company's commitment to holistic employee wellness. For 2024, AT&T has made adjustments to its healthcare plans to better align with the rising costs of medical services and prescription drugs. The company has introduced higher contribution limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and has implemented more robust wellness incentives to encourage proactive health management among employees. These changes are essential in the current economic and political environment, where healthcare affordability and accessibility remain critical issues. By continuously evolving its healthcare benefits, AT&T aims to support its employees' health and financial well-being, ensuring they have the resources needed to navigate the complex healthcare landscape.