Navigating Retirement: Annuities vs. IRA Withdrawals for Celanese Employees

There are just a couple of things almost all Celanese retirees need when they hit retirement: predictable income and protection against a cluster of risks, which include longevity risk, performance risk and sequence-of-returns risk.

In the past we have seen retiring Celanese employees utilize the “4% rule,” where retirees take annual withdrawals start at 4% of the entire portfolio and increase with inflation. They then keep the remainder of the portfolio with at least 50% invested in equities. Based on historical data, this would give a Celanese retiree about 30 years of retirement income.

As the economy constantly changes, a number of factors may force prospective Celanese retirees to revisit the 4% rule. It may be worth considering annuities as an alternative.

As life expectancies increase, Celanese retirees need to prepare for expenses over a longer time frame. In the past we would plan for a 15 to 20 year retirement, but now we need to prepare for a 30 to 35 year retirement. What is available to assist meeting the 35-year time frame?  

The annuity strategy can assist with a few of the pitfalls we see in the 4% rule. For example:

If you need $50,000 per year in retirement and need that for 30 years, you may need $1.2 million in fixed income at a 3% interest rate. BUT if you look to fund $50,000 for 30 years, you can cover that expense with $800,000 by choosing the annuity option.

The other pitfall with the 4% rule is that it may not reflect a client’s risk tolerance. When you are accumulating assets, you can afford more volatility and can take on more risk than when in the retirement and withdrawal phase after leaving Celanese. 

Also, should we see a drop in the market, you would be able to reduce your income using the 4% rule, which you cannot do if you choose an annuity option.

 

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What is the purpose of the 401(k) Savings Plan at Celanese?

The purpose of the 401(k) Savings Plan at Celanese is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax basis.

How does Celanese match employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Celanese offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, where the company matches a percentage of employee contributions, helping to maximize retirement savings.

What types of investments are available in Celanese's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Celanese's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

Can Celanese employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Celanese employees can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

What is the vesting schedule for Celanese's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The vesting schedule for Celanese's 401(k) Savings Plan dictates how long employees must work for the company before they fully own the employer's matching contributions.

When can Celanese employees start contributing to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Celanese employees can typically start contributing to the 401(k) Savings Plan after completing a certain period of employment, often within their first few months.

Does Celanese allow for loans against the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Celanese allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

How can Celanese employees access their 401(k) Savings Plan account information?

Celanese employees can access their 401(k) Savings Plan account information through the company’s designated retirement plan website or by contacting the plan administrator.

Are there any fees associated with Celanese's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, there may be fees associated with Celanese's 401(k) Savings Plan, which can include administrative fees and investment management fees, as outlined in the plan documents.

What happens to a Celanese employee's 401(k) Savings Plan if they leave the company?

If a Celanese employee leaves the company, they have several options regarding their 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it with Celanese.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Celanese announced a restructuring plan that includes significant layoffs across its global operations. The company is focusing on streamlining its processes and reducing operational costs. This restructuring is part of a broader strategy to improve financial performance and efficiency.

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