Navigating Retirement: Annuities vs. IRA Withdrawals for D.R. Horton Employees

There are just a couple of things almost all D.R. Horton 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 D.R. Horton 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 D.R. Horton retiree about 30 years of retirement income.

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

As life expectancies increase, D.R. Horton 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 D.R. Horton.

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 type of retirement plan does D.R. Horton offer to its employees?

D.R. Horton offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Is there a company match for contributions made to the D.R. Horton 401(k) plan?

Yes, D.R. Horton provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

How can employees enroll in the D.R. Horton 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the D.R. Horton 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What is the eligibility requirement for D.R. Horton employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

Generally, D.R. Horton employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, as outlined in the plan documents.

Can D.R. Horton employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, D.R. Horton allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in the D.R. Horton 401(k) plan?

The D.R. Horton 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

How often can D.R. Horton employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

D.R. Horton employees can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at designated times throughout the year, as specified in the plan rules.

What is the vesting schedule for D.R. Horton’s company match in the 401(k) plan?

The vesting schedule for D.R. Horton’s company match typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which means employees earn ownership of the match over time.

Are there any fees associated with managing the D.R. Horton 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be fees associated with managing the D.R. Horton 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents and annual statements.

How can D.R. Horton employees access their 401(k) account information?

D.R. Horton employees can access their 401(k) account information online through the plan’s designated website 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.

D.R. Horton offers its employees both a defined contribution pension plan and a 401(k) plan, known as the D.R. HORTON, INC. PROFIT SHARING PLUS PLAN. The 401(k) plan is managed through Empower and is available to 9,393 employees as of the latest data. This plan allows participants to contribute a portion of their salary towards their retirement savings, with D.R. Horton offering a matching contribution. Typically, the company matches 50% of employee contributions up to a certain percentage of their salary. The defined contribution pension plan provided by D.R. Horton also plays a key role in helping employees build a secure financial future. While specific details on eligibility requirements like years of service and age qualification are not publicly available, the defined contribution nature of the plan suggests that the benefits are likely based on the total contributions made by both the employee and the employer over time.

Pension Liability Concerns: D.R. Horton has seen fluctuations in its pension liabilities over the past few years. The company’s pension liabilities in 2023 were reportedly stable, though previous years have shown variability. Monitoring these liabilities is essential in understanding the company’s long-term financial commitments. Importance: It's crucial to address this news given the potential impact of economic shifts and tax regulations on the housing market and employee benefits, which can directly influence D.R. Horton's financial stability.

Stock Options (SOs): Employees of D.R. Horton may be granted stock options that allow them to purchase company stock at a predetermined price after a certain vesting period. This price is usually set at the market value of the stock on the grant date. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs): RSUs are another form of equity compensation offered by D.R. Horton, where employees are granted units that convert into shares of company stock once certain conditions, such as time-based vesting, are met. Eligibility and Availability: D.R. Horton's stock options and RSUs are typically made available to key employees and executives, though the exact eligibility criteria may vary depending on the employee's role, performance, and tenure with the company. These equity incentives are part of D.R. Horton’s broader strategy to retain top talent and incentivize performance. For example, D.R. Horton’s recent filings indicate continued use of these compensation tools through 2022, 2023, and 2024, with ongoing reviews and updates to their stock option and RSU plans to remain competitive in the market. These incentives are detailed in the company's SEC filings and earnings reports, which are publicly available for shareholders and interested parties to review

D.R. Horton offers a comprehensive health benefits package to its employees, focusing on both short-term and long-term well-being. The company's healthcare offerings include standard health insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and health savings accounts (HSAs) paired with high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). These plans provide employees with a wide range of coverage options, from basic preventative care to more comprehensive services.