Navigating Retirement: Annuities vs. IRA Withdrawals for Five Below Employees

There are just a couple of things almost all Five Below 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 Five Below 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 Five Below retiree about 30 years of retirement income.

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

As life expectancies increase, Five Below 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 Five Below.

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 savings plan does Five Below offer to its employees?

Five Below offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Is participation in the 401(k) plan at Five Below mandatory?

No, participation in the 401(k) plan at Five Below is voluntary for employees.

Does Five Below provide any matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Five Below offers matching contributions to eligible employees who participate in the 401(k) plan.

At what age can employees at Five Below start contributing to the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Five Below can start contributing to the 401(k) plan as soon as they meet the eligibility requirements, typically at age 18.

How can employees at Five Below enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Five Below can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal.

What investment options are available in the Five Below 401(k) plan?

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

Can employees at Five Below change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees at Five Below can change their contribution percentage at any time, subject to plan rules.

What is the vesting schedule for Five Below's 401(k) matching contributions?

Five Below has a vesting schedule that typically requires employees to work for a certain number of years before they fully own the matching contributions.

How often can Five Below employees review their 401(k) account statements?

Employees at Five Below can review their 401(k) account statements quarterly or online at any time through the plan’s website.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Five Below?

If an employee leaves Five Below, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the Five Below plan if allowed.

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

For Five Below, the company offers a 401(k) plan but does not provide a traditional pension plan. The 401(k) plan at Five Below includes several key features: Eligibility: Employees must be at least 21 years old to participate. Enrollment in the plan can occur after the first paycheck, with deferrals starting on January 1st or July 1st following the hire date. Employees become eligible for the employer match once they begin deferring contributions. Contributions: Employees can contribute on a pre-tax or after-tax (Roth) basis, up to the IRS annual limits. For 2022, the maximum employee contribution was $20,500, and it increased to $22,500 in 2023. Employees aged 50 and older can make catch-up contributions, with limits of $6,500 in 2022 and $7,500 in 2023. The company offers a match of 100% on the first 4% of eligible contributions and 50% on the next 2%. Vesting: Employees are immediately vested in all 401(k) contributions and any earnings from these contributions.

Restructuring Layoffs and Benefits Changes: Five Below has been focusing on optimizing its workforce as part of a broader strategy to maintain its competitive edge in the retail market. This has included targeted layoffs aimed at streamlining operations, particularly in underperforming locations. The company has also been reviewing its employee benefit structures, including adjustments to retirement plans to better align with current economic conditions. These changes are part of a proactive approach to manage costs while continuing to invest in growth areas like e-commerce.

Company Name: Five Below Stock Options and RSUs Available: Five Below offers stock options and RSUs to eligible employees, including executives and senior management. The RSUs are granted based on performance and tenure. Eligibility: Five Below typically awards stock options and RSUs to high-performing employees and those in key positions. Employees must meet certain performance metrics and tenure requirements to qualify. Company Name: Five Below Stock Options and RSUs for 2022: In 2022, Five Below granted stock options and RSUs to various employees, focusing on those who significantly contributed to the company's growth. The vesting schedule for RSUs is often tied to continued employment over a few years. Source: [Five Below 2022 Annual Report, Page 58] Company Name: Five Below Stock Options and RSUs for 2023 and 2024: For 2023 and 2024, Five Below continued offering stock options and RSUs, with increased emphasis on aligning employee incentives with company performance. The specific terms of these grants were detailed in their annual filings and shareholder communications. Source: [Five Below 2023 Proxy Statement, Page 42]; [Five Below 2024 Annual Report, Page 65] Sources: Five Below 2022 Annual Report, Page 58 Five Below 2023 Proxy Statement, Page 42 Five Below 2024 Annual Report, Page 65

Five Below offers a range of health benefits to its employees, tailored to different needs and employment statuses. Full-time employees can choose from multiple health plans, including High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans, each with varying levels of coverage and copays. For example, the EPO plan now features reduced copays, with visits to primary care doctors costing $20 and specialist visits $40. There is also an emphasis on preventive care, with certain plans covering preventive services at 100%. Additionally, Five Below provides access to telemedicine services through CirrusMD, which allows employees to consult with physicians 24/7 via secure video chat or phone. This is part of their partnership with Cigna, which also includes pharmacy benefits. The company has introduced new wellness initiatives like Wellbeats, which offers on-demand workouts, mental health classes, and nutrition education.