Navigating Retirement: Annuities vs. IRA Withdrawals for Iron Mountain Employees

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

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

As life expectancies increase, Iron Mountain 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 Iron Mountain.

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 Iron Mountain 401(k) plan?

The Iron Mountain 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save and invest a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

How can I enroll in Iron Mountain's 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in Iron Mountain's 401(k) plan by accessing the benefits portal or contacting the HR department for guidance on the enrollment process.

What is the employer match for Iron Mountain's 401(k) plan?

Iron Mountain offers a competitive employer match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

At what age can I start participating in Iron Mountain's 401(k) plan?

Employees at Iron Mountain can typically start participating in the 401(k) plan as soon as they meet eligibility requirements, which usually begins after 30 days of employment.

How much can I contribute to Iron Mountain's 401(k) plan annually?

The contribution limits for Iron Mountain's 401(k) plan align with IRS guidelines, allowing employees to contribute up to the maximum limit set for the year.

Does Iron Mountain offer a Roth 401(k) option?

Yes, Iron Mountain provides a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to make after-tax contributions that can grow tax-free.

Can I take a loan from my Iron Mountain 401(k) plan?

Yes, Iron Mountain's 401(k) plan allows eligible employees to take loans against their account balance under certain conditions.

What happens to my Iron Mountain 401(k) if I leave the company?

If you leave Iron Mountain, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it with Iron Mountain.

How often can I change my contribution amount to Iron Mountain's 401(k) plan?

Employees can typically change their contribution amount to Iron Mountain's 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.

Are there any fees associated with Iron Mountain's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Iron Mountain's 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

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

Iron Mountain offers a defined contribution plan known as The Iron Mountain Companies 401(k) Plan. This plan, a profit-sharing arrangement, allows participants to direct the investment of their retirement accounts. Employer contributions under this plan are variable and depend on the company's quarterly or annual profits. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, employees of Iron Mountain could elect to defer part of their compensation, contributing to their 401(k) account. This plan includes automatic enrollment for employees and features elective contributions that are deducted directly from payroll (Iron Mountain) (QDRO.com). The Iron Mountain 401(k) Plan permits employee-directed accounts, meaning that if an employee does not select investment options, their assets are placed in a default investment account. Employee contributions are matched up to 6% by Iron Mountain, encouraging employees to take advantage of this benefit (Iron Mountain). The plan is a classic example of a cash or deferred arrangement under Code section 401(k).

In 2023 and 2024, Iron Mountain experienced notable changes that impacted both its workforce and employee benefits. Two significant WARN notices were filed, leading to the layoff of 132 employees across Indiana and Virginia (Iron Mountain) (Yahoo Finance). This restructuring aligns with the company's broader strategic focus on integrating new acquisitions, such as Regency Technologies. While Iron Mountain remains committed to long-term growth, these layoffs suggest a tactical pivot amid shifting customer demands and the broader economic environment. The layoffs highlight the need for Iron Mountain to adapt to both the evolving information management sector and the external economic pressures. It is crucial to address this news due to the complex economic, investment, tax, and political environment that drives restructuring efforts today.

Iron Mountain provides stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to eligible employees as part of its compensation strategy. In 2022, Iron Mountain expanded its use of RSUs to attract and retain key talent, emphasizing its shift toward equity-based compensation. Stock options are generally offered to senior management and top performers, giving them the right to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, while RSUs are granted to employees across various levels as part of their long-term incentive plan. These RSUs typically vest over a period of three to five years, aligning with Iron Mountain’s long-term performance objectives (Iron Mountain) (Iron Mountain) (Iron Mountain). In 2023, Iron Mountain continued to emphasize RSUs, especially for employees involved in strategic growth areas such as data centers and digital transformation. The focus was on retaining talent critical to the company's innovation-driven goals. In 2024, Iron Mountain further increased the scope of RSUs to mid-level employees, broadening participation in equity programs across the organization. Stock options and RSUs are accessible to top-performing employees, senior management, and those in strategic growth roles at Iron Mountain

Iron Mountain offers a range of health benefits for its employees, with specific provisions evolving over the years 2022 to 2024. Their benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance options, along with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), which are widely used across the company (Iron Mountain Daily News). The healthcare-related acronyms and terms commonly referenced by Iron Mountain employees include PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), HSA (Health Savings Account), and EAP (Employee Assistance Program). Telehealth options are also part of their healthcare benefits, providing access to virtual care services