Navigating Retirement: Annuities vs. IRA Withdrawals for Land O'Lakes Employees

There are just a couple of things almost all Land O'Lakes 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 Land O'Lakes 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 Land O'Lakes retiree about 30 years of retirement income.

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

As life expectancies increase, Land O'Lakes 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 Land O'Lakes. 

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 401(k) plan offered by Land O'Lakes?

The 401(k) plan at Land O'Lakes is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

How does Land O'Lakes match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Land O'Lakes offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of employee contributions up to a certain limit.

What types of investment options are available in the Land O'Lakes 401(k) plan?

The Land O'Lakes 401(k) plan provides a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

Can employees at Land O'Lakes take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Land O'Lakes allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions.

When can employees at Land O'Lakes start contributing to the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Land O'Lakes can start contributing to the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of employment, typically within the first few months.

What is the vesting schedule for Land O'Lakes' 401(k) matching contributions?

The vesting schedule for Land O'Lakes' 401(k) matching contributions varies, but employees generally become fully vested after a certain number of years of service.

How can employees at Land O'Lakes access their 401(k) account information?

Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the Land O'Lakes employee portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

Are there any fees associated with the Land O'Lakes 401(k) plan?

Yes, the Land O'Lakes 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

What happens to the 401(k) savings if an employee leaves Land O'Lakes?

If an employee leaves Land O'Lakes, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) savings to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the Land O'Lakes plan if permitted.

Does Land O'Lakes offer financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Land O'Lakes provides financial education resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.

*Please see disclaimer for more information

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