Many of our clients from Exelon have wanted to know more about immediate and deferred annuities. To start off simply, the terms immediate annuity and deferred annuity simply indicate when the distribution phase of the annuity begins. Both allow unlimited contributions, and both can provide, upon election, a continuous stream of payments for life. So, what's the difference?
Immediate Annuities
First, we'd like our clients from Exelon to understand immediate annuities. Immediate annuities allow you to convert a lump sum of cash into an income stream. They differ from deferred annuities in that they do not have an accumulation period. They are funded with a single lump-sum payment rather than with a series of premium payments. An annuity option is chosen, and the distribution period begins within 12 months after the purchase.
Immediate annuities may appeal to any Exelon clients who want an investment return that they cannot outlive. The distributions are considered partly a return of the original investment and partly earnings. You are taxed on the earnings portion only.
Immediate annuities are also used to provide benefits from a terminated defined benefit pension plan. In this situation, the accrued benefits under the plan are determined for each plan participant, and a single premium annuity may be purchased for each plan participant, with benefits usually starting at age 65.
Another common use is in the structured settlement of lawsuits. In these cases, the parties agree to pay a sum of money not as a lump sum but as a series of payments, often for the life of an injured party. A monthly amount to be paid is agreed to by the parties, and an annuity is purchased that provides that amount.
Deferred Annuities
Next, we'd like to make sure our Exelon clients understand deferred annuities. With a deferred annuity, you make a lump sum or a series of premium payments and defer the payout until some time in the future. This is known as the accumulation period. The earnings in the annuity are not subject to taxation until distributed.
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Deferred annuities can provide an attractive investment supplement to IRAs and qualified pension plans such as 401(k) plans.
Note: We'd like our Exelon clients to note that annuity guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the annuity issuer. Annuity distributions made prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty unless an exception applies.
How does Exelon's separation process into RemainCo and SpinCo impact the retirement benefits for employees in both segments, and what should employees at Exelon consider regarding their retirement planning in light of this structural change?
Exelon’s Separation into RemainCo and SpinCo: The separation into RemainCo and SpinCo may result in different benefits structures for employees, with RemainCo focusing on regulated utilities and SpinCo on competitive energy generation. Employees should evaluate how their specific retirement benefits, such as pensions and 401(k) plans, may change or be restructured under the new entities. Employees need to consider the impact of this change on their long-term retirement planning, especially with regard to how the corporate shift may affect contributions, vesting, and retirement payouts.
In what ways can Exelon employees leverage the Employee Savings Plan to maximize their retirement savings, and what specific features of the plan should employees be aware of to ensure they are making the most of their contributions?
Maximizing Retirement Savings through the Employee Savings Plan: Exelon’s Employee Savings Plan offers tax-advantaged retirement savings with employer matching contributions. Employees should be aware of contribution limits, matching percentages, and vesting schedules to make the most of the plan. Additionally, employees should consider automatic enrollment features, target-date funds, and the availability of Roth contributions, ensuring they optimize their retirement savings through strategic contribution increases over time.
What retirement resources does Exelon provide to assist employees in understanding their pension options, and how does the company's support aim to facilitate a smooth transition into retirement?
Pension Options Resources: Exelon provides resources like retirement planning tools, financial counseling, and access to benefits specialists to help employees understand their pension options. These resources are designed to assist employees in making informed decisions regarding payout options such as lump sums versus annuities. The company’s goal is to help employees transition smoothly into retirement by offering educational sessions and personalized guidance on maximizing their benefits.
Can you elaborate on the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at Exelon, particularly how these initiatives impact the workplace environment for employees approaching retirement, and what specific policies or programs are in place to support them?
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Efforts: Exelon's DEI initiatives positively impact employees approaching retirement by fostering an inclusive environment where employees from diverse backgrounds are supported in planning for their future. Policies such as anti-age discrimination and flexible working arrangements help ensure that older employees can transition smoothly into retirement while still contributing meaningfully in their final working years(Exelon_Corporation_Febr…).
How can Exelon employees evaluate their nonqualified deferred compensation options as they near retirement, and what implications should they consider regarding taxes and withdrawal strategies?
Evaluating Nonqualified Deferred Compensation: Exelon employees nearing retirement should carefully evaluate their nonqualified deferred compensation options, focusing on timing withdrawals to minimize tax liabilities. These plans are often subject to different tax treatments, and employees should consider potential penalties for early withdrawal and strategize around deferral and distribution schedules to optimize their retirement income.
What role does Exelon’s commitment to ESG principles play in its employee benefits structure, and how might changes in this area influence retirement planning for employees at Exelon?
ESG Principles and Employee Benefits: Exelon’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles influences its benefits structure by promoting sustainable and responsible practices. Employees may see continued enhancements in green investment options in their retirement plans, and changes to benefits programs may reflect a stronger focus on social responsibility and long-term sustainability, which could affect their retirement planning strategies(Exelon_Corporation_Febr…).
How can employees at Exelon access information about their total compensation packages, including retirement benefits, and what steps should they take to ensure they are maximizing their overall compensation as they approach retirement?
Accessing Total Compensation Information: Exelon employees can access information about their total compensation packages, including retirement benefits, through the company’s HR portal and benefits department. To ensure they are maximizing their compensation as they approach retirement, employees should regularly review their pension, 401(k) contributions, and healthcare benefits, seeking advice from the company’s financial planners or HR representatives(Exelon_Corporation_Febr…).
What constitutes the normal retirement age at Exelon, and how do retirement benefits adjust for employees who retire earlier or later than this age?
Normal Retirement Age and Early/Late Retirement: Exelon’s normal retirement age typically aligns with the age for full pension eligibility, which could be 65 or 67 depending on the plan. Employees who retire earlier may face reduced pension benefits, while those who delay retirement could receive enhanced payouts. It’s crucial for employees to understand how their specific retirement age affects their pension formula(Exelon_Corporation_Febr…).
How can Exelon employees provide feedback on employee benefits during the consultation process, especially those related to retirement, and what channels are available for them to voice their concerns or suggestions?
Providing Feedback on Retirement Benefits: Exelon encourages employees to provide feedback on benefits through regular surveys, town hall meetings, and direct consultations with the HR department. Employees can voice their concerns or suggestions regarding retirement plans during open enrollment periods or scheduled consultations with benefits specialists(Exelon_Corporation_Febr…).
What is the best way for employees to contact Exelon regarding questions about their retirement benefits and other related topics, and which resources or personnel should they turn to for the most accurate and reliable information?
Contacting Exelon for Retirement Questions: Employees with questions about retirement benefits can contact Exelon’s HR department, use the company’s dedicated benefits hotline, or access retirement planning resources on the company’s internal portal. For specific inquiries, employees may also reach out to benefits counselors or attend company-provided retirement planning seminars(Exelon_Corporation_Febr…).