Rogers Corporation Interest Rates Creep Upward Causing Lump-Sums to Decrease

Company Name For plan years beginning in Year Month First Segment Second Segment Third Segment Plan Type
Rogers Corporation All 2025 January 4.74% 5.55% 5.92%
Rogers Corporation All 2024 January 4.89% 5.14% 5.29%

Interest rates are heading in the wrong direction for Rogers Corporation employees who are considering the lump sum option on their pension payment. Interest rates hit a record low for individuals that commence their benefits in October of 2020 but have ticked up for those commencing their benefits in November. Over the last year, interest rates have dropped dramatically which has greatly increased many lump sum payments. However, if interest rates begin to climb many people's lump-sum payments could decrease. Should you desire to take your pension as a lump sum, Rogers Corporation will use interest rates and your age to calculate your lump sum payment. When interest rates move up or down, your pension lump sum amount will move in an inverse relationship. 


Your pension is calculated based on your last date of employment and benefit start date. The benefit calculation is a defined benefit based on your years of service and final average pay. These are used to determine your single life annuity. All other forms of pension payments are based on this figure.


Rogers Corporation Pension Lump Sum Calculation:

When Rogers Corporation employees elect the month they would like to begin their pension, Rogers Corporation looks back two months to calculate the rate used for the pension disbursement.

For example, if you are planning to retire and start your pension in November 2020, Rogers Corporation would use the rates available in September 2020 (two months prior to your month of retirement). This table shows each month and their rates as they stand today:

Rogers Corporation Segment Rates for December 2020:

Month/Year
1st Segment
2nd Segment
3rd Segment

September-20

0.51

2.31
3.15
August-20
0.52
2.22
3.03
July-20
0.59
2.25
3.01
June-20
0.74
2.57
3.32
May-20
1.08
2.78
3.47
April-20
1.58
2.88
3.24
March-20
2.22
3.08
3.73
September-19
2.13
3.07
3.65


For a December 2020 pension commencement date, you will use the October segmented rates. 

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For lump-sum conversions, the annuity is discounted to a present value using the first segment rate for the first five years of expected payments, the second segment rate for the next 15 years of expected payments and the third segment rate for all years of expected payments over 20.

'On average a 1% change in rates can equate to an 8% to 12% change in lump sums.


Because the annuity is discounted based on mortality as well as interest rates, the present value of each monthly payment reduces as the probability of living to receive each payment reduces. The older you are when you commence your pension benefit, the fewer the number of years that will be valued using the third segment rate (20+ years) and, conversely, the younger you are, the greater the number of years that will be valued using the third segment rate.

This methodology essentially means that there will be a unique monthly interest rate (lump-sum
conversion factor) for each year and month of birth.


How Do Rate Changes Affect Your Rogers Corporation Pension?


Because pension pricing is based on interest calculations, making a slight adjustment in your retirement date may have a significant financial impact on your pension due to changing rates each month.

Everything else held equal, a lower interest rate will produce a higher lump sum. The exact changes depend on your specific age, but on average a 1% change in rates can equate to an 8% to 12% change in lump sums. So, on average, a 1% change could increase or decrease your pension lump sum by roughly 10%.

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The changes from just June 2020 to September 2020 may account for a 1% - 3% increase in lump sums. However, if you look at where rates were in September 2019, they have come down quite a bit. For September 2019, the blended rates were 2.13 / 3.07 / 3.65. That is a drop of 0.76% in the 2nd segment which tends to have the strongest effect. A drop of 0.76% from September 2019 to September 2020 may have caused your pension to rise by 7% - 9%. For someone with a $500,000 lump sum, that could mean a move of as much as $45,000. For a $1,000,000 lump sum, it would be roughly $70,000 to $90,000. Going forward, if rates start to move back up, you could see your pension lump sum start to drop. The rates are updated monthly, so you have month to month options to commence your pension once you have retired. You do not have to commence your pension as soon as you retire. You have the option to defer it. That may be beneficial if rates are dropping and/or you are under 60 years old. If you take your pension prior to age 60 there are age penalties and you will not receive 100% of your pension benefit.


Given the current interest rate environment, it is highly suggested you discuss your options with
The Retirement Group and allow us to monitor the rates and keep you up to date on the monthly
changes. We can provide a complimentary cash flow analysis to show you how various retirement
dates may play out.

It is important to remember the pension annuity may be a better fit no matter how attractive the
pension lump sum may be. Every situation is unique, and a cash flow analysis will allow you to
compare all pension options.

What type of retirement plan does Rogers Corporation offer to its employees?

Rogers Corporation offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

How can employees of Rogers Corporation enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Rogers Corporation can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment form available through the HR department or the company's benefits portal.

Does Rogers Corporation match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Rogers Corporation offers a matching contribution to employee 401(k) contributions, subject to certain limits.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the Rogers Corporation 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the Rogers Corporation 401(k) plan is in accordance with IRS guidelines, which may change annually.

When can employees of Rogers Corporation start contributing to their 401(k) plan?

Employees of Rogers Corporation can start contributing to their 401(k) plan after completing their eligibility period, which is typically outlined in the employee handbook.

Are there any fees associated with the Rogers Corporation 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the Rogers Corporation 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

What investment options are available in the Rogers Corporation 401(k) plan?

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

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) savings at Rogers Corporation?

Yes, employees of Rogers Corporation may be eligible to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan’s terms and conditions.

What happens to my Rogers Corporation 401(k) if I leave the company?

If you leave Rogers Corporation, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Rogers Corporation plan if allowed.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the Rogers Corporation 401(k) plan?

Employees of Rogers Corporation can change their contribution amounts during designated enrollment periods or as specified in the plan guidelines.

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