AT&T employees would lose a significant amount on their pension lump-sums if the lump-sum was calculated based on current interest rates. May interest rates were just released, and the second segment (which is the most impactful), is now up 1.87% since November 2021. When interest rates move up or down, an employee’s pension lump-sum amount will move in an inverse direction. A 1% increase in interest rates typically means a 10% decrease in lump-sum value. Considering the rates rose by 1.87%, lump-sums would decrease in value by about 18%* if lump-sums were calculated today. This means that an employee with $1,000,000 lump-sum would have lost around $180,000 so far this year, not including the interest they would have earned on the $1,000,000. If rates continue to rise, this lump-sum loss will be substantially larger by the end of the year.
Luckily for AT&T employees there is still time to avoid this drop in the value of their lump-sum. AT&T uses November’s segment rates to calculate employee lump-sums for the next calendar year. Therefore, AT&T employees who retire in 2022 will be able to take advantage of the low November 2021 interest rates. However, those who decide to retire in 2023 will use the November 2022 rates, and likely lose 18% or more on their pension lump-sum. This rise in rates may motivate some employees to retire earlier than they had previously anticipated. For those expecting to retire in the next few years, many have come to the conclusion that they would be working for free if they chose to stay.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/rElYolOQ7yA
The Retirement Group is now offering a complimentary cash flow analysis for AT&T employees to help determine their preferred retirement date. The Retirement Group states that by receiving a Cash Flow Analysis, AT&T employees can potentially avoid making big retirement mistakes. With a cash flow analysis, AT&T employees will have a better idea of how rising interest rates will impact their retirement.
The Retirement Group also offers webinars for AT&T employees which discuss market volatility and interest rates. It may be in a AT&T employee’s best interest to adjust their 401(k) in an attempt to try and mitigate some of the negative effects of the current market volatility.
With interest rates rising significantly over the past few months, The Retirement Group suggests that AT&T employees discuss their options with an advisor. These advisors track the interest rates and can keep employees updated on any changes that may impact their retirement plans.
The Retirement Group states on their website that no matter how attractive the pension lump-sum looks, it is important to remember the annuity option may be a better fit for certain individuals. Every situation is unique, and a cash flow analysis will allow employees to compare all pension options.
*18% is an estimate and the actual number could be higher or lower depending on the individual.
Disclosure: The Retirement Group is an independent financial advisory group that focuses on transition planning and lump sum distribution. Neither The Retirement Group or FSC Securities provide tax or legal advice. Please call the office at 800-900-5867 for additional questions or for help in the retirement planning process. The Retirement Group is not affiliated with, nor endorsed by AT&T.
*** When referencing the “pension” in the title The Retirement Group is referring to the lump-sum option.
Securities offered through FSC Securities Corporation (FSC) member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through The Retirement Group, LLC. FSC is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of FSC. Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction: 5414 Oberlin Dr #220, San Diego CA 92121. AT&T is not affiliated nor endorsed by The Retirement Group or FSC Securities.
Media Contact
Company Name: The Retirement Group
Contact Person: Tiffany Hill
Email: Send Email
City: San Diego
State: CA
Country: United States
Website: https://www.theretirementgroup.com/
