Retirement Wisdom: Do I Take the Company Pension?

by | Sep 29, 2020 | Integras Insights, Retirement

When faced with a layoff or early retirement, this can be the most difficult decision.  We’ve helped hundreds of clients weigh the options, so here are some questions that may be of help to you.

Is my former employer financially stable and is the pension well-funded? When companies have major layoffs, they’re trying to stop bleeding cash.  Pensions are rarely completely funded and rely on the continued profitability of the company.

Do I take a reduced benefit to provide for my spouse? Consider your family longevity and personal health habits.  If you take the larger amount upfront for the retiree, will you save any of the monthly payments?  Women typically live longer and in 25% of couples aged 65, one spouse will live to 95.

How Do I Evaluate the Lump-Sum Option?  Many employers offer a Lump-Sum Benefit to “buy-out” their pension obligation.  Factors to consider include your personal health status & family longevity, interest rates and inflation, your current situation, the number of years until benefit eligibility, and your feelings about leaving assets to your heirs. 

Could I generate more income by investing the money?

If you’re interested in learning more give us a call at (404) 941-2800, or reach out to us about your situation

Discover More Insights:

You might also like…

Focus on What You Can Control

Focus on What You Can Control

2025 is a tumultuous year for financial markets, which understandably is rattling even the most experienced investors. While we can’t control investment returns or government policy, focusing on things that you can control may alleviate some of the anxiety. 1. Don’t...

read more
How Integras Partners is Navigating Today’s Markets

How Integras Partners is Navigating Today’s Markets

The financial markets have been rattled by tariffs. As investors, we reserve judgement on policy and seek to interpret economic impacts on companies we might invest in. We have to assume that tariffs, in some form, will go into effect. A pickup in inflation and lower...

read more