charting a new course. life after unemployment
TRANSCRIPT
1GE-46542A (10/08)
Charting a New Course:Life After an Employment Transition
2GE-46542A (10/08)
Please be advised that this presentation is not intended as tax or legal advice. Accordingly, any tax information provided in this document is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer.
The tax information was written to support the promotion or marketing of the transactions or matters addressed, and you should seek advice based on your particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.
Securities offered through AXA Advisors, LLC, member FINRA, SPIC. Annuity and insurance products are offered through AXA Network, LLC and its subsidiaries. AXA Advisors and AXA Network are affiliated companies and do not provide legal or tax advice.
3GE-46542A (10/08)
Welcome
“We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a second chance.” ~Harrison Ford
4GE-46542A (10/08)
Agenda
Seminar Objectives
Preparing For A Transition
Preparing For Retirement
Streamlining Your Next Steps
5GE-46542A (10/08)
Seminar Objectives
Identify and address transition concerns
Identify transition opportunities
Develop an action plan
6GE-46542A (10/08)
“To be prepared against surprise is to be trained. To be prepared for surprise is to be educated.” ~James Carse
Preparing For A Transition
7GE-46542A (10/08)
Risk Management Considerations
Objective: Identify and address employmenttransition concerns.
1. Cash Flow
2. Health Insurance
3. Life Insurance
4. Disability Income Insurance
5. Long-term Care
8GE-46542A (10/08)
1. Cash Flow
How should I manage cash flow issues?
Develop a personal plan– Identify 3-4 discretionary expenses that you can do without
for a while
– Discuss suspended activities with your family
Loans for company-purchased products must be paid back– Decide what money you will use to repay the loan
Many people opt to suspend membership dues to health clubs and other social organizations. Sometimes these memberships provide very important networking opportunities.
9GE-46542A (10/08)
1. Cash Flow
How should I manage cash flow issues?
401(k) loans may have tax implications if they are not repaid– Depending on your tax situation, you might be taxed
approximately ½ of the money you borrow
Take advantage of personal benefits for which you are eligible– If personal benefits are available, act promptly to avoid a
missed opportunity
10GE-46542A (10/08)
2. Health Insurance
Guaranteed coverage through COBRA– Coverage for 18 months (36 months, if disabled)
– Enrollment within 60 days
– Very expensive; you pay the full cost
Compare offerings from other insurance carriers
Evaluate your options
Check spouse’s plan, you may be eligible before your termination date
If you are considering early retirement, remember that although Social Security can start at age 62, Medicare (if eligible) does not begin until age 65.
11GE-46542A (10/08)
3. Life Insurance
Term Life – temporary coverage – usually cheapest in early years
Whole Life: – permanent coverage – level guaranteed premium and cash value
Universal Life – permanent coverage– builds cash value based on an established interest rate– flexible premium
OtherAll guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuer.
12GE-46542A (10/08)
Your Life Insurance Needs
How much insurance coverage do I need?
Calculate need based on your personal circumstances
– Income Differential
– Final Expenses
– Education Fund
It takes about 45 days to complete the insurance underwriting process, which will determine the amount of your premiums.
13GE-46542A (10/08)
Current Life Insurance
Should I convert my group term coverage?
In some states, conversion is guaranteed; typically expensive to convert
In most cases, company will provide conversion to a Whole Life policy
If you are not in good health, conversion may be the best option
If you only need insurance until you get another job,consider a Yearly Renewable policy
– Initially inexpensive, then price increases with time
– Not a guaranteed issue, so health and age are important considerations
14GE-46542A (10/08)
4. Disability Income Insurance
Replaces a portion of lost income due to disability
Can help pay for rehabilitation services
Can be rather expensive
Only available to you if employed
Coverage may be available through your spouse
15GE-46542A (10/08)
5. Long-Term Care
Am I covered for my long-term care needs?
Five options to cover long-term care expenses:
– Self insure
– Medicare
– Medicaid
– Veterans coverage (available to some individuals)
– Long-Term Care insurance
16GE-46542A (10/08)
“You are free to choose, but the choices you make today will determine what you will have, be, and do in the tomorrow of your life.”
~Zig Zigler
Preparing For Retirement
17GE-46542A (10/08)
What should I do with my retirement plandistribution?
Leave the money where it is
Roll the money into a new plan
Take a lump sum payment
Roll the money into an IRA
Distribution Options
Consult your tax advisor before making a decision.
18GE-46542A (10/08)
Option 1: Leave the money where it is
Immediate Tax Consequences = None Advantages
– Money continues to benefit by tax deferral on any growth potential
– You don’t have to make any changes or pay current taxes or penalties if eligible
– Some plans may continue to offer special investment options such as employer stock
Disadvantages– Investment options are limited to those in the plan– Plan determines how much access you have to your savings– This option may not be available if your account is < $5,000
Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to federal 10% penalty if made before age 59 !/2
19GE-46542A (10/08)
Option 2: Roll into a new plan
Tax Consequences = None (for direct rollovers or properly executed indirect rollovers within 60 days)
Advantages– Money continues to potentially grow tax deferred– Some plans offer special investment options such as
employer stock or special features such as participant loans
Disadvantages– Investment options are limited to those in the plan– Plan determines how much access you have to your
savings
20GE-46542A (10/08)
Option 3: Take a Lump Sum Payment*
Tax Consequences– Distribution generally taxed at the applicable income tax
rate**– Typically a 10% additional tax on withdrawals made before
age 59½– Tax deferral ceases
Advantages– Immediate access to savings
Disadvantages– Savings are reduced by taxes and penalties (up to 50%)– Can never be rolled over to an IRA or other retirement plan
after the initial 60-day period following the distribution
*If allowed by your company. ** Some distributions of employer stock may get capital gains treatment
21GE-46542A (10/08)
Option 4: Roll the money into an IRA
Tax Consequences = None (for direct rollovers or properly executed indirect rollovers within 60 days)
Advantages– IRAs offer a wide range of investment choices, including
mutual funds and variable annuities– Money continues to benefit by tax deferral on any growth
potential– IRAs offer planning flexibility, including an early retirement
option and the ability to stretch tax deferral
Disadvantages– IRAs do not offer loans– No special tax advantages for assets held in employer stock
Consult your tax advisor regarding your particular circumstances.
22GE-46542A (10/08)
Retirement Plan Considerations
Is it beneficial to exercise stock options?– look at current value and your strike price – consult your tax advisor
401(k) options– Leave the money where it is
– Tax free rollover
Consider Pension Maximization – use life insurance to “stretch” out your pension
benefits over time
Consult your tax advisor regarding your particular circumstances.
23GE-46542A (10/08)
Summary
Payout Options
Payroll Deductions
Cash Flow
COBRA
Life Insurance
Disability Income Insurance
Long Term Care Insurance
Retirement and Pension money
24GE-46542A (10/08)
Evaluating your opportunities
The Professional Strategy
The value of professional advice
Where do you go from here?
Streamlining Your Next Steps
25GE-46542A (10/08)
Objective: Identify employment transition opportunities. Re-enter the workforce
Retire
Continue your education
Start your own business
Evaluating Your Opportunities
26GE-46542A (10/08)
The Common Strategy
Products purchased with no professional advice or strategy
Portfolio of unrelatedproducts
Poor foundationfor
success
The Professional Strategy
Goal-focusedoptimal use of
resources
Portfolio of coordinated,
purposeful productsProfessional strategy based
on client’s goals and priorities
The Professional Strategy
27GE-46542A (10/08)
Professional guidance
Third party point of view
Decipher your options
Develop a strategy
Access to many resources
The Value of Professional Advice
28GE-46542A (10/08)
Objective: Develop an action plan.
Review and consider what you’ve learned today
Use the workbook to help with your planning
Make an appointment with your tax professional
If you have questions or need additional help evaluating your situation, contact us
Don’t procrastinate; timing is important
Where Do You Go From Here?
29GE-46542A (10/08)
Workshop Evaluation
Please complete evaluation form and hand it in before you leave
Schedule an appointment for a personal consultation