You are choosing whether to take your pension lump sum or monthly payments. This choice has significant implications, including your potential for investment returns and the amount you’ll need to support yourself through your lifetime.
The decision involves weighing factors such as retirement savings, inflation, and the role of interest rates in lump sum calculations. A financial professional can guide the process.
Taxes
Many retirees who receive pension lump sum benefits choose to invest the money rather than reinvest it into a pension. This decision should be made with the help of a financial adviser.
Keeping the money invested allows you to earn more in returns potentially, but it also exposes you to fluctuations in value. On the other hand, a pension provides a steady income stream for your lifetime and, if you elect to do so, for your spouse’s life.
A retirement savings calculator can help you compare the two options. It would help if you considered the tax implications of both, the risk that your chosen investments could lose value, and the amount of time you want to invest your money. It would help if you also weighed the importance of a guaranteed lifetime income versus a death benefit, as both options may provide this. In addition, both options should consider your family history of longevity.
Investments
Taking your pension as a lump sum gives you more control over how the money is invested, although it also increases the risk that it will not last as long as a lifetime monthly payment. A financial advisor can help you create a plan for investing your Boeing pension lump sum payout to align with your retirement goals.
One factor to consider is the risk that your employer might go bankrupt, which could cause the plan to stop paying your benefits. Another factor is that you may have to pay taxes on the lump sum distribution when it’s withdrawn unless you roll it into an IRA, which allows you to defer the tax until you withdraw the money later on. The value of a lifetime monthly payment declines over time due to inflation, but a diversified portfolio can grow your lump sum investment over the same period. A lump sum can also purchase immediate annuities, providing a guaranteed life income.
Annuities
Monthly payments provide a steady income stream in retirement that may help retirees stick to their budget and avoid spending more than they have. Some annuities are indexed for inflation and also include cost-of-living adjustments. Individuals concerned about longevity or who think they might live beyond average life expectancy may find these features more attractive than a lump-sum option.
Pension plan annuities are typically guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, which protects payments in case of the pension administrator’s bankruptcy or insolvency. Private annuities may offer similar protections, but it’s essential to investigate each provider carefully.
Those who choose to take a lump sum can invest it themselves or work with an investment adviser to implement a total return strategy that generates income for them and their spouse. However, it’s essential to understand the long-term tax ramifications before investing the lump sum and consult a financial adviser if necessary. Some investment strategies can be risky, and a lump-sum payout may not be appropriate for some retirees.
Survivor Benefits
The lump sum distribution allows you to access as much money as you can spend and invest as you see fit. But it also means you’ll be responsible for making the funds last throughout your retirement. That can be challenging to do if you’re not disciplined, and it can make it easy to overspend.
A monthly pension option offers a steady lifetime income that reduces the risk of outliving your savings.
You can also choose a lump sum payout and purchase an insurance policy to cover your survivor’s benefits. However, this is a highly individualized decision that requires careful consideration of your personal situation and family history of longevity.