In this post, we cover three ways you can reduce the risk you have in your deferred compensation plan (DCP) for those that have a substantial portion of their net worth tied up in deferred compensation. 409(a) Nonqualified Deferred Compensation plans present a fantastic way to defer taxes and build net worth. But, after many years contributing to the program... Read More
Microsoft Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP): 2022 Enrollment Guide
[Editor’s note: Information contained in this post is based off information for the 2021 DCP enrollment period. We will update the post as soon as Microsoft releases any updates for 2022.] In this article, we cover what you need to know about the Microsoft Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP) for the upcoming enrollment period. We’ll outline how the program works, the... Read More
Intel SERPLUS: 2022 Open Enrollment Guide
[Editor’s note: Information contained in this post is current based on the 2022 guide for Intel SERPLUS open enrollment.] In this article, we cover everything you need to know about the Intel SERPLUS program for the upcoming enrollment period. We’ll outline how it works, the four most common questions we hear about SERPLUS elections and provide free resources to help... Read More
Siemens Deferred Compensation Elections for Former Employees of Mentor Graphics: 4 Steps to Consider
Article Summary & Key Points Employees of what was formerly Mentor Graphics, now Siemens, may find that they are eligible for Siemens’ Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP) and wonder if they should defer their salary and/or bonus into the plan. In this article, we lay out 4-steps to consider as you evaluate this decision: Why Defer? The Benefits of Deferred Compensation... Read More
The Intel Pension Plan: Understanding the Major Change in 2021 and How to Assess Your Retirement Decision
**UPDATE: We are aware that Intel has changed course and will NOT be changing its minimum pension calculation. We will update this blog post as more information is available.** Today we are going to tell you everything you need to know about the upcoming 2021 changes to the Intel Minimum Pension Plan (MPP). We are also sharing free resources and... Read More
SERPLUS or Mega Roth? Prioritizing Two of Intel’s Tax-Preferenced Savings Opportunities
Ideally, with each paycheck or bonus paid we would have all the cash flow we need to support regular cash-flow needs, achieve our larger financial objectives and optimize deferrals to tax-advantaged accounts and other tax savings opportunities. However, money is a resource, and like most resources it’s limited. We are forced to prioritize where we spend, the objectives we further,... Read More
Intel SERPLUS Elections 2020: 4 Steps to Consider Given the Recent Company Uncertainty
A clever person once said it’s “difficult to make predictions, especially about the future.” This is true with most things, and it's undoubtedly true with investing. However, despite the unpredictability of the future, there comes a time when we must place our bets and choose a direction—Ideally, one that tips the odds in our favor. 409(a) Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans... Read More
Intel’s SERPLUS Match in 2020
Last week, I wrote a post on the investment changes in Intel’s SERPLUS account, but I did not address one additional change that should be considered when electing how much to defer to SERPLUS so let’s address that change here: The change is that in 2020, Intel will match SERPLUS deferrals up to 5% of “excess pay.” The match replaces... Read More
SERPLUS Investment Changes: Improved Investment Options and the Nearing Election Window
Those who are eligible to participate in Intel’s non-qualified deferred compensation program (“SERPLUS”) recently received notification that the investment options have changed, and they will soon receive a reminder that the election window will open for 2020 deferrals in early November. These notifications raise three questions: Are the changes improvements? What actions do I need to take? What is the... Read More
Seeing Double: Understanding Intel’s QSERP Benefit
If you’re contemplating retirement, there’s a lot to consider. You may be asking yourself, how do I create an income stream in retirement? Am I being smart with taxes? Is there anything I’m missing? If you happen to be a long-tenured Intel employee, there are factors unique to Intel that need to be considered in order to answer these questions.... Read More