From an actuarial standpoint, recipients will likely receive roughly the same amount of money whether they choose the lump sum or monthly payments. However, longevity is a factor that cannot be easily accounted for.
A lump sum distribution requires participants to invest the money in a way that will last a lifetime and possibly into the lives of their spouses (if married). This can be difficult for people needing more experience or financial investment knowledge.
1. 6% Rule
Many retirees’ decision to take a lump sum or monthly payments will hinge on their other retirement savings. Controlled, consistent monthly payments are preferable if they have plenty of money in IRAs.
However, a lump sum might be better if they have less in other savings accounts. In addition, a lump sum could be more tax-efficient. All pension income is taxed as ordinary income. A lump sum, on the other hand, is typically taxed as a distribution from a qualified plan.
One can calculate whether a Boeing pension lump sum is preferable to a lifetime annuity. If the lump sum is more significant than the lifetime annuity, it makes sense to choose it. But if not, a lifetime annuity might be a better choice. The 6% rule is a simple way to estimate how much you would need to earn each year to match the value of a lifetime annuity.
2. Hurdle Rates
Whether to take a lump sum or retire with an annuity payment can come down to your hurdle rate. Your lump sum investment needs to generate this rate of return to match or exceed the internal rate of return (IRR) of your pension payments.
The higher the hurdle rate, the more expensive your pension lump sum will be. Hurdle rates depend on several factors, including anticipated life expectancy and current inflation.
If you have a long time horizon, it’s easy to see how you might get better value from the pension, especially considering that the payments are indexed to inflation and continue even if you die early. But it’s important to remember that the decision is a trade-off. The lump sum means investing your money, which can mean high risk and volatility. That’s something that many retirees can’t afford to do.
3. Life Expectancy Calculator
Many pension plans allow retirees to choose whether to receive a lump sum payout or a lifetime stream of monthly annuity payments. This is a high-stakes and generally irrevocable decision that must be carefully evaluated.
To make an informed choice, retirees should consider all the alternatives and their goals. They should also know if they want to leave assets to their children and other beneficiaries. They should also consider the possibility of cognitive decline later in life, which may make a pension more appealing.
When evaluating the present value of a lump sum, it’s essential to use a calculator that considers both the retiree’s expected life expectancy and the return on investments. This is especially true in a volatile market, where present values calculated using the life expectancy method can be inaccurate by as much as 20%. This tool uses a more accurate computation than the life expectancy present value calculators typically provided by employers and provides several scenarios for comparison.
Final Words
Managing a lump sum requires skill and discipline. If you manage your money, a lump sum could be more appealing than a lifetime income option. However, you must also consider fees. In addition, a lump sum can be eroded by inflation over time, and you could outlive your money.
Traditional pensions are becoming less common as companies shift to 401(k) plans and other defined contribution retirement savings accounts. When employees are offered the choice to receive a pension as a lump sum or monthly annuity payments for life, they must weigh the pros and cons of each.