When an ExxonMobil employee needs funds for an unexpected financial event like medical bills or a home repair, they may explore options like a line of credit or loan to access liquidity. Too frequently, employees fail to consider one of the most advantageous sources of liquidity - a loan from your assets held within your company 401(k).
Under current law, the IRS allows employees to take a loan out for the lesser of 50% of your vested assets in the plan or $50,000. For employees of most companies, taking a loan from your 401(k) is a less-than-optimal way to access emergency funds because your investments are sold to generate the cash needed for your loan distribution. This causes the employee to miss out on the potential growth of the funds, which can add up to thousands or tens of thousands of dollars of missed gains.
Fortunately, ExxonMobil employees have access to a distinctive Savings Plan Loan feature not offered by most companies’ retirement plans. Loans from the ExxonMobil 401(k) at Voya are funded as secured loans from the Common Assets general investment pool rather than being withdrawn from the participant’s account. While this may not seem like a huge difference, funds that normally may have come from selling participants’ stock or bond investments are sourced elsewhere. On a $50,000 loan, allowing those funds to remain invested over a multi-year period could easily mean that the participant may avoid missing out on tens of thousands of dollars of growth over the loan term. This avenue is not available for employees of most other companies.
Under most circumstances, we would generally advise against taking out a 401(k) loan, as the liquidation of investment funds disrupts the main component of long-term investment returns. At ExxonMobil, the advantage afforded to employees by the loan being funded outside of the participant’s account balance creates a scenario where it could make more sense to tap into the Savings Plan for a temporary loan rather than using traditional financing measures.
The RGWM team has served thousands of ExxonMobil clients as they navigate decisions that affect their financial situations. Considering this expertise, we know that pursuing a 401(k) loan is an individualized strategy that could make sense for some individuals but not others.
If you would like guidance concerning the unique benefits offered through the ExxonMobil Savings Plan, feel free to contact the team at Rhame and Gorrell Wealth Management for a complimentary strategy session. Our experienced CFP® advisors and CPA tax specialists are happy to answer your questions.
Rhame & Gorrell Wealth Management, LLC ("Rhame & Gorrell" or "the Firm") is an SEC registered investment adviser with its principal place of business in the State of Texas. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own CPA or tax professional before engaging in any transaction. The effectiveness of any of the strategies described will depend on your individual situation and should not be construed as personalized investment advice.
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Rhame & Gorrell Wealth Management is not affiliated with or endorsed by ExxonMobil