Planning for the future starts now––Universal Music Group’s 401(k) Plan through Vanguard makes it easier to save for retirement. Eligible employees include full-time, benefits eligible, non-union UMG employees.

 

UMG helps you save

Company match

UMG matches $1 for every $1 you contribute on the first 5% of your eligible compensation. The company match is immediately vested, meaning it’s yours to keep.

New hires are automatically enrolled at a 3% pre-tax contribution rate. To receive the full UMG match, increase your contribution to at least 5%.

3% non-elective contribution

UMG also provides a 3% non-elective contribution, whether or not you contribute to the 401(k).

You’re automatically enrolled in this, and the company contribution becomes fully vested after three years of employment.

 

How much can you contribute?

You can contribute 1%–75% of your eligible compensation, up to annual IRS limits.

Annual contribution limit: $24,500*

Already contributed to another employer’s 401(k) this year? Those contributions count toward the same annual IRS limit.

Catch-up contributions

If you’re age 50 or older by the end of the year, you may contribute more than the annual limit:

• Ages 50–59 or 64+: You can contribute an additional $8,000, for a total of $32,500*.
• Ages 60–63: You can contribute an additional $11,250, for a total of $35,750.*

Secure 2.0: Roth catch-up contributions

If you’re age 50+ and earned more than $150,000** at UMG in the previous year:

• Your catch-up contributions must be Roth (after-tax) starting in 2026, as pre-tax catch-up contributions won’t be allowed.
• If this applies to you, you’ll need to switch your catch-up election to Roth in Vanguard once you’re close to the $24,500 regular limit.

 

Choose how you contribute

You can contribute pre-tax, Roth after-tax, or a combination of both.

Pre-tax: save on taxes now

Your retirement contributions are deducted before taxes are taken out, which reduces your taxable income today. You’ll generally pay taxes when you withdraw the money in retirement.

Roth after-tax: pay taxes now

Your retirement contributions are deducted after taxes are taken out. You pay the taxes now, but you don’t pay taxes on qulified withdrawals in retirement, including investment earnings.

Contributing from your bonus

If you’re bonus-eligible, you can make a separate pre-tax or Roth contribution election for your annual bonus through Vanguard.

 

New hire? Here’s what to expect

New hires are automatically enrolled at a 3% pre-tax contribution rate approximately 30 days after hire, or as soon as administratively possible.

Your contributions are automatically invested in a Target Retirement Trust based on your age unless you choose different investments.

You can change your contribution rate, investments, or opt out at any time through Vanguard.

How to enroll or make changes

By phone

Call Vanguard at (800) 523-1188, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–9 p.m. ET to enroll or make changes to your account.

Online – enrollment instruction PDF

• Go to Vanguard and register for online access (registration instructions PDF)
• Enter your Social Security Number, legal name, birth date, and use plan number (092022) instead of employee number
• On the home page, click Manage my money and click Change my contribution amount
• Enter your desired 401(k) percentage

Changes to your 401(k) contribution are generally reflected in the next 1-2 paychecks. To confirm when they will be effective, contact the UMG Benefits Team.

Choose your investments

Your contributions are automatically invested in a Target Retirement Trust based on your age, but you can choose from the other investment options available through the UMG plan at any time.

To choose your investments, call Vanguard at (800) 523-1188 or log in to your account.

401(k) rollover options

You may be able to roll money from a previous employer’s eligible retirement plan into your UMG Vanguard 401(k) by following the instructions at this link.

Leaving UMG? You can also review your options for keeping your money in the plan or moving it to another eligible retirement account using the instructions here.

Vanguard Resources

• UMG 401(k) Summary Plan Description
• How to Register for Vanguard Account
• How to Update 401(k) Contribution
• UMG Retirement Plan Investment Options
• UMG Vanguard 401(k) Rollover
• UMG Vanguard Non-Elective Contribution Account
• 401(k) Loan Policy
• Guide to Retirement Plan Fees
• 401(k) Funds at a Glance

*These contribution limits are automatically applied in the system if you earned less than $150,000 in the previous year

**This amount will be adjusted annually by the IRS