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Acuity Brands Employees Confront the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Acuity Brands Acuity Brands, a leading provider of lighting and building management solutions, primarily offers its healthcare benefits through large national insurers such as UnitedHealthcare. Employees may access these plans to cover a variety of medical needs, reflecting the competitive landscape for employer-sponsored health insurance. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 Looking ahead to 2026, Acuity Brands employees should brace for significant healthcare cost increases. Record premium hikes are anticipated in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, with some states experiencing increases as steep as 66%. Coupled with the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, many employees may see their out-of-pocket costs soar by over 75%. Companies across the U.S. are responding to rising healthcare expenses by adjusting benefit structures, which may further impact the affordability of coverage for employees. Click here to learn more

'To allay long-term financial concerns, Acuity Brands employees may benefit from a comprehensive retirement strategy that addresses inflation, health care costs, and tax planning.' – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Proactive retirement planning—especially around inflation, health care, and shifting tax policies—can help Acuity Brands employees gain clarity and reduce uncertainty in the years leading up to retirement.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

Key causes of retirement anxiety, including inflation, health care, and taxes.
Generational differences in money concerns and readiness.
The value of broad retirement planning approaches.

Retirement Anxiety is On The Rise

Employees across industries, including those at Acuity Brands, have long worried about how they will fund retirement. These concerns have grown considerably in today’s economy. Nearly two out of three Americans (64%) said they worry more about outliving their resources than they do about dying, according to the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement’s 2025 Annual Retirement Study. ¹

Main Causes of Retirement-Related Worry

The Allianz study lists several key triggers of these fears. Regarding long-term planning, 54% of respondents said inflation was their top worry. Increases in health care costs, housing, and food prices are still undermining people’s purchasing power.

Concerns around Social Security’s future and tax burdens are also high. 43% said they feared Social Security might not offer adequate support. And another 43% named high taxes as a major issue.

Generational Gaps in Money Stress

Gen X—often balancing care for both kids and aging parents—report the highest worry: 70% versus 66% of millennials and 61% of boomers. Among corporate workers, including those at Acuity Brands, this dynamic underlines how family obligations can magnify retirement concerns.

The Gap Between Worry and Action

The survey shows a gap between concern and conversation: just 23% of respondents have talked about outliving their assets with a retirement specialist, down from 28% in 2024. ² That said, Americans are considering several strategies to allay these fears, ranking the following approaches as most helpful:

41% said cutting current spending to funnel more toward retirement 
44% said increasing retirement contributions 
39% said postponing retirement
While increasing contributions to retirement accounts could help address these concerns, barriers remain: daily necessities (63%), credit card debt (40%), mortgage or rent (35%) were top reasons people weren’t contributing more.

The Emotional Side of Retirement Anxiety

Retirement fears influence not just finances, but lifestyle, career choices, and family planning. Worries about independence, dignity, and quality of life often accompany fear of running short on funds.

Health care need are often underestimated too, complicating the equation. Medicare covers many basic services, but long‑term care, home assistance, and uncovered treatments can add large bills—adding uncertainty even for high‑income employees.

Broader Retirement Planning Matters

The Allianz findings emphasize planning well beyond just saving. With people living 25 to 30 years post‑work, a solid planning mindset is critical. As Kelly LaVigne, VP at Allianz Life, noted, “Americans areliving longer… your money needs to go farther. A good plan considers 25 to 30 years of retirement, not just the first ten.” ²

Key components often include:

Income strategies: setting up regular monthly disbursements from assets
Tax planning: reducing tax burdens on withdrawals
Health care planning: factoring in Medicare gaps and long‑term care
Inflation alignment: keeping income responsive to cost increases

Combined, these strategies can help build resilience, confidence, and preparedness even in uncertain times.

In Conclusion

The 2025 Allianz Retirement Study makes it clear: a majority of Americans—and Acuity Brands employees among them—see the threat of running out of money as more frightening than death. Rising inflation, health care spending, and uncertainty around Social Security are central drivers. Fewer are taking direct action through planning conversations or boosted contributions.

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Yet there is opportunity. The IRS now permits catch‑up 401(k) contributions of up to $11,250 for those aged 60–63 in 2025—above the standard limit. For many, this is a practical way to fortify resources in those final working years.

A Final Thought

Think of retirement like a long sea voyage. Death may be the storm ahead, but empty savings are the leak that can sink the ship first. According to the Allianz study, 64% of Americans fear that leak more than the storm. For Acuity Brands employees, the goal is to build a well-structured plan—with consistent income, planning for health costs, and tax awareness—that can keep the vessel afloat for the long haul.

Sources:

1. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, ' How Americans feel about retirement in 2025 ,' by the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement ^TM , June 2025.

2. businesswire, ' Americans Are More Worried About Running Out of Money Than Death ,' April 22, 2025.

What is the 401k/Savings Plan offered by Acuity Brands?

The 401k/Savings Plan at Acuity Brands is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck on a pre-tax or after-tax basis for their future retirement.

How can I enroll in the Acuity Brands 401k/Savings Plan?

Employees can enroll in the Acuity Brands 401k/Savings Plan by completing the online enrollment process through the company's benefits portal or by contacting HR for assistance.

Does Acuity Brands offer a company match for the 401k/Savings Plan?

Yes, Acuity Brands offers a company match for contributions made to the 401k/Savings Plan, which helps employees boost their retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for the Acuity Brands 401k/Savings Plan?

The vesting schedule for the Acuity Brands 401k/Savings Plan typically outlines the period an employee must work at the company to fully own the employer's contributions, which can vary based on tenure.

Can I take a loan against my Acuity Brands 401k/Savings Plan?

Yes, Acuity Brands allows employees to take a loan against their 401k/Savings Plan, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.

What investment options are available in the Acuity Brands 401k/Savings Plan?

The Acuity Brands 401k/Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target date funds, and other asset classes to help employees diversify their portfolios.

How often can I change my contribution amount to the Acuity Brands 401k/Savings Plan?

Employees can change their contribution amount to the Acuity Brands 401k/Savings Plan at any time, typically through the benefits portal or by contacting HR.

What happens to my Acuity Brands 401k/Savings Plan if I leave the company?

If you leave Acuity Brands, you have several options for your 401k/Savings Plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out (subject to taxes and penalties), or leaving it in the plan if eligible.

Is there a minimum contribution requirement for the Acuity Brands 401k/Savings Plan?

Yes, Acuity Brands may have a minimum contribution requirement for the 401k/Savings Plan, which is typically outlined in the plan documents.

Can I contribute to the Acuity Brands 401k/Savings Plan if I am part-time?

Yes, part-time employees at Acuity Brands may be eligible to contribute to the 401k/Savings Plan, depending on the specific eligibility criteria set by the company.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Acuity Brands announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at optimizing its operational efficiency. This involves layoffs of approximately 10% of its workforce, primarily in the manufacturing and administrative sectors. Additionally, the company is revising its pension plan to reduce future liabilities and enhancing its 401(k) match to retain key employees.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Acuity Brands at 1170 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 2300 Atlanta, GA 30309; or by calling them at (404) 853-1400.