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Ashland Employees Confront the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement

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'To allay long-term financial concerns, Ashland 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 Ashland 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 Ashland, 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 Ashland, 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 Ashland 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 Ashland 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 primary purpose of Ashland's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The primary purpose of Ashland's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by providing a tax-advantaged way to invest a portion of their income.

How can Ashland employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Ashland employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the employee benefits portal or contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Ashland offer a matching contribution for its 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Ashland offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What types of investment options are available in Ashland's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Ashland's 401(k) Savings Plan typically offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

At what age can Ashland employees start withdrawing from their 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties?

Ashland employees can start withdrawing from their 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties at age 59½.

Can Ashland employees take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance?

Yes, Ashland allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance, subject to certain terms and conditions.

How often can Ashland employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Ashland employees can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to plan rules.

Is there a vesting schedule for Ashland's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, Ashland has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which determines how much of the employer contributions employees are entitled to based on their years of service.

Can Ashland employees roll over funds from another retirement account into the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Ashland employees can roll over funds from other qualified retirement accounts into the Ashland 401(k) Savings Plan.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Ashland's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Ashland's 401(k) Savings Plan is set by the IRS and may change annually; employees should check the latest guidelines for the specific limit.

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

Ashland has announced a major restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. This includes significant layoffs and the consolidation of certain business units. Additionally, there are expected changes to employee benefits and pension plans.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Ashland at 50 E RiverCenter Blvd #1900 Covington, KY 41011; or by calling them at +1 859-815-3333.