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Atmos Energy Employees Confront the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement

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'To allay long-term financial concerns, Atmos Energy 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 Atmos Energy 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 Atmos Energy, 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 Atmos Energy, 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 Atmos Energy 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 Atmos Energy 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 Atmos Energy 401(k) plan?

The Atmos Energy 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.

How can I enroll in the Atmos Energy 401(k) plan?

You can enroll in the Atmos Energy 401(k) plan by accessing the employee portal and completing the online enrollment process.

Does Atmos Energy match contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Atmos Energy offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution I can make to the Atmos Energy 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit is determined by IRS guidelines, and Atmos Energy follows these limits, which may change annually.

When can I start contributing to the Atmos Energy 401(k) plan?

Employees at Atmos Energy can start contributing to the 401(k) plan after they have completed their eligibility requirements, typically within the first few months of employment.

What investment options are available in the Atmos Energy 401(k) plan?

The Atmos Energy 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

How can I change my contribution percentage in the Atmos Energy 401(k) plan?

You can change your contribution percentage by logging into the employee portal and updating your 401(k) settings.

Is there a vesting schedule for Atmos Energy's matching contributions?

Yes, Atmos Energy has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means you will earn ownership of those contributions over time.

Can I take a loan from my Atmos Energy 401(k) plan?

Yes, Atmos Energy allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions outlined in the plan.

What happens to my Atmos Energy 401(k) if I leave the company?

If you leave Atmos Energy, you have several options for your 401(k) funds, including rolling them over to another retirement account, cashing out, or leaving them in the Atmos Energy plan if permitted.

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

Atmos Energy announced a restructuring plan that includes layoffs and changes to their pension plan. The company is streamlining operations to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Atmos Energy at 5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1400 Dallas, TX 75240; or by calling them at +1 888-286-6700.