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Carter's Employees Confront the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Carter's Carter's, a well-known children's apparel company, primarily utilizes Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield as its healthcare provider. This partnership allows employees to access a range of health benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As 2026 approaches, employees at Carter's should brace for significant rises in healthcare costs. A reported trend indicates that many large employers, including Carter's, are likely to increase deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums in response to soaring healthcare expenses, heavily influenced by anticipated double-digit premium hikes in the ACA marketplace. Without the renewal of enhanced federal subsidies, workers could see their premiums spike by over 75%, compounding the financial burden already tied to rising medical costs driven by inflation and escalating prescription drug prices. Preparing for these adjustments now by reviewing benefits and optimizing healthcare strategies will be crucial for mitigating these potential increases. Click here to learn more

'To allay long-term financial concerns, Carter's 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 Carter's 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 Carter's, 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 Carter's, 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 Carter's 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 Carter's 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 type of retirement savings plan does Carter's offer to its employees?

Carter's offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Is participation in the 401(k) plan at Carter's mandatory?

Participation in Carter's 401(k) plan is voluntary for employees.

What is the eligibility requirement for Carter's 401(k) plan?

Employees at Carter's are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of employment, typically outlined in the employee handbook.

Does Carter's match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Carter's offers a matching contribution to employee contributions made to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

How can employees at Carter's enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Carter's 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company's benefits portal.

What types of investment options are available in Carter's 401(k) plan?

Carter's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.

Can employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at Carter's?

Yes, employees at Carter's can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.

What is the vesting schedule for employer contributions in Carter's 401(k) plan?

The vesting schedule for employer contributions in Carter's 401(k) plan is detailed in the plan documents and typically requires employees to work for a certain number of years before fully owning the employer match.

When can employees at Carter's withdraw funds from their 401(k) accounts?

Employees can withdraw funds from their Carter's 401(k) accounts upon reaching retirement age, or under certain circumstances such as financial hardship, as defined by the plan.

Does Carter's provide educational resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Carter's provides educational resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) plan options and investment strategies.

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

401(k) Plan Adjustments: Carter's has updated its 401(k) plan to increase the company match from 4% to 5% of employee contributions. This adjustment aims to enhance employee retention and attract new talent amidst a competitive labor market. With ongoing economic uncertainties, this change helps employees save more for retirement and provides a stronger financial cushion.

Layoffs and Restructuring: In early 2023, Carter's announced a reduction in workforce as part of its restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. The company indicated that the layoffs were necessary to improve operational efficiency and align with shifting market demands.

Stock Options: Stock options typically give employees the right to purchase company shares at a set price after a certain period. Carter's stock options are generally offered to senior executives and key employees as part of their compensation package. RSUs: Restricted Stock Units are company shares given to employees as part of their compensation, but with restrictions that typically lapse over time. RSUs at Carter's are usually provided to a broader group of employees including managers and senior-level staff. Specific Information by Year

Recent Employee Healthcare News: Summarize any recent news affecting employee healthcare at Carter's. Research Sources Official Website: Look for health benefits information in the company's careers section or employee resources area. News Websites: Search for recent articles or press releases related to Carter's employee health benefits. Industry Reports: Check industry-specific reports or news platforms for relevant updates. HR and Benefits Sites: Explore HR or benefits management websites for detailed insights. Financial and Business News: Look into financial news platforms for any relevant updates on employee benefits. Steps to Perform the Search Official Website: Visit Carter’s official website and navigate to the careers or employee benefits section. Google Search: Perform a Google search with keywords such as "Carter's health benefits 2022 2023 2024" and review the top results. Industry-Specific Sources: Check HR and benefits management websites such as SHRM.org or BenefitsPro.com. Business News Sites: Explore business news sites like Bloomberg or Reuters for relevant updates.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Carter's at 3438 Peachtree Rd. NE Atlanta, GA 30326; or by calling them at +1 404-745-2700.

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