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Cheesecake Factory Employees Confront the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake Factory employees typically access healthcare through employer-sponsored plans, with wellness services provided by various network providers tailored to the needs of restaurant industry employees. It's essential for employees to consult their HR department for specific details on the healthcare plans offered, including coverage options, providers, and enrollment procedures. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, Cheesecake Factory employees should brace for significant healthcare cost increases. With projected hikes in ACA marketplace premiums-some states anticipating rises of over 60%-the burden may shift to employees in the form of higher deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. Industry trends indicate that 51% of large employers may implement strategies to raise employee contributions, affecting overall affordability amid a backdrop of rising medical costs driven by inflation. It is advisable for employees to familiarize themselves with benefit changes and explore early strategies to adapt to these looming financial pressures. Click here to learn more

'To allay long-term financial concerns, Cheesecake Factory 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 Cheesecake Factory 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 Cheesecake Factory, 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 Cheesecake Factory, 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 Cheesecake Factory 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 Cheesecake Factory 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 Cheesecake Factory offer to its employees?

Cheesecake Factory offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Is participation in the 401(k) plan at Cheesecake Factory mandatory?

No, participation in the 401(k) plan at Cheesecake Factory is voluntary for employees.

What is the minimum age requirement to participate in Cheesecake Factory's 401(k) plan?

Employees must be at least 21 years old to participate in the Cheesecake Factory 401(k) plan.

Does Cheesecake Factory match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Cheesecake Factory offers a matching contribution to employee contributions, up to a certain percentage.

How can employees enroll in the Cheesecake Factory 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Cheesecake Factory 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting their HR representative.

What types of investment options are available in the Cheesecake Factory 401(k) plan?

The Cheesecake Factory 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) savings at Cheesecake Factory?

Yes, Cheesecake Factory allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions.

What is the vesting schedule for the Cheesecake Factory 401(k) matching contributions?

The vesting schedule for Cheesecake Factory's matching contributions typically follows a graded vesting schedule over a period of years.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the Cheesecake Factory 401(k) plan?

Employees can change their contribution amounts to the Cheesecake Factory 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.

What happens to an employee's 401(k) account if they leave Cheesecake Factory?

If an employee leaves Cheesecake Factory, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account or withdraw the funds, subject to taxes and penalties.

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

Cheesecake Factory has announced a restructuring plan that includes layoffs and operational changes to address declining sales and increased operational costs. The company plans to close several underperforming locations and reduce its workforce by 5% across corporate and field operations.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Cheesecake Factory at 26901 Malibu Hills Rd. Calabasas, CA 91301; or by calling them at 1-818-871-3000.