New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Clean Harbors Employees Confront the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Clean Harbors Clean Harbors partners with various healthcare providers to ensure the well-being of its employees, primarily utilizing Aetna Health for their health insurance plans. This partnership aims to offer comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage tailored to meet the needs of their workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As 2026 approaches, Clean Harbors employees should brace for significant changes in healthcare costs. With healthcare premiums projected to rise sharply nationwide-some by over 60%-the burden may fall heavily on employees as employers adjust their benefit structures. Escalating medical costs and the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies will likely lead to an increase in out-of-pocket expenses, compelling employees to adopt proactive measures in managing their healthcare choices. Staying informed and prepared for these adjustments will be crucial for navigating the financial challenges ahead. Click here to learn more

'To allay long-term financial concerns, Clean Harbors 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 Clean Harbors 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 Clean Harbors, 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 Clean Harbors, 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 Clean Harbors 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 Clean Harbors 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 401(k) plan offered by Clean Harbors?

The 401(k) plan at Clean Harbors is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

How can I enroll in Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment form provided during onboarding or by accessing the employee benefits portal.

Does Clean Harbors match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Clean Harbors offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees grow their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan follows the IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the latest limits for accuracy.

Can I change my contribution percentage in Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage at any time through the employee benefits portal or by contacting HR at Clean Harbors.

What investment options are available in Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan?

Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

When can I access my funds from Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan?

Employees can access their funds from Clean Harbors' 401(k) plan upon reaching retirement age, or in the case of hardship or termination of employment, subject to IRS regulations.

How does Clean Harbors provide information about the 401(k) plan?

Clean Harbors provides information about the 401(k) plan through employee handbooks, the benefits portal, and periodic informational sessions.

Is there a vesting schedule for Clean Harbors' 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, Clean Harbors has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.

Can I take a loan against my 401(k) with Clean Harbors?

Yes, Clean Harbors allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

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

Clean Harbors announced a significant reduction in their workforce as part of a major restructuring initiative aimed at reducing operational costs. The company is also revising its employee benefit programs to streamline expenses. Additionally, changes are being made to their 401(k) matching contributions to align with the new financial strategies.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Clean Harbors at 42 Longwater Dr Norwell, MA 2061; or by calling them at (781) 792-5000.