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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Coherent Coherent, Inc. is affiliated with health insurance providers such as UnitedHealthcare and Anthem BCBS, but specific information on any exclusive partnerships or particular health plans for Coherent's employees may vary based on regional availability and employer arrangements. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As the Affordable Care Act (ACA) approaches 2026, significant premium hikes are anticipated, influenced by rising healthcare costs and the potential expiration of federal subsidies. Many consumers could see their out-of-pocket expenses soar by over 75%, as reported by the Kaiser Family Foundation-reflecting a perfect storm of increasing medical prices and insurance provider rate hikes. Healthcare consumers should be prepared for substantial out-of-pocket costs, as insurers like UnitedHealthcare and Anthem are projecting substantial increases in premiums, with states like New York potentially experiencing as much as a 66.4% rise in health insurance costs. Taking proactive steps now can help mitigate the financial impact in the coming year. Click here to learn more

'To allay long-term financial concerns, Coherent 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 Coherent 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 Coherent, 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 Coherent, 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 Coherent 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 Coherent 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 Coherent?

Coherent offers a 401(k) plan that allows employees to save for retirement through pre-tax contributions, helping them build a nest egg for the future.

How can employees at Coherent enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Coherent can enroll in the 401(k) plan during the onboarding process or during the annual open enrollment period by accessing the benefits portal.

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

Yes, Coherent provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Coherent's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Coherent's 401(k) plan is in line with IRS guidelines, which are updated annually. Employees should check the latest limits for the current year.

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

Yes, Coherent allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.

What investment options are available in Coherent's 401(k) plan?

Coherent's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help employees diversify their portfolios.

When can employees at Coherent start withdrawing from their 401(k) accounts?

Employees at Coherent can typically start withdrawing from their 401(k) accounts at age 59½, though there are provisions for hardship withdrawals and loans.

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

Yes, Coherent has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.

How often can employees at Coherent change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Employees at Coherent can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines and policies.

What resources does Coherent provide to help employees understand their 401(k) plan?

Coherent provides educational resources, including seminars, webinars, and access to financial advisors to help employees understand their 401(k) plan and make informed decisions.

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

Coherent has announced a significant restructuring plan that includes a reduction of 10% of its global workforce and changes to its pension plan. The company is shifting its focus to high-growth areas, which necessitates these workforce adjustments.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Coherent at 5100 Patrick Henry Drive Santa Clara, CA 95054; or by calling them at (408) 764-4000.