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Colgate-Palmolive Employees Confront the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Colgate-Palmolive Healthcare Provider Overview Colgate-Palmolive offers its employees access to healthcare services through various providers, primarily utilizing national insurance carriers such as UnitedHealthcare and Aetna. These partnerships ensure comprehensive coverage for employees across their diverse health needs, including medical, dental, and vision care. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases for Colgate-Palmolive in 2026 In 2026, Colgate-Palmolive employees may face significant healthcare cost increases due to sharp rises in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums. As a result of factors such as the anticipated expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and accelerated medical inflation, many marketplace enrollees could see their out-of-pocket premiums rise by over 75%. These developments create a financial pressure point for employees, particularly for those considering early retirement, as they will need to account for escalating healthcare expenses in their financial planning. With states like New York expecting premium hikes of up to 66%, careful evaluation of healthcare options will be essential for maintaining financial stability. Click here to learn more

'To allay long-term financial concerns, Colgate-Palmolive 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 Colgate-Palmolive 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 Colgate-Palmolive, 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 Colgate-Palmolive, 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 Colgate-Palmolive 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 Colgate-Palmolive 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 Colgate-Palmolive offer to its employees?

Colgate-Palmolive offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does Colgate-Palmolive provide matching contributions for its 401(k) plan?

Yes, Colgate-Palmolive provides matching contributions to help employees maximize their retirement savings.

How can employees enroll in the Colgate-Palmolive 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Colgate-Palmolive 401(k) plan through the company's benefits portal during the enrollment period.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Colgate-Palmolive's 401(k) plan?

Most employees are eligible to participate in Colgate-Palmolive's 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.

Can employees make changes to their contributions in the Colgate-Palmolive 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can make changes to their contribution amounts at any time throughout the year in the Colgate-Palmolive 401(k) plan.

What investment options are available in the Colgate-Palmolive 401(k) plan?

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

Does Colgate-Palmolive offer financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Colgate-Palmolive provides financial education resources to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.

At what age can employees start withdrawing from their Colgate-Palmolive 401(k) plan without penalties?

Employees can typically start withdrawing from their Colgate-Palmolive 401(k) plan without penalties at age 59½.

What happens to an employee's 401(k) plan if they leave Colgate-Palmolive?

If an employee leaves Colgate-Palmolive, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account or leave it in the Colgate-Palmolive plan, subject to certain conditions.

Are there loan options available through the Colgate-Palmolive 401(k) plan?

Yes, Colgate-Palmolive allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings under specific circumstances.

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

Colgate-Palmolive announced a restructuring plan that includes layoffs and a realignment of its global operations to streamline its business.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Colgate-Palmolive at 300 Park Avenue New York, NY 10022; or by calling them at (212) 310-2000.