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Crestwood Equity Partners Employees Confront the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Crestwood Equity Partners: Crestwood Equity Partners primarily utilizes industry-standard options for employee health insurance, typically engaging with larger national providers that participate in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. The specific healthcare provider might vary based on the plan options selected during annual open enrollment. Employees are encouraged to check with Crestwood's HR department for the precise provider details relevant to their benefits package. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As 2026 approaches, Crestwood Equity Partners employees face the prospect of significant healthcare cost increases. Premiums for ACA marketplace insurance are anticipated to rise sharply, with some states experiencing hikes exceeding 60%. This surge is largely driven by the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, coupled with escalating medical costs and rate adjustments from major insurers. Consequently, a large portion of employees may see out-of-pocket expenses rise dramatically, significantly impacting their financial planning and access to necessary healthcare services. Click here to learn more

'To allay long-term financial concerns, Crestwood Equity Partners 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 Crestwood Equity Partners 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 Crestwood Equity Partners, 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 Crestwood Equity Partners, 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 Crestwood Equity Partners 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 Crestwood Equity Partners 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 types of retirement savings plans does Crestwood Equity Partners offer its employees?

Crestwood Equity Partners offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does Crestwood Equity Partners match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Crestwood Equity Partners provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) accounts, subject to the plan's terms.

What is the eligibility requirement for employees to participate in Crestwood Equity Partners' 401(k) plan?

Employees of Crestwood Equity Partners are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically outlined in the plan documents.

Can employees of Crestwood Equity Partners make pre-tax contributions to their 401(k) accounts?

Yes, employees can make pre-tax contributions to their 401(k) accounts at Crestwood Equity Partners, which can help reduce their taxable income.

Does Crestwood Equity Partners offer a Roth 401(k) option?

Yes, Crestwood Equity Partners offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to make after-tax contributions to their retirement savings.

How often can employees change their contribution rates to the 401(k) plan at Crestwood Equity Partners?

Employees at Crestwood Equity Partners can typically change their contribution rates on a quarterly basis, but specific details can be found in the plan documents.

What investment options are available in the Crestwood Equity Partners 401(k) plan?

The 401(k) plan at Crestwood Equity Partners offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds and other investment vehicles, allowing employees to tailor their portfolios.

How can employees at Crestwood Equity Partners access their 401(k) account information?

Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the plan's online portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

What happens to the 401(k) funds if an employee leaves Crestwood Equity Partners?

If an employee leaves Crestwood Equity Partners, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) funds to another retirement account, withdraw the funds, or leave them in the Crestwood Equity Partners plan if allowed.

Is there a loan option available for employees in the Crestwood Equity Partners 401(k) plan?

Yes, Crestwood Equity Partners may allow employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts, subject to the plan's specific rules and limits.

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

Crestwood Equity Partners announced a restructuring plan that includes a reduction in workforce and changes to employee benefits, including pension contributions and 401(k) match adjustments. The company is also altering its healthcare benefits to manage rising costs.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Crestwood Equity Partners at 811 Main St., Ste. 3400 Houston, TX 77002; or by calling them at 832-519-2200.