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Deckers Outdoor Employees Confront the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement

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'To allay long-term financial concerns, Deckers Outdoor 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 Deckers Outdoor 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 Deckers Outdoor, 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 Deckers Outdoor, 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 Deckers Outdoor 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 Deckers Outdoor 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 Deckers Outdoor?

The 401(k) plan at Deckers Outdoor is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.

How can employees of Deckers Outdoor enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Deckers Outdoor 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Deckers Outdoor offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Deckers Outdoor offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees grow their retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for the company match in Deckers Outdoor's 401(k) plan?

The vesting schedule for the company match at Deckers Outdoor typically follows a standard timeline, which may vary. Employees should refer to the plan documents for specific details.

Can employees of Deckers Outdoor change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to the Deckers Outdoor 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan’s guidelines.

What investment options are available in the Deckers Outdoor 401(k) plan?

The Deckers Outdoor 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 employees of Deckers Outdoor start withdrawing from their 401(k) plan?

Employees can typically start withdrawing from their Deckers Outdoor 401(k) plan at age 59½, although there are specific rules and conditions that apply.

Are loans available against the 401(k) balance at Deckers Outdoor?

Yes, employees may be able to take loans against their 401(k) balance at Deckers Outdoor, subject to the plan’s terms and conditions.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Deckers Outdoor?

If an employee leaves Deckers Outdoor, they have several options regarding their 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it with Deckers Outdoor.

How does Deckers Outdoor communicate changes to the 401(k) plan?

Deckers Outdoor communicates changes to the 401(k) plan through official company emails, newsletters, and updates on the HR portal.

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

Deckers Outdoor Employee Pension Plan Name of Pension Plan: Deckers Outdoor Corporation Pension Plan Years of Service and Age Qualification: Employees generally need at least 5 years of service to qualify for benefits. Age qualifications typically align with standard retirement ages (e.g., 65 years old). Pension Formula: Deckers Outdoor’s pension formula typically involves a defined benefit based on years of service and average salary. The formula may be calculated as a percentage of the employee’s average salary over the highest earning years multiplied by the number of years of service.

Restructuring Layoffs: In 2024, Deckers Outdoor Corporation has continued its strategy to optimize its workforce, reflecting a broader trend in the industry towards efficiency and cost management. Despite reporting strong financial performance, including a record Q2 revenue of $1.092 billion, the company has made adjustments to its workforce to align with long-term goals. These layoffs, though not publicly detailed in terms of numbers, are part of a strategic approach to maintain competitiveness and shareholder value in an uncertain economic climate.

For Deckers Outdoor, the company offers both stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of its employee compensation package. Stock options at Deckers Outdoor (NYSE: DECK) give employees the right to purchase company shares at a predetermined price after a specific vesting period. RSUs, on the other hand, provide employees with company shares upon the completion of vesting conditions without requiring an upfront purchase. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Deckers Outdoor has continued to utilize these equity compensation tools to attract and retain top talent. The stock options typically vest over several years, often linked to the employee’s tenure or performance milestones. RSUs are granted and become actual shares after a defined period, usually subject to the company's stock price performance or individual achievements. Employees eligible for these benefits at Deckers Outdoor include senior executives, key management personnel, and other employees identified as critical to the company's success. These equity awards are designed to align employee incentives with the company's long-term financial performance, ensuring that key personnel are motivated to contribute to the company's growth.

Health Insurance: Deckers provides comprehensive health insurance options that cover a variety of healthcare needs. This includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. The company also offers Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to help employees manage their healthcare expenses more effectively. Mental Health Support: Recognizing the importance of mental well-being, Deckers offers free memberships to Headspace for all employees, along with an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides mental health support. Additionally, virtual fitness classes are available to promote physical and mental wellness.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Deckers Outdoor at 250 Coromar Dr Goleta, CA 93117; or by calling them at (805) 967-7611.

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