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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Deere: Deere & Company, known for its agricultural machinery and equipment, primarily offers healthcare benefits to its employees through a network of health insurance providers. These usually include notable insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, depending on the specific location and employment agreements. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As we look ahead to 2026, healthcare costs are poised to increase significantly, largely driven by anticipated rate hikes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Reports indicate that premiums could rise by as much as 75% for a substantial majority of enrollees if enhanced federal premium subsidies expire. Coupled with rising medical service costs and inflation pressures, the ACA's potential median premium increase of 18% could lead many employees and their families, including those at Deere, to face markedly higher healthcare expenses just as the industry grapples with supply chain and labor cost challenges. This situation underscores the urgent need for employee awareness and strategic planning in the upcoming open enrollment periods. Click here to learn more

'To allay long-term financial concerns, Deere 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 Deere 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 Deere, 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 Deere, 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 Deere 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 Deere 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 purpose of the 401(k) Savings Plan at Deere?

The purpose of the 401(k) Savings Plan at Deere is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth after-tax basis.

How can employees enroll in Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can enroll in Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the plan's website or contacting the HR department for enrollment instructions.

What types of contributions can employees make to Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth after-tax contributions, and, in some cases, catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older.

Does Deere offer a company match for the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Deere offers a company match for the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees boost their retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for Deere's company match in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

The vesting schedule for Deere's company match varies based on the employee's length of service, and employees should refer to the plan documents for specific details.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan at Deere?

Yes, employees may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan at Deere, subject to the plan's rules and limits.

What investment options are available in Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can change their contribution amounts to Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to plan rules and limits.

What happens to my 401(k) Savings Plan at Deere if I leave the company?

If you leave Deere, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) Savings Plan balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the plan, depending on the plan's rules.

Are there penalties for withdrawing funds from Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan before retirement?

Yes, there may be penalties for early withdrawals from Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan before age 59½, along with potential tax implications.

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

Deere provides RSUs and stock options to eligible employees.