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Dick's Sporting Goods Employees Confront the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Dick's Sporting Goods Dick's Sporting Goods collaborates with various health insurance providers to offer healthcare benefits to its employees. Notably, UnitedHealthcare is among the primary healthcare providers for the company, offering various plans that cater to the diverse needs of its workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, significant healthcare cost increases loom for Dick's Sporting Goods employees and retirees. With the anticipated expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies, individuals could face out-of-pocket premium hikes of over 75%. This dramatic shift is compounded by rising medical costs driven by inflation and a surge in demand for healthcare services, particularly in behavioral health. In states like New York, some insurers are requesting premium increases upwards of 66%, signaling a challenging year ahead for those relying on employer-sponsored insurance and ACA plans. As such, it is essential for employees to plan proactively to mitigate potential financial impacts. Click here to learn more

'To allay long-term financial concerns, Dick's Sporting Goods 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 Dick's Sporting Goods 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 Dick's Sporting Goods, 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 Dick's Sporting Goods, 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 Dick's Sporting Goods 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 Dick's Sporting Goods 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 Dick's Sporting Goods offer to its employees?

Dick's Sporting Goods offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for retirement.

Does Dick's Sporting Goods match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Dick's Sporting Goods provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) plans, subject to certain limits.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Dick's Sporting Goods' 401(k) plan?

Employees at Dick's Sporting Goods typically become eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific period of service, usually within the first year of employment.

How can employees at Dick's Sporting Goods enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Dick's Sporting Goods 401(k) plan through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What investment options are available in the Dick's Sporting Goods 401(k) plan?

The Dick's Sporting Goods 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Can employees at Dick's Sporting Goods take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Dick's Sporting Goods allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Dick's Sporting Goods?

If you leave Dick's Sporting Goods, you can roll over your 401(k) savings into another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the Dick's Sporting Goods plan if eligible.

Is there a vesting schedule for the 401(k) matching contributions at Dick's Sporting Goods?

Yes, Dick's Sporting Goods has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matched funds.

How often can employees at Dick's Sporting Goods change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Employees at Dick's Sporting Goods can typically change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's rules.

Does Dick's Sporting Goods provide financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Dick's Sporting Goods offers financial education resources and workshops to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.

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

Dick's Sporting Goods offers a comprehensive retirement plan through the Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. Smart Savings 401(k) Plan. This plan is a defined contribution plan that allows employees to defer part of their compensation into the plan. Employees at Dick's Sporting Goods can contribute a portion of their earnings to the 401(k), which is matched by the company. This plan is typically available to all eligible employees who are 21 years of age or older, with specific eligibility and vesting rules depending on the years of service and the role within the company (YCharts). The pension plan details are integrated within the company's expense reporting, covering historical data on pension and employee expenses. While specific details about the pension formulas and age qualifications for eligibility in recent years are less explicitly outlined in publicly available documents, the company has consistently reported quarterly expenses related to pension and employee benefits. These figures suggest ongoing commitments to retirement benefits

Restructuring & Layoffs: In early 2024, Dick's Sporting Goods announced a restructuring plan involving a significant reduction in corporate office staff. This decision was influenced by ongoing economic uncertainties and changing consumer behavior. The company aims to streamline operations and improve efficiency in response to fluctuating market demands. Company Benefit Changes: As part of the restructuring, Dick's Sporting Goods adjusted several employee benefits. Changes include modifications to health insurance plans and adjustments to the company's 401k matching contributions. These updates were made to align with the company’s new financial strategy and to ensure sustainability amidst economic challenges. Pension & 401k Changes: Dick's Sporting Goods has also made changes to its pension plan. The company has shifted from a defined benefit plan to a defined contribution plan, impacting long-term retirement benefits for employees. Additionally, the 401k matching percentage was revised, reflecting the company's need to manage expenses more effectively in the current economic climate. Importance of Addressing This News: It is crucial to stay informed about these developments due to the current economic and investment climate, as well as ongoing political and tax changes. Understanding these changes helps employees navigate their financial planning and adjust to potential impacts on their retirement savings and benefits.

2022:Stock Options: Dick's Sporting Goods offered stock options to executives and certain employees as part of their compensation package. The stock options typically have a vesting period and are tied to performance metrics. RSUs: Restricted Stock Units were granted to senior management and key employees. RSUs generally vest over a period of time, often tied to continued employment or specific performance goals. 2023:Stock Options: In 2023, Dick's Sporting Goods continued to provide stock options to its senior leadership team and other designated employees. The options were designed to align employee interests with company performance. RSUs: RSUs were granted based on performance targets and time-based vesting schedules. They were available to high-level employees and those with critical roles. 2024:Stock Options: Dick's Sporting Goods expanded the eligibility for stock options in 2024 to include mid-level management. This aimed to incentivize broader employee participation. RSUs: The company issued RSUs as part of a long-term incentive plan, with a focus on retaining top talent and rewarding performance. Eligibility extended to executives and select high-performing employees.

Dick's Sporting Goods Careers Information to look for: Benefits section, employee health benefits, recent updates on healthcare policies. Employee reviews and posts related to health benefits, updates shared by employees or HR. Employee reviews focusing on health benefits, recent updates, and changes in healthcare plans. Employee reviews, specific comments about health benefits, and updates on healthcare plans.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Dick's Sporting Goods at 345 Court St Coraopolis, PA 15108; or by calling them at (724) 273-3400.

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