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Dollar General Employees Confront the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Dollar General Dollar General employees typically access healthcare coverage through UnitedHealthcare, which is their primary health insurance provider. This partnership offers a range of health plans that cater to the diverse needs of their workforce, including preventive care, emergency services, and other essential health benefits. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, Dollar General employees and retirees may face significant increases in healthcare costs due to projected hikes in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium rates. Anticipated increases could exceed 60% in some states, primarily driven by the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, rising medical expenses, and aggressive rate requests from major insurers like UnitedHealthcare. Without renewed legislation to extend these subsidies, a staggering 92% of marketplace enrollees could see their out-of-pocket premiums jump by over 75%, drastically impacting their financial health and access to affordable care as they navigate this changing landscape. Click here to learn more

'To allay long-term financial concerns, Dollar General 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 Dollar General 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 Dollar General, 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 Dollar General, 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 Dollar General 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 Dollar General 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 Dollar General?

The 401(k) plan offered by Dollar General is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

How does Dollar General match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Dollar General provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which typically matches a percentage of the employee's contributions, up to a certain limit.

When can employees at Dollar General start participating in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Dollar General can typically start participating in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of employment, usually within the first year.

What types of investments are available in Dollar General's 401(k) plan?

Dollar General's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.

Can employees at Dollar General take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Dollar General allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

What happens to my Dollar General 401(k) if I leave the company?

If you leave Dollar General, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance into another retirement account, cash it out, or leave it in the Dollar General plan if eligible.

Is there a vesting schedule for Dollar General's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, Dollar General has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period to fully own the employer contributions.

How can employees at Dollar General enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Dollar General can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company's HR portal or by contacting their HR representative for assistance.

What is the contribution limit for Dollar General's 401(k) plan?

The contribution limit for Dollar General's 401(k) plan follows the IRS guidelines, which are updated annually. Employees should check the current limits for the year.

Does Dollar General offer financial education resources for 401(k) participants?

Yes, Dollar General provides financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) investments.

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

Dollar General offers RSUs and stock options as part of their compensation packages.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Dollar General at 100 Mission Ridge Goodlettsville, TN 37072; or by calling them at (615) 855-4000.