'Proactive retirement planning—especially around inflation, health care, and shifting tax policies—can help Hearst Corporation 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.
'To allay long-term financial concerns, Hearst Corporation 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.
In this article we will discuss:
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Key causes of retirement anxiety, including inflation, health care, and taxes.
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Generational differences in money concerns and readiness.
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The value of broad retirement planning approaches.
Retirement Anxiety is On The Rise
Employees across industries, including those at Hearst Corporation, 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 Hearst Corporation, 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:
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41% said cutting current spending to funnel more toward retirement
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44% said increasing retirement contributions
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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:
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Income strategies: setting up regular monthly disbursements from assets
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Tax planning: reducing tax burdens on withdrawals
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Health care planning: factoring in Medicare gaps and long‑term care
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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 Hearst Corporation 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 Hearst Corporation 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 Hearst Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Hearst Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are deducted, helping them prepare for retirement.
How does the Hearst Corporation match contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Hearst Corporation offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, typically matching a percentage of employee contributions, up to a certain limit.
When can employees at Hearst Corporation enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees at Hearst Corporation can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan during their initial onboarding period or during designated open enrollment periods throughout the year.
What types of investment options are available in the Hearst Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Hearst Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles tailored to different risk tolerances.
Are there any fees associated with the Hearst Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, the Hearst Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are outlined in the plan documents provided to employees.
Can employees take loans from their Hearst Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, employees may have the option to take loans from their Hearst Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to certain conditions and limits.
What happens to my Hearst Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?
If you leave Hearst Corporation, you have several options for your 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling it over into an IRA or a new employer's plan, or cashing it out (though this may incur taxes and penalties).
How can I access my Hearst Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan account information?
Employees can access their Hearst Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan account information online through the plan's designated website or by contacting the plan administrator.
Is there a vesting schedule for the Hearst Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, the Hearst Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan may have a vesting schedule that determines when employees fully own the company's matching contributions.
Can I change my contribution rate to the Hearst Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution rate to the Hearst Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan, typically at any time, depending on the plan's rules.



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