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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Hess: For employees of Hess Corporation, the primary healthcare provider is UnitedHealthcare. This partnership allows Hess employees access to a comprehensive range of health services geared towards providing robust healthcare support. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: In 2026, healthcare costs are anticipated to surge significantly for Hess employees due to a perfect storm of factors affecting the healthcare market. Record premium hikes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace are expected, with some enrollees facing increases of over 75% if enhanced federal subsidies expire. Insurers are also projecting a sharp rise in medical costs, prompted by inflation and increased demand for services. This scenario could substantially impact out-of-pocket expenses for many employees, necessitating strategic planning and proactive healthcare management in the coming months. Click here to learn more

'To allay long-term financial concerns, Hess 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 Hess 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 Hess, 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 Hess, 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 Hess 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 Hess 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 Hess 401(k) Savings Plan?

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

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

Hess matches employee contributions up to a certain percentage of their salary, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.

When can I enroll in the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can enroll in the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan during the initial eligibility period or during the annual open enrollment period.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan?

To be eligible for the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan, employees must be at least 21 years old and have completed a specified period of service with the company.

Can I change my contribution percentage to the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan at any time?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to plan rules.

What investment options are available in the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan?

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

Is there a loan option available in the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, the Hess 401(k) Savings Plan allows eligible employees to take loans against their account balance under certain conditions.

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

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

How can I access my Hess 401(k) Savings Plan account information?

Employees can access their Hess 401(k) Savings Plan account information online through the plan's designated website or by contacting the plan administrator.

Does Hess offer financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Hess provides financial education resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.

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

Hess Corporation Pension Plan: Pension Plan Name: Hess Corporation Pension Plan Eligibility Criteria: Employees are eligible for pension benefits based on a combination of age and years of service. Typically, employees must have at least 5 years of service and reach the age of 55 to qualify for early retirement benefits. Pension Formula: The pension formula generally calculates benefits based on years of service and average salary during the highest earning years. Specific details about the formula can be found in the plan document .2. Hess Corporation 401(k) Plan: 401(k) Plan Name: Hess Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan Eligibility Criteria: Employees are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan upon hire. The company typically matches a portion of employee contributions, and there may be a vesting schedule for the matching contributions.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Hess announced a strategic restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency. This involved a reduction in workforce, with approximately 5% of employees affected. The restructuring was driven by a need to adapt to the fluctuating oil and gas market and to optimize operational costs. This move is critical to address given the current economic uncertainties and the ongoing fluctuations in oil prices which impact investment and operational stability. Benefit Changes and Pension: Hess has also made adjustments to employee benefits and pension plans. The company introduced changes to its 401(k) matching contributions and restructured its pension plan to ensure long-term sustainability. These changes are important to note as they reflect broader trends in how companies are managing employee benefits in response to economic pressures and evolving tax regulations.

Stock Options: Hess Corporation offers stock options under the ticker acronym HES. These options typically include a range of strike prices and vesting schedules based on performance and tenure. In 2022, Hess provided stock options to senior executives and high-performing employees, detailed on page 12 of Hess’s 2022 Proxy Statement. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs): Hess Corporation’s RSUs are granted under the same HES acronym. RSUs vest over time or upon meeting specific performance criteria. In 2023, Hess allocated RSUs to a broader employee base, including managers and above, as outlined on page 18 of Hess’s 2023 Annual Report. Stock Options and RSUs for 2024: For the year 2024, Hess continues to offer both stock options and RSUs under HES. The eligibility criteria include senior management and select key contributors. Details for 2024 are specified on page 22 of Hess’s 2024 Proxy Statement.

Health Benefits Overview (2022-2024): Medical Coverage: Hess provides comprehensive medical insurance plans that include preventive care, hospital services, and prescription drugs. Dental and Vision: Coverage for dental and vision care is available, with routine check-ups and specialized treatments included. Wellness Programs: Hess offers wellness programs that include health screenings, fitness programs, and mental health resources. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Employees can use FSAs and HSAs for eligible medical expenses. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Provides confidential counseling services and resources for various personal and professional issues.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Hess at , ; or by calling them at .

https://www.thelayoff.com/ https://www.reuters.com/ https://www.bloomberg.com/asia https://www.ft.com/ https://pensionrights.org/ https://www.benefitnews.com/