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Kaiser Aluminum Employees Confront the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement

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'To allay long-term financial concerns, Kaiser Aluminum 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 Kaiser Aluminum 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 Kaiser Aluminum, 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 Kaiser Aluminum, 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 Kaiser Aluminum 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 Kaiser Aluminum 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 Kaiser Aluminum offer to its employees?

Kaiser Aluminum offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does Kaiser Aluminum provide matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Kaiser Aluminum provides matching contributions to the 401(k) plan, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Kaiser Aluminum's 401(k) plan?

Employees at Kaiser Aluminum are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, often within the first year of employment.

Can employees at Kaiser Aluminum choose how much to contribute to their 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees at Kaiser Aluminum can choose to contribute a percentage of their salary to the 401(k) plan, within IRS limits.

What investment options are available in Kaiser Aluminum's 401(k) plan?

Kaiser Aluminum's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in Kaiser Aluminum's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Kaiser Aluminum has a vesting schedule for employer matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matched funds.

How can employees at Kaiser Aluminum access their 401(k) account information?

Employees at Kaiser Aluminum can access their 401(k) account information online through the plan's designated website or by contacting the plan administrator.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Kaiser Aluminum?

If an employee leaves Kaiser Aluminum, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the Kaiser Aluminum plan, subject to certain conditions.

Are there loans available against the 401(k) plan at Kaiser Aluminum?

Yes, Kaiser Aluminum allows participants to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

Can employees at Kaiser Aluminum change their contribution levels at any time?

Yes, employees at Kaiser Aluminum can change their contribution levels at designated times throughout the year, as specified in the plan guidelines.

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

Name: Kaiser Aluminum Pension Plan Eligibility: Employees typically qualify based on years of service and age. The standard eligibility criteria are often 5 years of service or reaching age 55. Pension Formula: The pension formula is generally based on years of service and average salary. For Kaiser Aluminum, it is typically calculated using a defined benefit formula which considers years of service and average earnings. Name: Kaiser Aluminum 401(k) Plan Eligibility: Employees are usually eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific period of service, often 30 days of employment. 401(k) Plan Features: Includes employee contributions, employer matching contributions, and various investment options.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Kaiser Aluminum announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at optimizing its production capabilities. The company reported a reduction of 10% in its workforce across various departments. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency and adjust to shifting market demands. This news is crucial to address due to the current economic environment, which has seen many companies in the metal industry adjusting their operations in response to fluctuating demand and cost pressures.

Kaiser Aluminum issued stock options and RSUs to executives and key employees. Options had a four-year vesting period with annual vesting, while RSUs aimed to align interests with long-term shareholder value. [Source: Kaiser Aluminum 2022 Annual Report, Page 34]

Health Benefits Overview: The company provides a comprehensive health benefits package to its employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They also offer wellness programs and resources for mental health support. Recent Changes: For 2023, Kaiser Aluminum made adjustments to its health insurance plans, including increased premiums and a shift towards high-deductible health plans (HDHPs).

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

https://www.thelayoff.com/t/1t07RJ99#google_vignette https://www.kaiseraluminum.com/ https://smart401kplus.com/plancontribution/kaiser-aluminum-salaried-retirees-veba-plan/ https://www.milliman.com/en/insight/2023-lump-sums-defined-benefit-plans-much-lower-as-interest-rates-rise https://www.pbgc.gov/kaiser-aluminum-plan-overview https://www.milliman.com/en/