'Proactive retirement planning—especially around inflation, health care, and shifting tax policies—can help KLA 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.
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for KLA Corporation KLA Corporation, a leading supplier of process control and yield management systems for the semiconductor industry, offers its employees a robust healthcare plan through Aetna. Aetna provides a comprehensive suite of options that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, ensuring that KLA employees have access to essential healthcare services. --- Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, healthcare costs are expected to rise significantly for many individuals due to a combination of factors, including the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies under the ACA and rising medical costs. Preliminary reports suggest that health insurance premiums for ACA marketplace plans could see increases exceeding 60% in some states, leading to an alarming average out-of-pocket premium hike of over 75% for approximately 22 million enrollees. As insurers struggle with higher claims costs and regulatory pressures, securing affordable coverage may become a challenging task for consumers. Click here to learn more
'To allay long-term financial concerns, KLA 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 KLA, 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 KLA, 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 KLA 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 KLA 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 KLA?
KLA offers a 401(k) plan that allows employees to save for retirement through pre-tax contributions, which can help reduce their taxable income.
Does KLA provide a matching contribution for its 401(k) plan?
Yes, KLA provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
How can employees enroll in KLA's 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in KLA's 401(k) plan through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What types of investment options are available in KLA's 401(k) plan?
KLA's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
Is there a vesting schedule for KLA's 401(k) matching contributions?
Yes, KLA has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, which means employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own those contributions.
Can employees take loans against their 401(k) balance at KLA?
Yes, KLA allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
What is the maximum contribution limit for KLA's 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for KLA's 401(k) plan is determined by IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the current limits for the specific year.
How often can employees change their contribution percentage in KLA's 401(k) plan?
Employees at KLA can change their contribution percentage at any time, allowing them to adjust their savings based on their financial situation.
Does KLA offer any educational resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?
Yes, KLA provides educational resources, including workshops and online tools, to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.
What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave KLA?
If you leave KLA, you have several options for your 401(k) account, including rolling it over into an IRA or a new employer's plan, or cashing it out, though the latter may have tax implications.



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