'Proactive retirement planning—especially around inflation, health care, and shifting tax policies—can help Morgan Stanley 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.
New Update: Rising Oil Costs are Affecting Retirement Plans. Will you be impacted?
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Morgan Stanley Employees Confront the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement
October 12, 2025
How Oil Volatility Affects Your Morgan Stanley Retirement
Oil market turbulence continues to ripple through the broader economy, with crude swinging between $50 and $120 per barrel and annualized volatility near 80%. Energy-sector lending exposure, investment portfolio concentrations, and the broader macro channel of inflation and interest rates connect financial institutions to oil market volatility. Retirement savings strategies at Morgan Stanley should account for how energy price cycles influence inflation, interest rates, and market returns over the long horizons that retirement planning requires. Consulting with a financial advisor can help you understand how energy conditions affect your specific situation and build a plan that adapts accordingly.
Oil market turbulence continues to ripple through the broader economy, with crude swinging between $50 and $120 per barrel and annualized volatility near 80%. Energy-sector lending exposure, investment portfolio concentrations, and the broader macro channel of inflation and interest rates connect financial institutions to oil market volatility. Retirement savings strategies at Morgan Stanley should account for how energy price cycles influence inflation, interest rates, and market returns over the long horizons that retirement planning requires. Consulting with a financial advisor can help you understand how energy conditions affect your specific situation and build a plan that adapts accordingly.
'To allay long-term financial concerns, Morgan Stanley 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 Morgan Stanley, 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 2026 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 Morgan Stanley, 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 2026. 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 2026 Allianz Retirement Study makes it clear: a majority of Americans—and Morgan Stanley 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.
Yet there is opportunity. The IRS now permits catch‑up 401(k) contributions of up to $11,250 for those aged 60–63 in 2026—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 Morgan Stanley 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.
As retirement plan structures evolve, knowing the specifics of Morgan Stanley's current benefit offerings becomes even more important. Morgan Stanley's defined benefit pension is closed to new entrants but continues accruing for legacy employees enrolled before the closure. If you joined Morgan Stanley before the plan closed, your pension continues to grow with additional service. If you joined after the closure, your retirement income at Morgan Stanley rests primarily on your 401(k) and Social Security. Morgan Stanley may offer a 401(k) employer match - review your Summary Plan Description for current match rate and vesting details.
Moving to the healthcare dimension, Morgan Stanley does not offer continued medical coverage to retirees, which means coverage through the company ends when employment does. Planning for the cost of health insurance during any gap between your retirement date and Medicare eligibility at age 65 is a critical step - marketplace coverage, COBRA continuation, or a spouse's employer plan are common options. Building an accurate estimate of bridge-coverage costs into your retirement income projection prevents underestimating one of the largest variable expenses retirees face. Connecting your specific Morgan Stanley benefits situation to a comprehensive retirement income plan - and understanding how each component interacts - gives you the most complete picture of what retirement will look like.
Sources:
1. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, ' How Americans feel about retirement in 2026 ,' by the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement TM , June 2026.
2. businesswire, ' Americans Are More Worried About Running Out of Money Than Death ,' April 22, 2026.
What is the 401(k) plan offered by Morgan Stanley?
The 401(k) plan at Morgan Stanley is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
Does Morgan Stanley match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Morgan Stanley offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for Morgan Stanley's 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for Morgan Stanley's 401(k) plan is in line with the IRS limits, which may change annually. Employees should check the latest IRS guidelines for the current limit.
Can employees at Morgan Stanley take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Morgan Stanley allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings under certain conditions, subject to the plan's rules.
What investment options are available in Morgan Stanley's 401(k) plan?
Morgan Stanley's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to tailor their investment strategy.
How can employees at Morgan Stanley enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in Morgan Stanley's 401(k) plan through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Is there a waiting period for new employees to join Morgan Stanley's 401(k) plan?
Morgan Stanley typically allows new employees to enroll in the 401(k) plan immediately or within a short period after their start date, but specific details can vary.
How often can employees change their contribution amount to Morgan Stanley's 401(k) plan?
Employees at Morgan Stanley can change their contribution amount to the 401(k) plan on a regular basis, usually at any time during the year.
What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Morgan Stanley?
If you leave Morgan Stanley, you have several options for your 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Morgan Stanley plan if permitted.
Does Morgan Stanley provide financial education regarding the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Morgan Stanley offers financial education resources and tools to help employees understand their 401(k) plan 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.
Morgan Stanley is a global financial services firm providing investment banking, securities, wealth management, and investment management services. The company is recognized for its comprehensive financial solutions.
Morgan Stanley offers RSUs and stock options to eligible employees. The stock options vest over time, providing long-term incentives.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Morgan Stanley at , ; or by calling them at .
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