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Morgan Stanley Employees Confront the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Morgan Stanley Healthcare Provider and Cost Outlook for 2026 Morgan Stanley's healthcare needs are addressed primarily through UnitedHealthcare, with employees benefiting from a range of plans tailored to meet their medical and wellness requirements. As 2026 approaches, Morgan Stanley employees should prepare for significant increases in healthcare costs. Premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans are projected to rise sharply, with some states seeing hikes exceeding 60%. This inflation is largely attributed to the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and a general trend of escalating medical costs, which could lead to many individuals experiencing a staggering 75% increase in out-of-pocket expenses. Consequently, careful review of benefit options and proactive financial planning will be key for employees navigating this challenging landscape. Click here to learn more

'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.

'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.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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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 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.

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 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.

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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.