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Murphy USA Employees Confront the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Murphy USA: Murphy USA's healthcare provider network includes a variety of options, primarily focused on major insurance companies that offer group health insurance plans for its employees. The specific providers can vary over time and by location, but typically include carriers such as UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, among others. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As Murphy USA employees navigate the rising tide of healthcare costs, the looming increases for 2026 present significant challenges. With ACA marketplace premiums expected to surge by an average of 20%, many employees may face substantially higher out-of-pocket expenses. These increases are driven by multiple factors, including escalating medical costs, the potential loss of enhanced federal premium subsidies, and changing employer benefit structures aimed at managing expenses. Consequently, employees at Murphy USA are advised to closely review their health benefit options and prepare for a potential increase in their personal healthcare expenditures next year. Click here to learn more

'To allay long-term financial concerns, Murphy USA 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 Murphy USA 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 Murphy USA, 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 Murphy USA, 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 Murphy USA 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 Murphy USA 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 purpose of the 401(k) plan at Murphy USA?

The 401(k) plan at Murphy USA is designed to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis.

How can employees at Murphy USA enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Murphy USA can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal during the open enrollment period or upon their hire date.

Does Murphy USA match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Murphy USA offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Murphy USA?

The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Murphy USA follows the IRS guidelines, which are updated annually. Employees should check the current limits for the year.

Can employees at Murphy USA take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Murphy USA allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

What investment options are available in Murphy USA's 401(k) plan?

Murphy USA'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.

How often can employees at Murphy USA change their 401(k) contributions?

Employees at Murphy USA can change their 401(k) contributions at any time, subject to the plan's rules and guidelines.

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

Yes, Murphy USA has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which determines how much of the matched contributions employees are entitled to based on their years of service.

Can employees at Murphy USA access their 401(k) funds before retirement?

Employees at Murphy USA may access their 401(k) funds before retirement under certain circumstances, such as hardship withdrawals or after reaching a specific age.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Murphy USA?

If an employee leaves Murphy USA, they have several options regarding their 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another qualified plan, cashing it out, or leaving it with Murphy USA.

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

Name of the Pension Plan: Identify the official name of Murphy USA’s pension plan. Years of Service and Age Qualification: Determine the requirements for employees to qualify for the pension plan, including years of service and age. Pension Formula: Review how the pension amount is calculated. Acronyms and Terminology: Collect relevant acronyms and terms related to Murphy USA’s pension plan. Name of the 401(k) Plan: Find out the official name of Murphy USA’s 401(k) plan. Qualification for 401(k) Plan: Identify who qualifies to participate in the 401(k) plan. Acronyms and Terminology: Collect relevant acronyms and terms related to Murphy USA’s 401(k) plan.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Murphy USA announced a restructuring plan aimed at improving operational efficiency. This included some layoffs, particularly in non-core business units. The company cited the need to streamline operations and enhance profitability amidst a challenging economic climate. This restructuring is significant as it reflects broader trends in the industry where companies are adapting to economic uncertainties and competitive pressures. It is crucial to follow these changes due to their potential impact on employee benefits and organizational stability.

Murphy USA offered stock options and RSUs primarily to senior executives and certain key employees. These incentives were designed to align interests with shareholders and reward long-term performance. For specific details on stock options and RSUs, refer to Murphy USA’s 2022 Proxy Statement, Page 25.

Health Benefits Overview: Murphy USA offers a range of health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance. The plans are typically administered through major insurance carriers, providing various coverage levels. Healthcare Terms: Common terms include PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), HSA (Health Savings Account), and FSA (Flexible Spending Account).