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Oshkosh Employees Confront the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Oshkosh Corporation Oshkosh Corporation typically works with health insurance providers such as Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and other local insurance carriers to offer healthcare coverage to its employees. Specific healthcare plan details may vary depending on the employee's location and role within the company, taking into account the healthcare landscape and statutory requirements in those regions. Blog Post Paragraph on Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As healthcare costs continue to rise, Oshkosh Corporation employees should prepare for significant increases in their ACA premiums beginning in 2026. With projections indicating that national average premiums could escalate by up to 18%, many states may witness hikes exceeding 60%. The anticipated increase is driven by factors such as the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and ongoing medical inflation, leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses for millions. For employees considering retirement or those enrolled in ACA plans, understanding these shifts will be crucial for effective financial planning and ensuring continued access to affordable healthcare coverage. Click here to learn more

'To allay long-term financial concerns, Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh, 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 Oshkosh, 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 Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh 401(k) Savings Plan?

The Oshkosh 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for their future by contributing a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or post-tax (Roth) basis.

How can I enroll in the Oshkosh 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can enroll in the Oshkosh 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the enrollment process through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Oshkosh offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Oshkosh offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the Oshkosh 401(k) Savings Plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the Oshkosh 401(k) Savings Plan is determined by the IRS and may change annually. Employees should check the latest guidelines for the current limit.

Can I change my contribution amount in the Oshkosh 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution amount at any time by accessing their account through the benefits portal or by contacting HR.

What investment options are available in the Oshkosh 401(k) Savings Plan?

The Oshkosh 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help employees diversify their portfolios.

When can I start withdrawing from my Oshkosh 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can typically start withdrawing from their Oshkosh 401(k) Savings Plan at age 59½, but there are specific rules and options for hardship withdrawals or loans.

Is there a vesting schedule for the Oshkosh 401(k) company match?

Yes, the Oshkosh 401(k) Savings Plan has a vesting schedule for the company match, which means that employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.

How often can I review my Oshkosh 401(k) account performance?

Employees can review their Oshkosh 401(k) account performance at any time by logging into their account through the benefits portal.

What happens to my Oshkosh 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?

If you leave Oshkosh, you have several options for your 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the plan if allowed.