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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Starbucks: Starbucks primarily provides health insurance coverage to its employees through the company's dedicated offerings, which include various health plans designed to meet diverse employee needs. While specific plan details may vary by location and job classification, Starbucks provides significant healthcare benefits aimed at ensuring employee wellness. --- Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As Starbucks employees look toward 2026, a notable surge in healthcare costs is anticipated, primarily due to escalating premiums on plans offered through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Insurers are seeking significant increases, with forecasts suggesting that some states might see hikes exceeding 60%. The expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies is a critical factor, potentially resulting in average increases of over 75% in out-of-pocket premium payments for many enrollees. This confluence of factors could substantially impact employees' health expenses, necessitating careful financial planning and evaluation of coverage options. Click here to learn more

'To allay long-term financial concerns, Starbucks 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 Starbucks 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 Starbucks, 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 Starbucks, 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 Starbucks 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 Starbucks 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 type of retirement plan does Starbucks offer to its employees?

Starbucks offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

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

Yes, Starbucks provides a matching contribution to employees who participate in the 401(k) plan.

What is the maximum percentage that Starbucks will match in the 401(k) plan?

Starbucks matches employee contributions up to a certain percentage, typically 4%, but it's best to check the latest plan details for exact figures.

Can part-time employees at Starbucks participate in the 401(k) plan?

Yes, part-time employees at Starbucks are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan.

How can Starbucks employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Starbucks employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting HR for assistance.

What investment options are available in the Starbucks 401(k) plan?

The Starbucks 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds.

Is there a waiting period for Starbucks employees to join the 401(k) plan?

Starbucks typically has a waiting period, which can vary, so employees should consult the plan documents for specific details.

Can Starbucks employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Starbucks allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings under certain conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Starbucks?

If you leave Starbucks, you can roll over your 401(k) savings to another retirement account or leave it in the Starbucks plan, subject to the plan’s rules.

How often can Starbucks employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Starbucks employees can typically change their contribution amounts at any time, subject to plan rules.