New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Stepan provides health insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, along with dental, vision, and wellness programs 3. As ACA premiums surge, Stepans employer-sponsored plans may offer more predictable costs and better coverage, especially for employees with chronic care needs. Click here to learn more

'To allay long-term financial concerns, Stepan 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 Stepan 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 Stepan, 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 Stepan, 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 Stepan 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.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

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 Stepan 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 Stepan?

The purpose of the 401(k) plan at Stepan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.

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

Stepan employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment form provided by the HR department or through the company’s benefits portal.

Does Stepan offer a company match on 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Stepan offers a company match on 401(k) contributions, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the Stepan 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the Stepan 401(k) plan is in accordance with IRS guidelines, which are updated annually.

Can Stepan employees change their contribution percentage at any time?

Yes, Stepan employees can change their contribution percentage at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

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

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

When can Stepan employees take a loan against their 401(k) savings?

Stepan employees can take a loan against their 401(k) savings after meeting specific eligibility criteria set forth in the plan documents.

What happens to my Stepan 401(k) if I leave the company?

If you leave Stepan, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to an IRA or another employer’s plan, or cashing it out, subject to taxes and penalties.

Does Stepan provide any educational resources about the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Stepan provides educational resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.

Are there any fees associated with the Stepan 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the Stepan 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.