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University of Chicago Employees Confront the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement

'To allay long-term financial concerns, University of Chicago 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 University of Chicago 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 University of Chicago, 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 University of Chicago, 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 University of Chicago 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 University of Chicago 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 are the eligibility criteria for participation in the SEPP plan for employees of The University of Chicago, and how can factors like years of service and age impact an employee's benefits under this plan? Discuss how these criteria might have changed for new employees post-2016 and what implications this has for retirement planning.

Eligibility Criteria for SEPP: Employees at The University of Chicago become eligible to participate in the SEPP upon meeting age and service requirements: being at least 21 years old and completing one year of service. For employees hired after the plan freeze on October 31, 2016, these criteria have been crucial in determining eligibility for newer employees, impacting their retirement planning as they do not accrue benefits under SEPP beyond this freeze date.

In what ways does the SEPP (Staff Employees Pension Plan) benefit calculation at The University of Chicago reflect an employee's years of service and final average pay? Examine the formulas involved in the benefits determination process, including how outside factors such as Social Security compensation can affect the total pension benefits an employee receives at retirement.

Benefit Calculation Reflecting Service and Pay: The SEPP benefits are calculated based on the final average pay and years of participation, factoring in Social Security covered compensation. Changes post-2016 have frozen benefits accrual, meaning that current employees’ benefits are calculated only up to this freeze date, affecting long-term benefits despite continued employment.

How can employees at The University of Chicago expect their SEPP benefits to be paid out upon their retirement, especially in terms of the options between lump sum distributions and annuities? Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each payment option, and how these choices can impact an employee's financial situation in retirement.

Payout Options (Lump Sum vs. Annuities): Upon retirement, employees can opt for a lump sum payment or annuities. Each option presents financial implications; lump sums provide immediate access to funds but annuities offer sustained income. This choice is significant for financial stability in retirement, particularly under the constraints post the 2016 plan changes.

Can you elaborate on the spousal rights associated with the pension benefits under the SEPP plan at The University of Chicago? Discuss how marital status influences annuity payments and the required spousal consent when considering changes to beneficiary designations.

Spousal Rights in SEPP Benefits: Spouses have rights to pension benefits, requiring spousal consent for altering beneficiary arrangements under the SEPP. Changes post-2016 do not impact these rights, but understanding these is vital for making informed decisions about pension benefits and beneficiary designations.

As an employee nearing retirement at The University of Chicago, what considerations should one keep in mind regarding taxes on pension benefits received from the SEPP? Explore the tax implications of different types of distributions and how they align with current IRS regulations for the 2024 tax year.

Tax Considerations for SEPP Benefits: SEPP distributions are taxable income. Employees must consider the tax implications of their chosen payout method—lump sum or annuities—and plan for potential tax liabilities. This understanding is crucial, especially with the plan’s benefit accrual freeze affecting the retirement timeline.

What resources are available for employees of The University of Chicago wishing to understand more about their retirement benefits under SEPP? Discuss the types of information that can be requested from the Benefits Office and highlight the contact methods for obtaining more detailed assistance.

Resources for Understanding SEPP Benefits: The University provides resources for employees to understand their SEPP benefits, including access to the Benefits Office for personalized queries. Utilizing these resources is essential for employees, especially newer ones post-2016, to fully understand their retirement benefits under the current plan structure.

How does The University of Chicago address benefits for employees upon their death, and what provisions exist for both spouses and non-spouse beneficiaries under the SEPP plan? Analyze the specific benefits and payment structures available to beneficiaries and the conditions under which these benefits are distributed.

Posthumous Benefits: The SEPP includes provisions for spouses and non-spouse beneficiaries, detailing the continuation or lump sum payments upon the death of the employee. Understanding these provisions is crucial for estate planning and ensuring financial security for beneficiaries.

What factors ensure an employee remains fully vested in their pension benefits with The University of Chicago, and how does the vesting schedule affect retirement planning strategies? Consider the implications of not fulfilling the vesting criteria and how this might influence decisions around employment tenure and retirement timing.

Vesting and Retirement Planning: Vesting in SEPP requires three years of service, with full benefits contingent on meeting this criterion. For employees navigating post-2016 changes, understanding vesting is crucial for retirement planning, particularly as no additional benefits accrue beyond the freeze date.

Discuss the impact of a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) on the SEPP benefits for employees at The University of Chicago. How do divorce or separation proceedings influence pension benefits, and what steps should employees take to ensure compliance with a QDRO?

Impact of QDROs on SEPP Benefits: SEPP complies with Qualified Domestic Relations Orders, which can allocate pension benefits to alternate payees. Understanding how QDROs affect one’s benefits is crucial for financial planning, especially in the context of marital dissolution.

How can employees at The University of Chicago, who have questions about their benefits under the SEPP plan, effectively communicate with the Benefits Office for clarity and assistance? Specify the various communication methods available for employees and what kind of information or support they can expect to receive.

Communicating with the Benefits Office: Employees can reach out to the Benefits Office via email or phone for detailed assistance on their SEPP benefits. Effective communication with this office is vital for employees to clarify their benefits status, particularly in light of the post-2016 changes to the plan.