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Walgreens Boots Alliance Employees Confront the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Walgreens Boots Alliance Walgreens Boots Alliance primarily operates through its retail pharmacy network, including Walgreens and Boots pharmacies, along with a range of healthcare services. The company partners with various insurance and healthcare providers to offer accessible pharmacy services, health and wellness products, and integrated healthcare solutions aimed at enhancing patient care. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, employees of Walgreens Boots Alliance are likely to face significant increases in healthcare costs as insurance premiums for ACA marketplace plans are projected to rise sharply, in some instances exceeding 60%. With the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, many enrollees may see their out-of-pocket costs escalate by over 75%. Coupled with rising medical costs driven by inflation and increased demand for expensive treatments, employees need to be proactive in understanding their health benefits and planning accordingly to manage these anticipated financial burdens. Click here to learn more

'To allay long-term financial concerns, Walgreens Boots Alliance 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 Walgreens Boots Alliance 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 Walgreens Boots Alliance, 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 Walgreens Boots Alliance, 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 Walgreens Boots Alliance 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 Walgreens Boots Alliance 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 savings plan does Walgreens Boots Alliance offer to its employees?

Walgreens Boots Alliance offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

How can employees of Walgreens Boots Alliance enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Walgreens Boots Alliance can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the benefits department for assistance.

Does Walgreens Boots Alliance match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Walgreens Boots Alliance provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

What is the maximum employee contribution percentage allowed in the Walgreens Boots Alliance 401(k) plan?

The maximum employee contribution percentage allowed in the Walgreens Boots Alliance 401(k) plan is in line with IRS limits, which can change annually.

Are there any waiting periods for new employees to join the Walgreens Boots Alliance 401(k) plan?

Walgreens Boots Alliance typically allows new employees to join the 401(k) plan after completing a specified waiting period, usually within the first few months of employment.

Can employees of Walgreens Boots Alliance take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, employees of Walgreens Boots Alliance may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's terms.

What investment options are available within the Walgreens Boots Alliance 401(k) plan?

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

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the Walgreens Boots Alliance 401(k) plan?

Employees of Walgreens Boots Alliance can typically change their contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan’s guidelines.

What happens to the 401(k) savings if an employee leaves Walgreens Boots Alliance?

If an employee leaves Walgreens Boots Alliance, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) savings to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the savings in the plan, depending on the balance and plan rules.

Does Walgreens Boots Alliance provide educational resources to help employees understand their 401(k) options?

Yes, Walgreens Boots Alliance offers educational resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed decisions.

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

Walgreens Boots Alliance is a global leader in retail pharmacy, known for its extensive network of drugstores and health and wellness services.

Walgreens Boots Alliance provides RSUs to certain employees. These RSUs vest over time, encouraging employee retention.