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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Walmart Walmart primarily collaborates with UnitedHealthcare, managing health benefits for its employees and offering various health insurance plans. This partnership provides coverage options that cater to the diverse needs of Walmart's workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 With the anticipated expiration of enhanced federal ACA premium subsidies, Walmart employees may face significant healthcare cost increases in 2026. Reports indicate that several states could experience hikes exceeding 60%, driven by rising medical expenses and aggressive rate proposals from major insurers. As a result, approximately 92% of marketplace enrollees could see their out-of-pocket premiums surging by over 75%, substantially impacting affordability and necessitating careful evaluation of employer-sponsored and marketplace options to mitigate these financial challenges., 'sources': [], 'images': [] Click here to learn more

'To allay long-term financial concerns, Walmart 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 Walmart 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 Walmart, 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 Walmart, 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 Walmart 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 Walmart 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 Walmart offer to its employees?

Walmart offers a 401(k) savings plan to help employees save for retirement.

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

Yes, Walmart provides a company match on employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, up to a certain percentage.

What is the eligibility requirement for Walmart employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

Walmart employees are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.

Can Walmart employees choose how much to contribute to their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Walmart employees can choose to contribute a percentage of their salary to their 401(k) plan, within IRS limits.

What investment options are available in Walmart's 401(k) plan?

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

How can Walmart employees access their 401(k) account information?

Walmart employees can access their 401(k) account information online through the designated retirement plan website.

Is there a vesting period for the company match in Walmart's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Walmart has a vesting schedule for the company match, meaning employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matched funds.

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

Yes, Walmart allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What happens to Walmart employees' 401(k) savings if they leave the company?

If Walmart employees leave the company, they can roll over their 401(k) savings into another retirement account or withdraw the funds, subject to taxes and penalties.

Does Walmart provide financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Walmart offers financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.

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

Walmart offers a 401(k) plan with a company match of 100% on the first 6% of eligible pay contributed by employees. The plan features a range of investment options, including target-date funds and mutual funds. Employees can also take advantage of financial education and retirement planning resources. Additionally, Walmart provides an Associate Stock Purchase Plan with company match contributions to help employees build their retirement savings.

Walmart offers RSUs that vest over a specified period, converting into shares upon vesting. Stock options are also available, allowing employees to purchase shares at a fixed price.