'Proactive retirement planning—especially around inflation, health care, and shifting tax policies—can help Welltower 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.
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Welltower Welltower Inc., a leading provider in the healthcare real estate sector, partners with various healthcare service providers, including senior housing operators, post-acute care facilities, and health systems. The company focuses on investing in properties that accommodate the healthcare needs of an aging population, ensuring that it collaborates effectively with top-tier operators to enhance care quality and access. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As 2026 approaches, health insurance premiums, particularly those tied to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), are projected to surge dramatically, potentially rising by 75% for many enrollees. Factors contributing to this steep escalation include the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and escalating medical costs, with certain states experiencing increases exceeding 60%. For Welltower employees and retirees utilizing ACA coverage, these looming hikes necessitate strategic financial planning to mitigate the impact on personal budgets and healthcare access in the coming year. Click here to learn more
'To allay long-term financial concerns, Welltower 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.
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 Welltower, 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 Welltower, 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 Welltower 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:
Loading...
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
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 Welltower 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 Welltower offer to its employees?
Welltower offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
Does Welltower provide any matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Welltower provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
How can employees enroll in Welltower's 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in Welltower's 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What are the eligibility requirements to participate in Welltower's 401(k) plan?
Employees must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as age and length of service, to participate in Welltower's 401(k) plan.
Can Welltower employees make changes to their 401(k) contributions?
Yes, Welltower employees can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to plan rules.
What investment options are available in Welltower's 401(k) plan?
Welltower's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Does Welltower allow employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Welltower allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
What is the vesting schedule for Welltower's 401(k) matching contributions?
Welltower has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own those contributions.
How often can Welltower employees review their 401(k) account statements?
Welltower employees can review their 401(k) account statements quarterly, providing them with regular updates on their retirement savings.
Is there a way for Welltower employees to access financial advice regarding their 401(k) plan?
Yes, Welltower provides access to financial advisors who can help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) investments.
-2.png?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(52)-2.png)
.webp?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(27).webp)
-2.png)
.webp)