Why Brinker International Employees Can Benefit from a Written Financial Plan

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Brinker International Brinker International, the parent company of restaurant chains such as Chili's and Maggiano's, provides health benefits to its employees through multiple national health insurance carriers. The primary healthcare provider used by Brinker International for its employee benefits is typically Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, along with other regional insurers depending on the specific needs and locations of their workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, Brinker International and its employees face substantial challenges in healthcare costs. Record hikes in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums are projected, with insurers across states seeking increases that could surpass 60%. The expected expiration of enhanced federal subsidies will contribute to a significant rise in out-of-pocket expenses for numerous employees, with many anticipating an average increase of over 75% in their monthly premiums. Coupled with ongoing inflation in medical costs, these developments place additional financial burdens on both employers and employees, making strategic planning for healthcare needs more crucial than ever. Click here to learn more

'Brinker International employees who take the time to create a written retirement plan often move from uncertainty to clarity, using a structured approach to transform savings into a foundation for long-term stability.' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Given the complex retirement decisions Brinker International employees face, having a written financial plan can provide the structure needed to effectively coordinate income, taxes, and benefits for long-term confidence.' – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

1. The importance of having a written financial plan for retirement.

2. Generational and demographic gaps in retirement planning.

3. Strategies for managing taxes, risks, and income during retirement.

The Importance of a Written Financial Plan 

One of the most important life changes is retirement, but many Americans enter this phase without a clear plan. A financial plan is much more than just a set of figures; it's a strategy that can help turn savings into steady income, account for possible risks, and establish a framework to payfor both anticipated and unforeseen costs. Even careful savers at Brinker International run the risk of depleting their funds too soon, paying needless taxes, or taking rash actions that could undermine their long-term stability in the absence of such a strategy.

Yet, despite the critical role of financial planning, research from the Allianz Life 2025 Annual Retirement Study shows that 47% of Americans lack a formal financial plan. ¹  Many people regularly make contributions to retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs, so this deficit is not the result of a lack of involvement in savings programs. Instead, it represents a general lack of clarity over how to turn saved money into a practical plan. The poll found that 59% of Americans admit they don't know what else they should be doing outside of making contributions to retirement accounts. ¹  This uncertainty applies to Brinker International workers as well, just when a methodical approach is most needed.

What the Information Shows

The gap between generations.  Forty-two percent of Millennials lack a documented plan. As people age, the problem gets worse; 54% of Baby Boomers and 55% of Generation X say they don't have a written approach. ¹  Given that Gen Xers and Boomers are either in or nearing retirement, where the lack of a plan can have serious and immediate repercussions, this is especially concerning and should form a warning for those nearing the end of their careers at Brinker International.

Racial division.  Different demographic groupings also exhibit planning gaps. Compared to 51% of Black/African American respondents, 41% of Hispanic respondents, and 56% of Asian/Asian American respondents, around 46% of White respondents do not have a documented strategy. ¹  These numbers demonstrate the need for more focused financial outreach and education to help address inequalities and offer useful guidance to all.

Additionally, confidence in one's preparedness for retirement is still fragile. Just 45% of Americans say they are aware of how they will turn their retirement assets into income. Furthermore, 53% think that having a retirement account is 'enough.' ¹  Many people are ill-prepared for important factors such as tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, steady income streams, and ways to handle inflation or market volatility. This misplaced confidence has clear implications for Brinker International employees considering their retirement future.

How Written Plans Help

A financial plan offers several benefits that can help strengthen long-term stability:

• Making money from savings.  A written plan can help retirees lower the risk of outliving their resources by establishing organized withdrawal techniques that balance lifespan and income demands.

• Risk management.  Inflation, growing medical expenses, and unforeseen market downturns can all be accounted for with holistic planning.

• Efficiency in taxes.  Over time, coordinating withdrawals across several account types can help mitigate taxes and preserve resources.

• Confidence and clarity.  A plan gives clarity and specific steps to reduce ambiguity, limit emotional decision-making, and build peace of mind.

These advantages are especially relevant for Brinker International employees who may have multiple retirement account options and benefits to coordinate.

A Chance for Guidance

Lack of planning is more a sign of a lack of direction than unwillingness. While many people save money, not all understand how to move from sporadic contributions to a long-term financial plan. This underscores the importance of working with financial planners who can provide guidance, assisting investors—including those from Brinker International—to navigate difficult choices regarding income, taxes, and long-term stability.

A written strategy is more than just reaching a certain financial goal. It involves creating an income route that is flexible enough to adjust to changing life situations. The existence of a written plan frequently makes the difference between doubt and confidence for people starting or already in retirement.

In Conclusion

The information is clear. The majority of Americans are still unsure of how to turn savings into steady income, and over half do not have a formal financial plan. ¹  In a time when taxes, inflation, and medical expenses continue to influence financial choices, organized planning is more important than ever. Whether a strategy is committed to writing often makes the difference between long-term stability and ongoing financial concern. Brinker International retirees can better position themselves to manage risks, coordinate resources, and maintain financial independence during retirement by developing a clear, flexible plan.

In March 2025, the T. Rowe Price Retirement Savings and Spending Study also found that 62.5% of respondents with a formal written plan reported feeling more confident about their financial outlook than those without one. ²  Maintaining and updating a written financial plan on a regular basis can help enhance confidence and reduce financial stress.

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Sources:

1. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. ' How Americans feel about retirement in 2025 ,' June 2025.

2. T. Rowe Price, ' Survey reveals the rising importance of financial planning at retirement ,' March 20, 2025.