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Yum Brands Employees Confront the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Yum Brands employs Cigna Healthcare as their healthcare provider, offering various health insurance plans and services to their employees. As we look towards 2026, healthcare costs are anticipated to rise significantly across the United States, with some states projecting ACA marketplace health insurance premiums to increase by more than 60%. Factors contributing to this trend include the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and escalating medical costs, with many insurers citing an average medical trend increase of 7% to 10%. This combination could lead to substantial out-of-pocket expenses for thousands of employees, including those at Yum Brands, as they face the looming specter of higher premiums and reduced financial assistance. It's essential for employees to prepare by evaluating their healthcare options carefully and considering their financial situation. Click here to learn more

'To allay long-term financial concerns, Yum Brands 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 Yum Brands 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 Yum Brands, 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 Yum Brands, 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 Yum Brands 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 Yum Brands 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 is the 401(k) plan offered by Yum Brands?

The 401(k) plan at Yum Brands is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

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

Yes, Yum Brands offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What are the eligibility requirements for participating in Yum Brands' 401(k) plan?

Employees of Yum Brands are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically within the first year of employment.

How can Yum Brands employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Yum Brands employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the Human Resources department for assistance.

What investment options are available in the Yum Brands 401(k) plan?

The Yum Brands 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

Can Yum Brands employees change their contribution percentage for the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Yum Brands employees can change their contribution percentage at any time, allowing them to adjust their savings according to their financial situation.

What is the vesting schedule for Yum Brands' 401(k) matching contributions?

The vesting schedule for Yum Brands' 401(k) matching contributions typically follows a graded vesting schedule, meaning employees earn ownership of the match over a period of time.

Are there any fees associated with Yum Brands' 401(k) plan?

Yes, Yum Brands' 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents provided to employees.

How often can Yum Brands employees access their 401(k) account statements?

Yum Brands employees can access their 401(k) account statements quarterly through the plan’s online portal.

What happens to Yum Brands employees' 401(k) accounts if they leave the company?

If Yum Brands employees leave the company, they can either roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, leave it in the Yum Brands plan (if eligible), or cash it out, subject to taxes and penalties.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Yum Brands at 1900 Colonel Sanders Ln. Louisville, KY 40213; or by calling them at 502-874-8300.