How Everyday Choices Impact AECOM Employees’ Paths to a Stronger Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for AECOM AECOM employees are primarily covered through its benefit partnership with UnitedHealthcare. This relationship provides comprehensive health insurance options to the workforce, including various plan structures designed to meet diverse healthcare needs. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, AECOM employees may face substantial healthcare cost increases as many large companies, including AECOM, prepare to adjust their benefit structures in response to rising medical costs. The Affordable Care Act marketplace is projected to see premium hikes exceeding 60% in some states, primarily reflecting the loss of enhanced federal subsidies. This situation has the potential to significantly raise out-of-pocket expenses for employees as employers may shift more costs onto their workforce; over half are likely to increase deductibles or out-of-pocket limits. Employees need to strategically navigate their options and familiarize themselves with upcoming benefit changes to mitigate the impact of these financial pressures. Click here to learn more

'Many AECOM employees overlook how everyday spending habits influence their long-term goals, making it important to understand how consistent financial discipline in small decisions can be just as impactful as major investment choices when preparing for retirement.'— Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'AECOM employees can strengthen their retirement outlook by recognizing that sustainable wealth often grows from steady, mindful habits rather than big financial moves,' — Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

1. The hidden cost of convenience and its impact on wealth.

2. How small savings can compound over time to strengthen retirement readiness.

3. Practical money habits that support fiscal discipline across generations.

Maintaining Your Standard of Living: Small Habits That Build Long-Term Wealth

by Brent Wolf, CPA, Wealth Enhancement

I recently spoke with a client who had carefully built significant savings through years of consistent fiscal discipline. When his children remarked that “baby boomers had it easy,” he simply replied, “We just learned to live within our means.” That mindset remains just as valuable today for AECOM employees preparing for retirement.

The Hidden Cost of Convenience

Modern conveniences can quietly erode long-term wealth. Services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub can make life easier, but research shows that delivery orders can cost between 80% and 105% more than picking up the same meal yourself. ¹  These additional costs often stem from:

• - Restaurants increasing menu prices by 20–30% for delivery app orders ²

• - Added platform service and delivery fees

• - Extra taxes layered into the total

• - Tips on top of already inflated costs

Essentially, you’re paying more for someone else to handle the task—not for a better product.

How Small Savings Compound Over Time

Choosing to cook at home or pick up meals rather than relying on delivery can save roughly $250 per week, or about $13,000 per year. ³  Over two decades, that amounts to $260,000 in cash savings. If those savings were invested and grew at a 10% annual rate, they could potentially reach $687,300. ⁴  That's a lot of savings for an incremental change, enough to substantially influence retirement readiness for many AECOM employees.

Building Better Money Habits

Reducing unnecessary spending doesn’t mean giving up what you enjoy. Consider these practical steps:

• - Call restaurants directly and pick up your meal instead of ordering through apps

• - Prepare more meals at home

• - Walk to nearby restaurants instead of paying for delivery

Long-term fiscal strength often results from steady, thoughtful habits that align with broader goals—something AECOM employees can integrate into their daily routines.

Taking the Next Step

Growth rarely comes from one major decision; it’s built through consistent, intentional behaviors. By rethinking spending habits and redirecting small savings, you can make meaningful progress toward long-term retirement goals.

The Retirement Group can help AECOM employees understand how everyday savings may support their broader strategy. To discuss how these principles can fit into your retirement planning, call (800) 900-5867 to speak with a financial professional today.

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Sources:

• 1. Bitter, Alex. “You Might Be Paying Twice as Much by Ordering Take-out Food on DoorDash or Postmates, New Study Says.”  Business Insider , 29 Jan. 2024,  www.businessinsider.com/doordash-postmates-food-delivery-costs-twice-as-much-as-pickup-2024-1 .

• 2. iOrders. ' Why Food Costs More on Uber Eats Than In-Restaurant .' April 30, 2025.

• 3. Top Nutrition Coaching. ' The Cost of Eating Out Versus Eating In by State ,' by Nicolette Star Maggiolo. 2024.

• 4. U.S. Securities and Exchance Commission. ' Compound Interest Calculator .' 

• Other Resources:

• 1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  “Consumer Price Index – September 2025.”  U.S. Dept. of Labor, 24 Oct. 2025,  www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf .

• 2. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.  Food Price Outlook: Summary Findings.  25 Sept. 2025,  ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings .