How Everyday Choices Impact McDonald's Employees’ Paths to a Stronger Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for McDonald's The primary healthcare provider for McDonald's employees is typically managed through a selection of options that may include national insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cigna, among others. Specific plans may vary based on location and the individual employment terms negotiated by the company. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 Anticipated healthcare costs for McDonald's employees are expected to see significant increases in 2026. With health insurance premiums projected to rise sharply-some states potentially exceeding a staggering 60%-the loss of enhanced federal subsidies plays a critical role. If these subsidies expire as scheduled, around 92% of ACA marketplace enrollees, including McDonald's workers, could face increases in out-of-pocket premiums by over 75%, putting substantial strain on household budgets and access to affordable healthcare. This combination of rising medical costs and diminished financial support underscores the pressing need for effective financial planning and proactive healthcare management strategies among employees. Click here to learn more

'Many McDonald's 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.

'McDonald's 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 McDonald's 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 McDonald's 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 McDonald's 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 McDonald's 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.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

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 .