New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

The Five Biggest Stealth Costs in Retirement for Tempur Sealy International Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Tempur Sealy International Tempur Sealy International typically utilizes a range of health insurance providers for employee healthcare benefits, including major national insurers such as UnitedHealthcare and Anthem. These partnerships allow the company to offer various health plans to employees, which may include options under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. --- Potential Healthcare Cost Increases for Tempur Sealy International in 2026 As the healthcare landscape shifts heading into 2026, Tempur Sealy International employees and retirees may face significant premium hikes due to the expected expiration of enhanced ACA premium subsidies. Many insurers are projecting rate increases averaging over 20%, with some states seeing hikes approaching 66%. This reduction in federal assistance could lead to out-of-pocket costs for policyholders soaring by as much as 75%, emphasizing the urgency for individuals to evaluate and adapt their healthcare strategies proactively in anticipation of these rising expenses. As medical inflation continues to escalate, employees must remain vigilant in managing their healthcare expenditures to avoid potential financial strain. Click here to learn more

'Tempur Sealy International employees must remain vigilant about hidden costs in retirement, as unexpected expenses like health care, taxes, and inflation can have a real impact on their long-term financial well-being. Proactive planning and budgeting for these stealth expenses can provide much-needed peace of mind as they enter retirement.' – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Tempur Sealy International retirees often underestimate the impact of inflation and unexpected medical costs on their retirement savings. By planning for these stealth expenses and adjusting their budgets accordingly, they may avoid unnecessary financial strain and maintain a comfortable lifestyle throughout retirement.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

The five most common stealth expenses in retirement, including health care, taxes, emergencies, family-related expenses, and inflation.
The impact of inflation and unexpected costs on Tempur Sealy International retirees.
Strategies to reduce the burden of stealth expenses through proactive planning and saving.

Many Tempur Sealy International employees concentrate on budgeting and income management while making retirement plans. While this is crucial, planning for hidden or stealth costs—unexpected expenses that can occur and negatively impact finances—is often overlooked. Even with a well-thought-out budget, retirees may find themselves caught off guard by these expenses, leading to unnecessary stress.

Unexpected expenses are a significant factor in 43% of retirees feeling more financially worried than before retirement, according to a recent study by TheSeniorList.com. ¹ Many Tempur Sealy International retirees realize that they are unprepared for the hidden costs that emerge once they leave employment, despite saving substantial amounts for retirement. While $1.26 million is considered an ideal amount to retire comfortably, ² many Tempur Sealy International employees haven’t reached this target, making them vulnerable to unanticipated costs that could derail their financial plans.

“Tempur Sealy International retirees and pre-retirees recognize the imperative to plan for unforeseen financial events, but they often struggle to put aside sufficient funds to do so,” says Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement. The current high rate of inflation is making it more challenging for investments and savings to keep up with rising prices, exacerbating the issue. Notably, 20% of retirees and 35% of pre-retirees say they experienced a financial shock that caused them to lose more than 25% of their assets, according to the Retirement Risk Survey conducted by the Society of Actuaries (SOA) Research Institute. ³ This underscores the importance of addressing hidden expenses in retirement.

To help prevent financial strain, Tempur Sealy International retirees should prepare for and anticipate the five most common stealth expenses listed below.

Health Care Expenses

Tempur Sealy International retirees are often surprised by the full cost of health care, despite it being a known expense. Unexpected medical expenses, especially for serious or chronic conditions, can become a significant financial burden. 'Putting numbers around the potential cost of unexpected medical crisis is notoriously challenging, and even chronic health issues are hard to estimate, especially if they last longer than expected,' says Patrick Ray, a financial advisor at The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement. The price of medical care might vary greatly. A hospital stay of two nights could cost about $20,000, but a longer stay or a serious illness could easily exceed $100,000. ⁴

Even for those with insurance, medical bills are a common source of hidden costs. Tempur Sealy International retirees may need to cover a significant portion of medical expenses due to escalating insurance premiums, co-pays, and deductibles. By confirming they have adequate insurance coverage, including supplemental insurance for unforeseen medical costs, retirees can manage these expenses more effectively. Home insurance can also provide additional financial support for unexpected costs, such as an injury on the property.

Taxes

Taxes do not disappear in retirement, despite what many retirees may assume. Many Tempur Sealy International retirees believe they won’t need to pay taxes once they stop working. However, this is rarely the case, especially for those with multiple income sources. 'Although many retirees no longer earn a salary, they still receive income from an array of sources, such as employer-sponsored plans, savings and investments, and Social Security,' says Kevin Won, a financial advisor with The Retirement Group.

Depending on its source, retirement income may be taxed differently. For example, distributions from retirement accounts like IRAs and 401ks are taxable, and Social Security benefits may be taxed if a retiree's income surpasses certain thresholds. Taxes on investment income can complicate retirement planning. Tempur Sealy International retirees can save on taxes by using strategic asset placement and planning.

Emergencies

Emergencies are an inevitable aspect of life, and their unpredictability makes them especially challenging to prepare for. These emergencies can include anything from car repairs and home maintenance to unanticipated legal or family medical expenses. Neva Bradley, a financial advisor at The Retirement Group, emphasizes the importance of putting money aside for these situations. On a fixed income, she explains, 'retirees who don't put funds aside for emergencies risk facing unexpected expenses that could reduce their monthly income, making it harder to cover necessary costs.'

Tempur Sealy International retirees can manage these unexpected costs by maintaining a separate emergency savings fund. It is important to set aside a percentage of funds specifically for emergencies, so retirees can cover expenses without having to dip into their primary retirement savings or return to work.

Family Emergencies

Financial emergencies involving family members can also be a significant hidden expense in retirement. Many retirees, including those at Tempur Sealy International, want to help their adult children or grandchildren during difficult times. Helping adult children in a crisis or contributing to grandchildren’s college tuition could cost up to $20,000 per year or more for tuition alone.

Major family events, such as the death of a spouse, can also create high expenses. For instance, typical funerals cost between $7,000 and $12,000, ⁵ and there may also be legal fees to settle the estate, which can range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more. ⁶ Financial advisor Kevin Won stresses the importance of planning for these expenses. “Retirees who want to help family members through tough times should think through how they plan to cover those costs,” he says.

Costs Associated with Inflation

Inflation is one of the most common and unpredictable expenses in retirement. Many Tempur Sealy International retirees aren’t prepared for their purchasing power to slowly decrease. Inflation can significantly erode the value of retirement funds, making it harder to maintain your desired lifestyle. 'Inflation isn't something you can control, but it is something you can plan for,' says Kevin Won. This begins by understanding how inflation could erode your purchasing power over time. For instance, investments of $50,000 annually today would notionally need to grow to $90,000 in 20 years to maintain the same purchasing power.

Inflation impacts every aspect of life, from housing and health care to food and transportation. Inflation and the cost of living were cited by 28% of retirees as the most unexpected aspect of their retirement planning, slightly surpassing the 27% who mentioned medical and health care costs, according to the SeniorList survey. Tempur Sealy International retirees living in older homes or regions susceptible to natural disasters may also face additional costs for repairs or insurance.

Three Strategies to Reduce Retirement Stealth Expenses

Fortunately, Tempur Sealy International retirees can take steps to prepare for and reduce the burden of these hidden costs.

Create a 'Stealth' Annual Budget

One practical approach is to create an annual budget specifically for stealth expenses. By planning in advance, Tempur Sealy International retirees can minimize the stress of dealing with unforeseen bills, which many mistakenly treat as emergencies. Neva Bradley advises, 'Budget for these expenses annually.' Regular retirement budgeting should include costs such as car updates or appliance replacements.

Delay Retirement

Delaying retirement by even a few months or years can help enhance a retiree's financial situation. Continuing to work allows retirees to save more, avoid early withdrawals from retirement accounts, and let investments grow. Neva Bradley recommends that Tempur Sealy International retirees 'push back retirement for as long as practical' to strengthen their financial position.

Put the Money Away Early

One of the most effective ways to prepare for unforeseen expenses is to start saving for retirement as early as possible. Paul Bergeron from The Retirement Group suggests using health savings accounts (HSAs) to save for future medical costs. 'Health care costs are on the rise and often exceed what retirees anticipate. An HSA can help,' he notes. Even without an HSA, Tempur Sealy International retirees should prioritize saving for medical expenses to cover co-pays, co-insurance, and uncovered health care costs that can quickly add up.

In Conclusion

Hidden costs, such as health care, taxes, emergencies, family-related expenses, and inflation, can significantly affect Tempur Sealy International retirees’ financial well-being. While these expenses are often unforeseen, retirees can take proactive steps to plan for them. By budgeting for unexpected costs annually, delaying retirement, and saving strategically, Tempur Sealy International retirees can alleviate the financial strain brought on by stealth expenses and craft a comfortable retirement.

The soaring expense of long-term care, often not fully covered by health insurance, is a major concern for retirees. Those who are currently 65 have almost a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care services in the future. ⁷ Planning ahead for these costs, whether through insurance or savings, is crucial for safeguarding retirement income.