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'Proactive retirement planning—especially around inflation, health care, and shifting tax policies—can help AT&T 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.
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for AT&T: AT&T collaborates with multiple healthcare providers to ensure its employees receive quality health coverage. One primary partner is UnitedHealthcare, which offers health plans tailored for AT&T employees. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As the landscape of healthcare evolves, AT&T employees may face significant challenges with rising healthcare costs in 2026. Experts anticipate a steep surge in premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans, with some states projecting increases exceeding 60%. This rise is largely attributed to the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and soaring medical expenses. Without action from Congress to extend these subsidies, over 22 million enrollees may see their out-of-pocket costs increase by more than 75%, making it imperative for workers to prepare financially for the coming changes. Click here to learn more
'To allay long-term financial concerns, AT&T 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.
In this article we will discuss:
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Key causes of retirement anxiety, including inflation, health care, and taxes.
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Generational differences in money concerns and readiness.
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The value of broad retirement planning approaches.
Retirement Anxiety is On The Rise
Employees across industries, including those at AT&T, 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 AT&T, 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:
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41% said cutting current spending to funnel more toward retirement
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44% said increasing retirement contributions
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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:
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Income strategies: setting up regular monthly disbursements from assets
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Tax planning: reducing tax burdens on withdrawals
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Health care planning: factoring in Medicare gaps and long‑term care
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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 AT&T 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 AT&T 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.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
AT&T offers a defined benefit pension plan with a cash balance component. The cash balance plan grows with annual interest credits and employer contributions. Employees can choose between a lump-sum payment or monthly annuities upon retirement.
Layoffs and Restructuring: AT&T is expanding its $8 billion cost-reduction program, which includes significant layoffs. The company has reduced its workforce by more than 115,000 employees over the past five years, with further cuts expected in 2024 (Sources: TechBlog, WRAL TechWire). Operational Strategy: The restructuring efforts are part of AT&T's broader strategy to improve efficiency and adapt to a maturing market. This includes collaborations with firms like Blackrock to create open-access networks, which could provide new growth opportunities (Source: TechBlog). Financial Performance: Despite these challenges, AT&T reported strong financial results in 2023, driven by growth in 5G and fiber services. Revenues from mobility and consumer wireline segments saw significant increases, reflecting the company's strategic focus on high-growth areas (Source: AT&T).
AT&T offers RSUs that vest over several years, giving employees a stake in the company's equity. They also grant stock options, allowing employees to purchase shares at a set price.
AT&T has consistently updated its healthcare benefits to address the dynamic healthcare landscape and ensure comprehensive coverage for its employees. In recent years, AT&T has focused on enhancing its wellness programs, introducing initiatives like virtual healthcare services and telemedicine, which have become increasingly important during and after the pandemic. These services provide employees with convenient access to healthcare, reducing the need for in-person visits and supporting overall health management. Additionally, AT&T has increased its focus on mental health resources, offering counseling services and stress management programs, reflecting the company's commitment to holistic employee wellness. For 2024, AT&T has made adjustments to its healthcare plans to better align with the rising costs of medical services and prescription drugs. The company has introduced higher contribution limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and has implemented more robust wellness incentives to encourage proactive health management among employees. These changes are essential in the current economic and political environment, where healthcare affordability and accessibility remain critical issues. By continuously evolving its healthcare benefits, AT&T aims to support its employees' health and financial well-being, ensuring they have the resources needed to navigate the complex healthcare landscape.
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