2026 Financial Guidance December 2025 About Us ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS) is a 100-percent regulated natural gas utility and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States. ONE Gas provides natural gas distribution services to approximately 2.3 million customers in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Its largest natural gas distribution markets by customer count are Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma; Kansas City, Wichita and Topeka, Kansas; and Austin and El Paso, Texas. We deliver natural gas for ...

Core Insights - Most Americans plan to retire at age 64, expecting to spend about 22 years in retirement, raising concerns about the sustainability of their savings [1] Group 1: Retirement Planning Strategies - A significant portion of U.S. investors (64%) believe the first step to ensure retirement security is to save more and live frugally [3] - Saving more can involve increasing contributions to retirement plans and dedicating half of any salary increase to savings [4] - Living frugally may require individuals to practice their retirement lifestyle now by reducing discretionary spending [5] Group 2: Importance of Financial Planning - Having a long-term financial plan is crucial to avoid outliving savings, with emphasis on starting this planning early [6] - Investors can approach planning by either outlining savings steps to reach a target amount or determining needed savings and working backward [7]

Core Insights - The article discusses the financial implications of choosing between mortgage debt and savings over a 30-year period, highlighting the stark differences in outcomes based on these financial decisions [1][2][4]. Group 1: Mortgage Debt Analysis - In 2025, approximately 345 million families in China are expected to carry mortgage debt, with an average loan amount of 957,000 yuan, indicating a significant financial burden on households [1]. - Assuming a 3.8% interest rate for a 30-year mortgage, a loan of 1 million yuan results in a total repayment of approximately 1.6744 million yuan, including 674,000 yuan in interest, which is akin to purchasing an additional two-thirds of a property [1]. - The monthly mortgage payment of about 4,651 yuan constitutes nearly 40% of the average monthly income of 11,562 yuan, exceeding the recommended threshold of 30% [1][2]. Group 2: Savings Analysis - If the same 1 million yuan is saved in a bank at an average interest rate of 4.2% over 30 years, the total amount would grow to approximately 3.4322 million yuan, yielding a net profit of 2.4322 million yuan [2]. - Savings provide greater liquidity and flexibility compared to mortgage repayment, allowing for quick access to funds in emergencies, while early mortgage repayment can be cumbersome and costly [2]. Group 3: Real Estate vs. Inflation - Real estate has the potential for appreciation, with property values in major Chinese cities increasing over 15 times in the past 30 years, suggesting that a 1 million yuan investment in property could exceed 3 million yuan in value after 30 years, contingent on a healthy real estate market [4]. - However, inflation poses a risk to savings, with an average inflation rate of 2.3% over the past decade potentially reducing the purchasing power of 1 million yuan to about 502,000 yuan in 30 years [4]. Group 4: Broader Investment Opportunities - Beyond mortgages and savings, diversifying investments can yield higher returns, with stock market average annual returns around 8%, high-quality bond funds at approximately 5%, and some private equity investments potentially reaching 15% [5]. - A well-structured asset allocation could significantly increase the value of the initial 1 million yuan investment over 30 years, potentially reaching tens of millions [5]. Group 5: Lifestyle and Financial Planning - The choice between mortgage and savings ultimately depends on individual lifestyle preferences and risk tolerance, emphasizing the importance of rational long-term financial planning and debt management [7]. - The emotional and psychological benefits of homeownership, such as security and a sense of belonging, are intangible values that financial calculations may not fully capture [8].