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

Navigating Sequence Risk in Retirement: Lessons and Strategies for Acushnet Holdings Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Provides medical, dental, vision, and mental health coverage, plus concierge services, wellness apps, and fertility support through Maven 4. With ACA premiums rising, Acushnets holistic and tech-integrated benefits offer employees a more personalized and affordable healthcare experience. Click here to learn more

'Acushnet Holdings employees approaching retirement should recognize that the sequence of market returns in their early years can influence the longevity of their income far more than the average return itself, making disciplined withdrawal strategies and diversified income planning essential.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Acushnet Holdings employees nearing retirement can benefit from understanding how market downturns early in retirement may have lasting effects, and from adopting flexible, research-based withdrawal and allocation strategies to help sustain their income over time.' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

Historical examples of sequence-of-returns risk and their effects on retirement income.
Why the first years of retirement are most critical for portfolio sustainability.
Research‑backed strategies for managing sequence risk and supporting long‑term retirement goals.

Contributed by Paul Bergeron and Brent Wolf of Wealth Enhancement

For Fortune 500 employees approaching retirement, recognizing the timing of returns—not just the average return—can be critical to keeping income going over the long term. This concept, known as sequence-of‑returns risk, shows how poor early market performance in retirement can have a lasting impact on a withdrawal plan, even if long-term averages seem strong. Historical market data provides clear examples of this risk and offers practical methods for responding to it.

Historical examples of sequence risk

Fortune 500 retirees entering retirement during tough market cycles face situations similar to the declines seen in the late 1960s, when the market hit two bear markets (1968–70 and 1973–74) alongside high inflation. The S&P 500 dropped roughly 48% during the 1973–74 bear market, compounding inflation-related difficulties. ¹ Likewise, those retiring in 2000 endured two severe bear markets in the decade, while 2022 proved one of the toughest years for balanced portfolios, with sharp drops in both U.S. stocks and high-quality bonds.

Why the early years matter most

For a Fortune 500 retiree, significant losses in the first five to ten years of retirement—combined with regular withdrawals—can shrink the number of shares left to rebound when markets recover. Academic studies and industry research repeatedly show that even with the same average return, the order of gains and losses plays a huge role in retirement outcomes.

Research-backed strategies to manage sequence risk

One effective method for Fortune 500 retirees is keeping a mix of asset types to help weather downturns. Cash and bonds can act as “shock absorbers” for immediate expenses, reducing the need to sell stocks during market dips. Flexible withdrawal approaches—such as adjusting withdrawals within set guardrails—have been shown to support portfolio longevity better than fixed-dollar withdrawal methods.

Staging risk in a retirement portfolio—by holding one to two years of expenses in cash-like assets and several years in short‑ to intermediate‑term bonds—may give equities time to recover before they're tapped for income. For some Fortune 500 retirees, delaying income sources like Social Security can help raise total lifetime income and lessen the need to tap investments during volatile times. Thoughtful rebalancing and managing tax lots, especially during downturns, can also help maintain equity exposure and extend portfolio lifespan.

Implications for retirement planning

While higher stock allocations may offer greater long-term growth potential, they also increase sequence risk in early retirement for Fortune 500 workers. Historically, balanced portfolios—often with 30% to 50% equities for income-focused funds—have supported more resilient initial withdrawal rates compared to all-stock strategies. ² Strong early-market results can set up long-term success, but disciplined spending limits, guardrails, and rebalancing remain key.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1.The New York Times. ' What Happens When Stock Markets Become Bears ,' by William Davis, Karl Russell, and Stephen Gandel. 13 June 2022.

2. Vanguard UK. ' Sustainable Spending Rates in Turbulent Markets ,' by Daga, Ankul, et al. Mar. 2021, pp. 1–7.

Other Resources:

1. Guyton, Jonathan T., and William J. Klinger. “ Decision Rules and Maximum Initial Withdrawal Rates .” Journal of Financial Planning , vol. 19, no. 3, Mar. 2006, pp. 48–50, 52–54, 56–58. Financial Planning Association.

2. “ Timeline of U.S. Stock Market Crashes .” Investopedia , 30 Oct. 2024, section “The 1973–74 Oil Crisis Bear Market.”

3. ' When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits. ' Social Security Administration, Pub. No. 05-10147, May 2024, pp. 1–2.

4. Arnott, Amy C., CFA, and Ivanna Hampton. “ Why More Diversification Doesn’t Mean Better Returns .” Morningstar , 7 June 2024.

What type of retirement plan does Acushnet Holdings offer to its employees?

Acushnet Holdings offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Is the 401(k) plan at Acushnet Holdings available to all employees?

Yes, the 401(k) plan at Acushnet Holdings is available to all eligible employees.

Does Acushnet Holdings provide any employer matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Acushnet Holdings provides employer matching contributions to help employees save for retirement.

How can employees at Acushnet Holdings enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Acushnet Holdings can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What is the vesting schedule for employer contributions in the Acushnet Holdings 401(k) plan?

The vesting schedule for employer contributions in the Acushnet Holdings 401(k) plan typically follows a standard schedule, which employees can review in the plan documents.

Can employees at Acushnet Holdings take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, employees at Acushnet Holdings may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's terms.

What investment options are available in the Acushnet Holdings 401(k) plan?

The Acushnet Holdings 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds.

How often can employees at Acushnet Holdings change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Employees at Acushnet Holdings can typically change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to plan rules.

Does Acushnet Holdings offer financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Acushnet Holdings provides financial education resources to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the Acushnet Holdings 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the Acushnet Holdings 401(k) plan aligns with IRS guidelines, which are updated annually.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Name of Pension Plan: Acushnet Holdings does not appear to have a traditional defined benefit pension plan based on available data. Pension Formula: Not applicable, as no defined benefit plan is identified. Years of Service and Age Qualification: Since Acushnet Holdings does not seem to offer a traditional pension plan, specific criteria for years of service and age qualification are not applicable. Name of 401(k) Plan: Acushnet Holdings 401(k) Plan Eligibility Criteria: Employees: Generally, full-time employees are eligible. Enrollment: Employees can typically enroll after completing a specified period of service, often 30 days.

News: In 2023, Acushnet Holdings, the parent company of Titleist and FootJoy, announced a restructuring initiative as part of its ongoing efforts to optimize its operations and respond to changing market conditions. The company indicated that this restructuring would involve adjustments to its workforce and potential changes to employee benefits. This move was influenced by broader economic uncertainties and shifting consumer preferences, which required the company to realign its resources for improved efficiency.

Acushnet Holdings offers stock options and RSUs to its employees as part of its compensation package. According to the 2022 10-K filing, stock options are primarily available to executives and key employees, with specific vesting schedules outlined in the company's equity incentive plan. RSUs are granted to various levels of employees, with vesting typically over a multi-year period.

Check reputable business and news sites such as Bloomberg, Reuters, and Forbes for recent articles or updates on Acushnet Holdings' employee health benefits. Financial and Industry Reports Look at financial news platforms or industry-specific reports that might discuss employee benefits as part of broader company performance or industry trends. Employee Review Sites Websites like Glassdoor or Indeed often contain reviews from employees that might include information about health benefits. Professional Networks Sites like LinkedIn or industry-specific forums might have discussions or posts about recent changes in employee benefits. Summary of Search Results for Acushnet Holdings 1. Official Website: Acushnet Holdings: The official site may offer information under sections like "Careers" or "Employee Benefits". Look for detailed descriptions of health insurance options, wellness programs, and any recent updates. 2. Reliable News Sources: Check Bloomberg, Reuters, and Forbes for articles related to Acushnet Holdings' employee health benefits. Look for any reports or news that highlight changes or updates in their health benefits offerings. 3. Financial and Industry Reports: Review industry reports from sources like MarketWatch or industry-specific publications that might provide insights into employee benefits as part of company performance or industry trends. 4. Employee Review Sites: Search on Glassdoor and Indeed for employee reviews that mention health benefits. Pay attention to reviews from recent years to capture any changes in benefits. 5. Professional Networks: Look for posts or discussions on LinkedIn or industry forums regarding Acushnet Holdings’ employee benefits. Key Healthcare-Related Terms and Acronyms to Look For HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan) FSA (Flexible Spending Account) HSA (Health Savings Account) EAP (Employee Assistance Program) COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) Recent Employee Healthcare News for Acushnet Holdings Search for any recent news affecting employee health benefits, such as policy changes, new wellness initiatives, or adjustments to health plans. I’ll proceed with these searches and provide a detailed summary of the findings.

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Acushnet Holdings employees

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Acushnet Holdings at 333 Bridge Street, Fairhaven, MA 2719; or by calling them at (508) 979-2000.