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Navigating Sequence Risk in Retirement: Lessons and Strategies for Albertsons Employees

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Albertsons Albertsons currently maintains its healthcare benefits through various insurance providers, including major players in the marketplace such as UnitedHealthcare and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. These partnerships allow Albertsons to offer healthcare options to its employees, catering to a diverse range of medical needs and preferences. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, employees of Albertsons may face significant healthcare cost increases due to a combination of rising medical expenses and changes in insurance benefits. Many employers, including Albertsons, are anticipated to pass on greater costs to their employees by adjusting deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums, reflecting a broader trend observed across the healthcare industry. This shift is compounded by steep premium hikes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, with projections indicating that out-of-pocket costs could surge by over 75% for many individuals if federal subsidies expire. As a result, workers should be proactive in reviewing their benefits and strategizing their healthcare options to mitigate the financial impacts anticipated in the coming year. Click here to learn more

'Albertsons 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.

'Albertsons 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:

  1. Historical examples of sequence-of-returns risk and their effects on retirement income.

  2. Why the first years of retirement are most critical for portfolio sustainability.

  3. 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.

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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 is the purpose of the 401(k) plan offered by Albertsons?

The 401(k) plan offered by Albertsons is designed to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their paycheck to a tax-advantaged account.

How can I enroll in the Albertsons 401(k) plan?

You can enroll in the Albertsons 401(k) plan by visiting the employee benefits portal or contacting the HR department for assistance with the enrollment process.

Does Albertsons match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Albertsons offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees grow their retirement savings more effectively.

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

The maximum contribution limit for the Albertsons 401(k) plan is determined by IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the latest limits for the current year.

Can I change my contribution percentage to the Albertsons 401(k) plan at any time?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to the Albertsons 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's rules and guidelines.

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

The Albertsons 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

When can I access my funds from the Albertsons 401(k) plan?

Employees can access their funds from the Albertsons 401(k) plan upon reaching retirement age, or under certain circumstances such as hardship withdrawals or termination of employment.

Are there any fees associated with the Albertsons 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be fees associated with the Albertsons 401(k) plan, including administrative fees and investment management fees. Employees should review the plan documents for detailed information.

What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Albertsons?

If you leave Albertsons, you have several options for your 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account, leaving it in the plan, or cashing it out (though cashing out may incur taxes and penalties).

Does Albertsons offer financial education resources for 401(k) participants?

Yes, Albertsons provides financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings and investments.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Albertsons is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the US, offering a wide range of products and services through its extensive network of stores.
Albertsons offers stock options to eligible employees. The stock options vest over time, providing long-term incentives.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Albertsons at 250 Parkcenter Boulevard Boise, ID 83706; or by calling them at (208) 395-6200.

*Please see disclaimer for more information

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