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Navigating Sequence Risk in Retirement: Lessons and Strategies for Delta Air Lines Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Delta Air Lines: Delta Air Lines employees typically access healthcare services through a variety of providers. The specific healthcare provider network can vary by plan, but Delta often partners with major health insurance companies such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem (Elevance Health), and Cigna to offer health benefits to its employees. Brief on Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As healthcare costs continue to rise, Delta Air Lines employees should prepare for significant out-of-pocket expenses in 2026. With projections indicating that premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) policies could soar by as much as 66% in certain states, nearly 92% of marketplace enrollees could face increases of over 75% due to the expiration of federal subsidies. These factors, combined with rising medical costs and insurer profit pressures, suggest that employees may need to reassess their healthcare plans and budget accordingly, as many companies, including Delta, are likely to pass on more costs to workers. Click here to learn more

'Delta Air Lines 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.

'Delta Air Lines 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.

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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 401(k) plan offered by Delta Air Lines?

The 401(k) plan offered by Delta Air Lines is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out, helping them prepare for retirement.

How does Delta Air Lines match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Delta Air Lines offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which typically matches a percentage of the employee's contributions, up to a certain limit.

What are the eligibility requirements to participate in Delta Air Lines' 401(k) plan?

Employees of Delta Air Lines are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific period of service, which is outlined in the plan details.

Can Delta Air Lines employees change their contribution rates to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees at Delta Air Lines can change their contribution rates to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

What investment options are available in Delta Air Lines' 401(k) plan?

Delta Air Lines provides a variety of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in Delta Air Lines' 401(k) plan?

Yes, Delta Air Lines has a vesting schedule for the employer match, meaning that employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched contributions.

How can Delta Air Lines employees access their 401(k) account information?

Delta Air Lines employees can access their 401(k) account information through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

What happens to my Delta Air Lines 401(k) if I leave the company?

If you leave Delta Air Lines, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account, leaving it with Delta, or cashing it out, subject to taxes and penalties.

Are there loans available against my 401(k) at Delta Air Lines?

Yes, Delta Air Lines allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the plan.

How often can I change my investment allocations in Delta Air Lines' 401(k) plan?

Employees at Delta Air Lines can change their investment allocations in the 401(k) plan as often as they like, following the plan's guidelines.

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

Delta Air Lines provides a defined contribution 401(k) plan with company matching contributions. Employees can contribute pre-tax or Roth (after-tax) dollars, and Delta matches up to 9% of eligible compensation. The plan includes various investment options, such as target-date funds, mutual funds, and a self-directed brokerage account. Delta also offers financial planning resources and tools to help employees manage their retirement savings.

Cummins is implementing layoffs to improve operational efficiencies and meet zero-emission goals. The company has offered voluntary retirement and separation packages to eligible employees and is focused on reducing middle management roles. Despite cost-cutting measures, Cummins continues to offer a comprehensive benefits package including a 401(k) plan. Staying informed about these benefits is crucial given the current political environment

Delta Air Lines provides RSUs that vest over time, giving employees shares of the company upon meeting vesting conditions. Stock options are also available, allowing employees to buy shares at a set price.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Delta Air Lines at 1030 Delta Blvd Atlanta, GA 30320; or by calling them at (404) 715-2600.