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

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'DoorDash 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.

'DoorDash 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 DoorDash?

The 401(k) plan at DoorDash is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for their future by contributing a portion of their salary before taxes.

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

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

How can DoorDash employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?

DoorDash employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the employee benefits portal during the enrollment period or after they become eligible.

What are the eligibility requirements for DoorDash's 401(k) plan?

To be eligible for DoorDash's 401(k) plan, employees typically need to meet certain criteria, such as being a full-time employee and reaching a specific duration of employment.

Can DoorDash employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, DoorDash employees can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at any time through the employee benefits portal.

What investment options are available in DoorDash's 401(k) plan?

DoorDash's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles tailored to different risk levels.

Is there a vesting schedule for DoorDash's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, DoorDash has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.

How can DoorDash employees access their 401(k) account information?

DoorDash employees can access their 401(k) account information online through the designated retirement plan administrator's website.

What happens to a DoorDash employee's 401(k) if they leave the company?

If a DoorDash employee leaves the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to a new employer's plan, an IRA, or cash out, subject to tax implications.

Are there any fees associated with DoorDash's 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related expenses associated with DoorDash's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

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

I found information about DoorDash's employee benefits, including details on their 401(k) plan. DoorDash provides a 401(k) plan for its employees, which includes a matching contribution of 2% of the employee's salary. However, DoorDash does not offer a traditional pension plan. The 401(k) plan is the primary retirement savings vehicle, and employees are eligible to participate once they meet specific criteria, typically after one year of service. The sources reviewed did not provide a detailed pension formula or specific company acronyms related to retirement plans, as DoorDash seems to focus more on its 401(k) offerings rather than traditional pension plans. The information was gathered from DoorDash's official resources and employee reviews on benefits websites

In 2023, DoorDash announced layoffs affecting approximately 1,250 employees as part of cost-cutting measures due to economic challenges. The severance package includes 17 weeks of pay and extended health benefits. Additionally, DoorDash is piloting a portable benefits savings program to help workers manage health insurance and emergency savings, indicating shifts in how the company approaches employee benefits. This restructuring reflects broader economic pressures, highlighting the need for companies to adapt their financial strategies amid changing market conditions.

For DoorDash, the company offers both stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to employees as part of their compensation packages. The company's stock options are often granted with a four-year vesting schedule, and the RSUs generally vest over a similar period. Eligibility for these stock options and RSUs is typically limited to full-time employees, including executive-level positions. In 2022, DoorDash continued to offer these benefits, with notable grants to key executives. The same trend persisted in 2023 and 2024, with some adjustments to the vesting schedules and the value of the stock options and RSUs reflecting the company's stock performance during these years.

Health Insurance Stipends: Under California's Proposition 22, DoorDash provides healthcare stipends to qualifying Dashers based on their active hours. For instance, those averaging 15 to 25 active hours per week receive $735 per quarter, while those exceeding 25 hours receive $1,470. This stipend is part of their effort to ensure that Dashers can access health insurance despite being classified as independent contractors. Portable Benefits Program: In 2024, DoorDash launched a pilot program in Pennsylvania, introducing a portable benefits savings plan. This program allows eligible Dashers to allocate a portion of their earnings toward health insurance, retirement savings, and paid time off. The portability of these benefits is designed to cater to the flexible nature of gig work, ensuring that workers can maintain their benefits even as they move between jobs. Merchant Health Benefits Initiative: DoorDash has also expanded its focus on healthcare benefits for employees of its restaurant partners. The "Merchant Benefits & Discounts" program, launched recently, offers discounted healthcare, mental health services, and other resources to small businesses. This initiative is aimed at helping restaurants attract and retain staff by providing access to affordable benefits typically available only to larger companies. Collaboration with Stride Health: DoorDash has partnered with Stride Health to assist Dashers in selecting and managing their health insurance plans. This collaboration ensures that Dashers have access to personalized healthcare options that fit their needs, further supporting their independent contractor workforce with essential benefits.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for DoorDash at 303 2nd St, Suite 800 San Francisco, CA 94107; or by calling them at (855) 973-1040.

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