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Navigating Sequence Risk in Retirement: Lessons and Strategies for D.R. Horton Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for D.R. Horton D.R. Horton, being a major homebuilding company, typically provides health insurance through large insurers like UnitedHealthcare and Cigna. These providers offer a range of plans to support D.R. Horton employees and their families, including options for both individual and family coverage. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look ahead to 2026, healthcare consumers can expect significant premium increases, particularly driven by the looming expiration of enhanced federal subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. Reports indicate that some individuals may face premium hikes of up to 75%, severely impacting access to affordable healthcare. Coupled with rising medical costs-amplified by inflation and increased demand for services-these changes could place a substantial financial burden on employees and their families. The combination of these factors suggests that proactive planning in 2025 will be essential for managing the coming year's healthcare expenses. Click here to learn more

'D.R. Horton 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.

'D.R. Horton 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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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 D.R. Horton offer to its employees?

D.R. Horton offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Is there a company match for contributions made to the D.R. Horton 401(k) plan?

Yes, D.R. Horton provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

How can employees enroll in the D.R. Horton 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the D.R. Horton 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What is the eligibility requirement for D.R. Horton employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

Generally, D.R. Horton employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, as outlined in the plan documents.

Can D.R. Horton employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, D.R. Horton allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in the D.R. Horton 401(k) plan?

The D.R. Horton 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

How often can D.R. Horton employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

D.R. Horton employees can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at designated times throughout the year, as specified in the plan rules.

What is the vesting schedule for D.R. Horton’s company match in the 401(k) plan?

The vesting schedule for D.R. Horton’s company match typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which means employees earn ownership of the match over time.

Are there any fees associated with managing the D.R. Horton 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be fees associated with managing the D.R. Horton 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents and annual statements.

How can D.R. Horton employees access their 401(k) account information?

D.R. Horton employees can access their 401(k) account information online through the plan’s designated website or by contacting the plan administrator.

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

D.R. Horton offers its employees both a defined contribution pension plan and a 401(k) plan, known as the D.R. HORTON, INC. PROFIT SHARING PLUS PLAN. The 401(k) plan is managed through Empower and is available to 9,393 employees as of the latest data. This plan allows participants to contribute a portion of their salary towards their retirement savings, with D.R. Horton offering a matching contribution. Typically, the company matches 50% of employee contributions up to a certain percentage of their salary. The defined contribution pension plan provided by D.R. Horton also plays a key role in helping employees build a secure financial future. While specific details on eligibility requirements like years of service and age qualification are not publicly available, the defined contribution nature of the plan suggests that the benefits are likely based on the total contributions made by both the employee and the employer over time.

Pension Liability Concerns: D.R. Horton has seen fluctuations in its pension liabilities over the past few years. The company’s pension liabilities in 2023 were reportedly stable, though previous years have shown variability. Monitoring these liabilities is essential in understanding the company’s long-term financial commitments. Importance: It's crucial to address this news given the potential impact of economic shifts and tax regulations on the housing market and employee benefits, which can directly influence D.R. Horton's financial stability.

Stock Options (SOs): Employees of D.R. Horton may be granted stock options that allow them to purchase company stock at a predetermined price after a certain vesting period. This price is usually set at the market value of the stock on the grant date. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs): RSUs are another form of equity compensation offered by D.R. Horton, where employees are granted units that convert into shares of company stock once certain conditions, such as time-based vesting, are met. Eligibility and Availability: D.R. Horton's stock options and RSUs are typically made available to key employees and executives, though the exact eligibility criteria may vary depending on the employee's role, performance, and tenure with the company. These equity incentives are part of D.R. Horton’s broader strategy to retain top talent and incentivize performance. For example, D.R. Horton’s recent filings indicate continued use of these compensation tools through 2022, 2023, and 2024, with ongoing reviews and updates to their stock option and RSU plans to remain competitive in the market. These incentives are detailed in the company's SEC filings and earnings reports, which are publicly available for shareholders and interested parties to review

D.R. Horton offers a comprehensive health benefits package to its employees, focusing on both short-term and long-term well-being. The company's healthcare offerings include standard health insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and health savings accounts (HSAs) paired with high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). These plans provide employees with a wide range of coverage options, from basic preventative care to more comprehensive services.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for D.R. Horton at 1341 Horton Cir Arlington, TX 76011; or by calling them at (817) 390-8200.

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