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Navigating Sequence Risk in Retirement: Lessons and Strategies for Euronet Worldwide Employees

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'Euronet Worldwide 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.

'Euronet Worldwide 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 type of retirement savings plan does Euronet Worldwide offer to its employees?

Euronet Worldwide offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

How can employees of Euronet Worldwide enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Euronet Worldwide can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

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

Yes, Euronet Worldwide offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Euronet Worldwide?

The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Euronet Worldwide is in line with the IRS limits, which may change annually.

Are there any vesting requirements for the employer match in Euronet Worldwide’s 401(k) plan?

Yes, Euronet Worldwide has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which employees should review in the plan documents.

Can employees of Euronet Worldwide take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Euronet Worldwide allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan’s rules and regulations.

What investment options are available in Euronet Worldwide’s 401(k) plan?

Euronet Worldwide’s 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and other investment vehicles, which employees can choose from.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts in Euronet Worldwide’s 401(k) plan?

Employees at Euronet Worldwide can change their contribution amounts on a regular basis, typically during open enrollment or at any time as permitted by the plan.

What happens to the 401(k) savings if an employee leaves Euronet Worldwide?

If an employee leaves Euronet Worldwide, they have several options for their 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account or leaving it in the Euronet Worldwide plan, if allowed.

Does Euronet Worldwide provide any educational resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Euronet Worldwide provides educational resources and tools to help employees understand their 401(k) plan and make informed investment decisions.

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

Euronet Worldwide offers a Defined Contribution Plan known as the Euronet Worldwide Inc 401(k) Plan. This plan allows employees to contribute pre-tax or after-tax funds towards their retirement, with both employer and employee contributions possible. The plan includes investment options such as Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), Savings Plans, and Profit Sharing Plans. Contributions are maintained in individual accounts for employees, and an alternate payee can be assigned a portion of an account balance through a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). This plan's flexibility in allowing transfers to tax-qualified accounts like IRAs helps avoid early withdrawal penalties. As of 2022, the plan had total assets amounting to $52,116,351 (QDRO Desk). Eligibility for the plan typically requires one year of service and reaching the age of 21, similar to standard 401(k) plans. However, the employer match rate, vesting schedules, and specific conditions for the plan vary annually. For 2022 through 2024, the employer match is expected to remain around 3%, which is aligned with industry standards (

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Euronet Worldwide announced a restructuring plan aimed at streamlining its operations. This plan included layoffs primarily affecting its technology and administrative divisions. The company cited the need to improve efficiency and adapt to changing market conditions as key reasons for these changes. The restructuring is part of a broader strategy to enhance profitability and operational agility in a competitive landscape. This news is particularly relevant given the current economic climate, which demands organizations to continuously optimize their operations to maintain financial stability and growth.

Euronet Worldwide offers stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its employees. The company's stock options are typically granted based on performance and tenure. Euronet Worldwide RSUs are generally provided as part of executive compensation packages and are vested over a specified period.

Healthcare Trends: There is no specific industry news that indicates substantial changes to Euronet Worldwide’s healthcare benefits. However, like many companies, they are likely adapting to broader industry trends such as increased focus on mental health support and telemedicine options. Key Healthcare-Related Terms and Acronyms