New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Navigating Sequence Risk in Retirement: Lessons and Strategies for eXp World Holdings Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for eXp World Holdings eXp World Holdings primarily offers health insurance plans through UnitedHealthcare for its employees, ensuring access to a wide range of healthcare services and resources. Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As of 2026, healthcare costs are projected to surge significantly due to a combination of escalating medical expenses and the potential loss of enhanced federal subsidies. Major insurers, such as UnitedHealthcare, expect to implement steep rate increases, with some states reporting potential hikes exceeding 60%. For many members purchasing in the ACA marketplace, the expiration of premium subsidies could lead to an alarming spike in out-of-pocket costs-potentially increasing by over 75%. This scenario underscores the urgent need for individuals to strategically plan their healthcare options to mitigate financial impacts as they navigate these changes in the healthcare landscape. Click here to learn more

'eXp World Holdings 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.

'eXp World Holdings 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.

Featured Video

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 eXp World Holdings offer to its employees?

eXp World Holdings offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does eXp World Holdings provide matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, eXp World Holdings provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan to help employees save for retirement.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in the eXp World Holdings 401(k) plan?

Employees of eXp World Holdings are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.

How can employees of eXp World Holdings enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the eXp World Holdings 401(k) plan through the company’s online benefits portal.

What investment options are available in the eXp World Holdings 401(k) plan?

The eXp World Holdings 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds.

Can employees of eXp World Holdings take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, eXp World Holdings allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings under certain conditions.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves eXp World Holdings?

If an employee leaves eXp World Holdings, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account or withdraw the funds, subject to penalties and taxes.

Does eXp World Holdings allow for hardship withdrawals from the 401(k) plan?

Yes, eXp World Holdings permits hardship withdrawals from the 401(k) plan under specific circumstances.

What is the vesting schedule for the eXp World Holdings 401(k) matching contributions?

The vesting schedule for eXp World Holdings’ matching contributions typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which employees can review in the plan documents.

How often can employees of eXp World Holdings change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Employees can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to 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.

Name of Plan: eXp World Holdings does not offer a traditional defined benefit pension plan. Instead, the company provides a 401(k) plan. Eligibility for Pension Plan: Since eXp World Holdings does not have a traditional pension plan, there are no eligibility criteria related to years of service or age for a pension plan. Pension Formula: Not applicable, as there is no pension plan offered. 401(k) Plan: Name of Plan: eXp World Holdings 401(k) Plan. Eligibility for 401(k) Plan: Employees are eligible to participate in the eXp World Holdings 401(k) Plan upon completing 30 days of service. 401(k) Plan Contributions: eXp World Holdings may offer matching contributions up to a certain percentage of the employee’s salary, though specifics can vary.

Layoffs and Restructuring: eXp World Holdings announced in early 2024 a significant restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and reducing overhead costs. This included a reduction in workforce in various departments to enhance operational efficiency. The decision was driven by the need to adapt to a shifting economic landscape, which has seen increased scrutiny on corporate spending and efficiency. Understanding these changes is crucial due to the current economic and investment climate that emphasizes cost management and efficiency.

eXp World Holdings provided stock options and RSUs to senior executives and other key employees. The stock options generally vested over a period of time, typically 4 years, with specific vesting schedules outlined in individual agreements. In 2023, eXp World Holdings continued to offer stock options and RSUs as part of its compensation strategy. The RSUs granted typically vested over a 3-year period, with a portion vesting each year. For 2024, eXp World Holdings maintained its approach to stock options and RSUs, including new grants to employees based on their performance and role within the company. Specific terms and vesting schedules were detailed in the company's equity incentive plan.

Check eXp World Holdings' official website for any sections related to employee benefits, health insurance, or HR resources. Look for annual reports, employee handbooks, or benefits summaries. Search for Company-Specific News: Look for recent news articles or press releases related to eXp World Holdings’ employee health benefits. Use business news sites, financial news platforms, or HR-focused publications. Explore Employee Review Sites: Review sites like Glassdoor, Indeed, and Comparably often have insights into employee benefits and company culture. Examine Industry-Specific Publications: Look into industry-specific publications or platforms that might cover trends in real estate or remote work benefits, which could provide context for eXp World Holdings. Consult HR and Benefits Focused Sites: Sites like SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) or HR Dive might have articles or reports on trends and practices in employee benefits relevant to eXp World Holdings.

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for eXp World Holdings employees

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for eXp World Holdings at , ; or by calling them at .

https://www.thelayoff.com/ https://www.hrdive.com/ https://www.inman.com/ https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm https://www.indeed.com/ https://www.comparably.com/ https://www.shrm.org/home