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Navigating Sequence Risk in Retirement: Lessons and Strategies for Foot Locker Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Foot Locker: Foot Locker primarily offers health insurance coverage through a partnership with UnitedHealthcare. This collaboration allows Foot Locker employees access to a variety of health benefits, ensuring comprehensive coverage for their medical needs. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As we approach 2026, Foot Locker employees may face significant healthcare cost increases, largely driven by the anticipated expiration of enhanced subsidies for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. Insurers are projecting premium hikes of up to 66% in specific regions, and without congressional intervention to extend these subsidies, many employees could see their out-of-pocket costs rise dramatically-possibly exceeding 75%. This combination of heightened medical expenses and the loss of financial support from federal initiatives presents a challenging landscape for Foot Locker employees relying on ACA coverage. As these costs escalate, proactive financial planning becomes crucial for affected individuals. Click here to learn more

'Foot Locker 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.

'Foot Locker 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 types of contributions can employees make to the Foot Locker 401(k) plan?

Employees at Foot Locker can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and catch-up contributions if they are eligible.

Does Foot Locker offer any employer matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Foot Locker provides an employer match on employee contributions up to a certain percentage, which is outlined in the plan details.

When can employees at Foot Locker enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Foot Locker 401(k) plan during their initial onboarding or during the annual open enrollment period.

What is the vesting schedule for employer contributions in Foot Locker's 401(k) plan?

Foot Locker has a vesting schedule that typically requires employees to work for a certain number of years before they fully own the employer contributions.

Can employees take loans against their Foot Locker 401(k) savings?

Yes, Foot Locker allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions as specified in the plan.

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

Employees can access their Foot Locker 401(k) account information through the plan's online portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

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

Yes, Foot Locker's 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

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

Foot Locker offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

How often can Foot Locker employees change their contribution amounts?

Employees can change their contribution amounts to the Foot Locker 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan’s guidelines.

What happens to Foot Locker employees' 401(k) savings if they leave the company?

If Foot Locker employees leave the company, they can roll over their 401(k) savings to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the Foot Locker plan if eligible.

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

Foot Locker's Pension Plan: Foot Locker offers a Defined Benefit Pension Plan to long-tenured employees. This plan is based on the Final Average Pay (FAP) formula, which considers an employee's highest five consecutive years of earnings in the last ten years of employment to determine the benefit payout. The retirement benefits under this plan are calculated using the employee's length of service and final average pay. Foot Locker requires employees to have completed at least five years of service to be vested in the pension plan. The qualifying retirement age is typically 65, with early retirement options available starting at age 55 with applicable reductions. Foot Locker's 401(k) Plan: Foot Locker's 401(k) plan, known as the Foot Locker Savings Plan, allows employees to make pre-tax contributions from their salary. Foot Locker matches contributions up to 5% of the employee's salary for eligible employees who have completed one year of service. The plan also offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing after-tax contributions. Employees are immediately vested in their own contributions, while company matching contributions vest over a period of three years. The plan includes a range of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds

Restructuring Layoffs: In 2023, Foot Locker announced several significant layoffs as part of their broader effort to simplify their business operations. These layoffs included corporate and support roles aimed at saving approximately $18 million annually. Additionally, the company decided to shutter its Sidestep banner in Europe and sell off other non-core business units like the Eastbay Team Sales division. This move reflects the broader trend in the retail industry where companies are trimming their workforces to bolster the bottom line against inflation and economic uncertainties. It's essential to address these changes due to the current economic and investment environment, where companies are increasingly focusing on efficiency to navigate challenges.

Foot Locker offers stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of its compensation package to incentivize and retain key employees. The company typically grants these awards to executives and certain high-level employees, with eligibility and specific terms determined by their role and performance. Foot Locker's stock options allow employees to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, usually after a vesting period. RSUs, on the other hand, are awarded as shares of stock that vest over time, providing employees with ownership once the vesting criteria are met. These stock awards are key components of Foot Locker’s executive compensation strategy, aligning the interests of employees with those of shareholders by linking compensation to company performance.

Foot Locker offers a comprehensive health benefits package to eligible employees, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance. The company focuses on providing flexible and affordable healthcare options, emphasizing whole-person health, which includes physical, mental, and financial well-being. Employees have expressed satisfaction with the coverage, particularly the inclusion of mental health services, which has been a growing trend in employee benefits. Additionally, Foot Locker's healthcare plan covers prescription drugs, although rising costs have posed challenges for employees (USA Insurance Leaders) (USA Insurance Leaders).

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Foot Locker at , ; or by calling them at .

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