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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Ingredion For Ingredion, the primary healthcare provider facilitating health benefits for employees is generally expected to be a major national health insurer. While specific details can vary by location and employee plan selection, Ingredion typically partners with prominent insurers like UnitedHealthcare, Anthem (Elevance Health), or Cigna. Employees should review their specific benefits documentation to confirm the insurer applicable to their individual or family healthcare plans. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look toward 2026, Ingredion employees may face significant healthcare cost increases stemming from rising premiums in the ACA marketplace. Notably, with many states anticipating premium hikes exceeding 60%, employees could feel the pinch as employers may adjust benefit structures, shifting more costs onto them. The expiration of enhanced federal subsidies may further amplify these financial burdens, with up to 92% of ACA enrollees potentially experiencing out-of-pocket premium increases exceeding 75%. Given the upward trend in medical costs driven by pharmaceutical expenses and healthcare service inflation, it is vital for employees to proactively plan for these anticipated changes in their healthcare expenditures. Click here to learn more

'Ingredion 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.

'Ingredion 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 401k plan offered by Ingredion?

The 401k plan offered by Ingredion is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their earnings on a tax-deferred basis.

How does Ingredion match employee contributions to the 401k plan?

Ingredion matches employee contributions to the 401k plan up to a certain percentage, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.

Can employees of Ingredion choose how their 401k contributions are invested?

Yes, employees of Ingredion can choose from a variety of investment options within the 401k plan to align with their retirement goals.

What is the eligibility requirement for Ingredion's 401k plan?

To be eligible for Ingredion's 401k plan, employees typically need to meet specific criteria such as age and length of service.

When can employees of Ingredion enroll in the 401k plan?

Employees of Ingredion can enroll in the 401k plan during the initial enrollment period or during open enrollment periods as specified by the company.

How can Ingredion employees change their 401k contribution amount?

Ingredion employees can change their 401k contribution amount by submitting a request through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department.

Does Ingredion offer a loan option against the 401k savings plan?

Yes, Ingredion does offer a loan option against the 401k savings plan, allowing employees to borrow from their savings under certain conditions.

What happens to my 401k savings if I leave Ingredion?

If you leave Ingredion, you have several options for your 401k savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account or cashing it out, subject to taxes and penalties.

Are there any fees associated with Ingredion's 401k plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with Ingredion's 401k plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents provided to employees.

Can Ingredion employees access their 401k funds while still employed?

Generally, Ingredion employees cannot access their 401k funds while still employed, except through loans or hardship withdrawals as permitted by the plan.

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

Pension Plan Details: Look for the specific name of Ingredion's pension plan. Check eligibility criteria such as years of service and age requirements. 401(k) Plan Details: Identify the name of Ingredion's 401(k) plan. Check who qualifies for the 401(k) plan.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, Ingredion announced a significant restructuring plan to streamline operations and reduce costs. This includes a reduction of approximately 200 positions globally as part of their strategic realignment to focus on core businesses. The decision is driven by the need to adapt to changing market conditions and enhance operational efficiency. This move reflects broader industry trends of companies optimizing their workforce amidst economic uncertainties. Benefit and Pension Changes: Ingredion is also revising its employee benefits package, including adjustments to its pension plan and 401(k) offerings. The company is shifting from a defined benefit pension plan to a defined contribution plan, impacting employees’ retirement savings and planning. Additionally, changes to the 401(k) plan will involve adjustments in matching contributions and investment options. This is crucial for employees to understand as it directly affects their retirement readiness and financial planning. Given the current economic, investment, tax, and political environment, these changes necessitate careful attention and adjustment to individual retirement strategies.

Ingredion provides stock options to select employees as part of their compensation plan. The company uses the acronym "ISO" for Incentive Stock Options and "NSO" for Non-Qualified Stock Options. Stock options are typically granted to executives and senior management. RSUs Ingredion grants RSUs to executives and other high-level employees. The acronym "RSU" stands for Restricted Stock Units. RSUs are part of Ingredion’s long-term incentive plan and vest over a period of time, often contingent on performance or continued employment.

2022 Report: The annual report mentions a focus on maintaining competitive benefits to attract and retain top talent, with specific attention to healthcare and wellness programs. 2023 Report: Details include enhanced telehealth services and expanded mental health support as part of their benefits package. 2024 Report: Highlights ongoing improvements in health benefits, particularly in response to employee feedback and market trends.

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

https://www.thelayoff.com/ https://benefitslink.com/ https://www.benefitspro.com/ https://www5.benefitsolver.com/benefits/BenefitSolverView?page_name=signon&co_num=27676&co_affid=ingredion