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Navigating Sequence Risk in Retirement: Lessons and Strategies for Match Group Employees

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'Match Group 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.

'Match Group 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:

  1. Historical examples of sequence-of-returns risk and their effects on retirement income.

  2. Why the first years of retirement are most critical for portfolio sustainability.

  3. 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 401(k) plan offered by Match Group?

Match Group offers a 401(k) plan that allows employees to save for retirement with pre-tax contributions, providing a tax advantage for participants.

Does Match Group provide a company match for 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Match Group offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees grow their retirement savings.

How can employees at Match Group enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Match Group can enroll in the 401(k) plan during their onboarding process or during the annual open enrollment period.

What types of investment options are available in Match Group's 401(k) plan?

Match Group's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk profiles.

Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in Match Group's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Match Group has a vesting schedule for the company match, which means employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the matched contributions.

Can employees at Match Group take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Match Group allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain conditions and limits set by the plan.

What is the minimum contribution percentage for Match Group's 401(k) plan?

The minimum contribution percentage for Match Group's 401(k) plan may vary, but employees are encouraged to contribute at least enough to receive the full company match.

How often can employees change their contribution amount in Match Group's 401(k) plan?

Employees at Match Group can change their contribution amount to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

Does Match Group offer financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Match Group provides financial education resources and tools to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.

What happens to Match Group's 401(k) plan if an employee leaves the company?

If an employee leaves Match Group, they have several options for their 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to an IRA or a new employer's plan, or cashing it out (subject to taxes and penalties).

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 Name: Match Group does not appear to have a traditional defined benefit pension plan. Instead, the company provides a 401(k) plan which is the primary retirement savings vehicle for employees. Years of Service and Age Qualification: Since there is no defined benefit pension plan, the typical pension-related qualifications such as years of service and age do not apply. Pension Formula: As there is no defined benefit pension plan, there is no pension formula applicable. 401(k) Plan Name: Match Group, Inc. 401(k) Plan Eligibility Criteria: Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing 30 days of service. Contribution Matching: Match Group offers a company match up to a certain percentage of the employee’s contribution, usually matching contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 4% of the employee’s salary.
Layoffs and Restructuring: Match Group announced a significant restructuring in early 2024, resulting in a reduction of 10% of its workforce. This move is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and improve profitability amid challenging market conditions. The company is focusing on integrating its various platforms and investing in new technologies to drive future growth. Benefits and 401(k) Changes: Alongside the layoffs, Match Group is also revising its employee benefits and 401(k) plans. The company has reduced its matching contributions to employee 401(k) plans and is introducing a new performance-based benefits program. These changes are aimed at aligning compensation with company performance and managing costs more effectively.
Match Group offers stock options and RSUs as part of its compensation packages. Stock options typically grant employees the right to purchase shares at a set price. RSUs represent a promise to issue shares to employees upon meeting certain conditions.**
Benefits Overview: Employees have reported comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Additionally, Match Group offers flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs). Employee Reviews: Many reviews highlight positive aspects of the benefits package, including a strong emphasis on mental health support and employee wellness.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Match Group at , ; or by calling them at .

https://www.thelayoff.com/https://finance.yahoo.com/ https://finance.yahoo.com/ https://www.marketwatch.com/

*Please see disclaimer for more information

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