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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Provides medical, dental, life, and disability insurance, plus FSAs and supplemental life options 9. As ACA premiums increase, MDCs internal benefits may offer more stability and affordability for long-term employees. Click here to learn more

'MDC 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.

'MDC 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 is the 401(k) plan offered by MDC Holdings?

The 401(k) plan at MDC Holdings is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis, helping them save for retirement.

Does MDC Holdings offer a matching contribution for the 401(k) plan?

Yes, MDC Holdings provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

How can employees enroll in the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What types of investment options are available in the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan?

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

Is there a vesting schedule for the matching contributions at MDC Holdings?

Yes, MDC Holdings has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own the employer's contributions.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) at MDC Holdings?

Yes, MDC Holdings allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance under specific conditions set forth in the plan.

What is the minimum contribution percentage for the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan?

The minimum contribution percentage for the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan is typically set at 1% of the employee's salary, but employees are encouraged to contribute more.

Are there any fees associated with the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related fees associated with the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts in the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan?

Employees can change their contribution amounts in the MDC Holdings 401(k) plan as frequently as once per pay period.

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

If an employee leaves MDC Holdings, they have several options for their 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account 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.

Name of Plan: MDC Holdings Pension Plan Years of Service and Age Qualification: Employees typically need to complete a certain number of years of service and reach a specific age to qualify. For detailed numbers, refer to specific documents or plan summaries. Pension Formula: The pension formula is generally based on factors such as years of service and average salary. For the precise formula, refer to the plan’s official documentation. Eligibility Criteria: Generally includes full-time employees who meet the age and service requirements outlined in the plan. Name of Plan: MDC Holdings 401(k) Plan Eligibility Criteria: Eligibility typically includes full-time employees who have completed a specific period of service. Detailed eligibility requirements are outlined in the plan documents.

Restructuring and Layoffs: MDC Holdings announced in early 2024 that it is restructuring its operations due to a downturn in the housing market. This restructuring involves laying off approximately 10% of its workforce to reduce costs and improve efficiency. The decision is a response to declining home sales and increased material costs, which have impacted profitability. Company Benefits and Pension Changes: Alongside the layoffs, MDC Holdings is revising its employee benefits and pension plans. The company is shifting from a defined benefit pension plan to a defined contribution plan. This change is aimed at reducing long-term liabilities and aligning with industry standards. Employees will see changes in their 401(k) contributions, with MDC Holdings offering a reduced matching contribution compared to previous years.

Stock Options and RSUs: MDC Holdings provides stock options and RSUs to its employees as part of their compensation package. Stock options at MDC Holdings allow employees to purchase shares at a set price, typically lower than the market value. RSUs are granted and vest over a specified period, giving employees ownership of company shares after certain conditions are met.

MDC Holdings Official Website: The site may include information on employee benefits under their "Careers" or "Employee Benefits" section. Look for terms such as "Medical Insurance," "Dental Coverage," "Vision Benefits," and "Health Savings Accounts (HSA)." SEC Filings: Access MDC Holdings’ 10-K or 10-Q filings from the SEC's EDGAR database to find detailed information about employee benefits and any changes in 2022, 2023, or 2024. Glassdoor and Indeed: Search for reviews from MDC Holdings employees discussing their health benefits. Look for terms like "healthcare coverage," "benefits package," "employee health insurance," and "wellness programs." Recent News Articles: Look for any news articles that discuss changes or updates to MDC Holdings’ health benefits. Terms might include "benefits update," "healthcare changes," or "employee benefits news." Benefits Review Platforms: Websites like BenefitsPro or PayScale may have detailed reviews or comparisons of MDC Holdings’ health benefits. Search for terms like "benefits comparison," "employee health benefits review," and "company benefits analysis."