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

Navigating Sequence Risk in Retirement: Lessons and Strategies for MGM Resorts International Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for MGM Resorts International MGM Resorts International primarily collaborates with various healthcare providers depending on the location and specific needs of their employees. However, the organization does not disclose a singular healthcare provider in publicly available resources. The company typically partners with major health insurance companies to offer medical benefits to its workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, MGM Resorts International employees are facing significant challenges concerning healthcare costs. With anticipated premium hikes on Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans, some states may see increases exceeding 60%. Without an extension of enhanced federal premium subsidies, many employees could experience premium surges of up to 75%. This financial burden is compounded by soaring medical costs associated with advances in therapies, such as GLP-1 medications, alongside aggressive rate hikes from top insurers. As a result, employees might find themselves shouldering a greater share of healthcare expenses, necessitating strategic planning to mitigate these anticipated increases. Click here to learn more

'MGM Resorts International 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.

'MGM Resorts International 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 type of retirement savings plan does MGM Resorts International offer to its employees?

MGM Resorts International offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does MGM Resorts International match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

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

What is the eligibility requirement for employees to participate in MGM Resorts International's 401(k) plan?

Employees of MGM Resorts International are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically within the first year of employment.

Can employees of MGM Resorts International choose how much to contribute to their 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees at MGM Resorts International can choose their contribution percentage within the limits set by the IRS.

What investment options are available in the MGM Resorts International 401(k) plan?

The 401(k) plan at MGM Resorts International offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.

How can MGM Resorts International employees access their 401(k) account information?

Employees of MGM Resorts International can access their 401(k) account information through the company’s designated retirement plan website or mobile app.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in MGM Resorts International's 401(k) plan?

Yes, MGM Resorts International has a vesting schedule for the employer match, meaning employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matched contributions.

What happens to my 401(k) plan if I leave MGM Resorts International?

If you leave MGM Resorts International, you can choose to leave your 401(k) funds in the plan, roll them over to an IRA, or transfer them to a new employer's retirement plan.

Can MGM Resorts International employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, MGM Resorts International allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

Are there penalties for early withdrawal from the MGM Resorts International 401(k) plan?

Yes, early withdrawals from the MGM Resorts International 401(k) plan may incur taxes and penalties unless specific exceptions apply.

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 Pension Plan: MGM Resorts International does not have a traditional defined benefit pension plan; instead, it offers a 401(k) plan for retirement benefits. Years of Service and Age Qualification: Not applicable, as MGM Resorts International does not provide a defined benefit pension plan. Name of 401(k) Plan: MGM Resorts International 401(k) Plan Eligibility: Employees are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing 30 days of service. Contribution: Employees can make pre-tax or Roth contributions, and MGM Resorts International may provide matching contributions.

MGM Resorts International has been actively involved in restructuring efforts due to the economic challenges brought by the ongoing market volatility. The company announced a significant reduction in its workforce in early 2024, affecting various departments across its properties. This move is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and reduce costs amid declining revenues and increased operational expenses. The layoffs impact not only the operational staff but also senior management, indicating a deep organizational restructuring. In addition to the layoffs, MGM Resorts has made adjustments to its company benefits and retirement plans, including changes to its 401(k) matching contributions and pension plans. The company has revised its retirement benefits to align with new economic realities, potentially affecting employees' long-term financial planning. These changes underscore the importance of staying updated on how shifts in company policies could influence personal financial strategies. Understanding these adjustments is crucial in the current economic and investment climate, as it impacts both individual retirement planning and overall job security. Being informed about such developments helps employees and investors make more strategic decisions in response to the evolving landscape of company benefits and economic conditions.

MGM Resorts International offers stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to key executives and employees based on performance and tenure. The company uses the acronyms "SO" for Stock Options and "RSU" for Restricted Stock Units. Information about these benefits can be found in the annual reports and SEC filings.

Healthcare Coverage: MGM Resorts provides a range of health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They offer multiple plan options to suit various needs, with benefits such as preventive care, mental health services, and wellness programs. Wellness Programs: The company promotes wellness through programs such as fitness reimbursements, health screenings, and access to employee assistance programs (EAPs). Acronyms & Terms: Commonly used terms include PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), HSA (Health Savings Account), and EAP (Employee Assistance Program).

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

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