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

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'Mosaic 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.

'Mosaic 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 401(k) plan offered by Mosaic?

The 401(k) plan at Mosaic is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

How does Mosaic match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Mosaic offers a company match of 50% on employee contributions up to 6% of their salary, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.

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

Employees at Mosaic can enroll in the 401(k) plan during the initial onboarding process and during the annual open enrollment period.

Is there a vesting schedule for Mosaic's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Mosaic has a vesting schedule for company contributions, which typically requires employees to work for a certain number of years before they fully own the employer match.

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

Mosaic offers a variety of investment options, including target-date funds, index funds, and actively managed funds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.

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

Yes, Mosaic allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

What happens to my 401(k) if I leave Mosaic?

If you leave Mosaic, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out, or leave it in the Mosaic plan if eligible.

Does Mosaic offer financial education resources for its 401(k) plan?

Yes, Mosaic provides financial education resources, including workshops and one-on-one consultations, to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.

How often can employees change their contribution rate to the Mosaic 401(k) plan?

Employees at Mosaic can change their contribution rate at any time, subject to the plan’s guidelines.

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

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

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

The Mosaic Company provides its employees with a robust 401(k) retirement plan, offering several benefits designed to enhance financial wellness. The Mosaic 401(k) plan allows employees to make pre-tax payroll deductions, which contribute to their retirement savings, with tax-deferred growth. Mosaic also supports employees through company matching contributions and annual company contributions, helping to grow their retirement accounts. The plan offers a wide range of investment options, and employees can manage their accounts through Fidelity, which provides access to tools, calculators, and account management options. Eligibility for the Mosaic 401(k) plan includes full-time employees, with options for part-time and hourly workers depending on their hours of service. The plan allows for automatic payroll deductions and enrollment at any time, providing flexibility to employees. Mosaic uses Fidelity's platform for all aspects of the 401(k) plan, including account management and beneficiary updates (Mosaic Benefits). For Mosaic's pension plan, details are typically outlined in the company's summary plan description documents. The pension plan, often referred to as a Defined Benefit Plan, considers factors such as years of service and age qualification. Employees typically qualify after completing a certain number of years of service, which is standard in defined benefit plans across industries. Further details about the pension plan name, specific formulas, and eligibility would be available in company documents, such as the Summary Plan Description, which can be requested from Mosaic's HR department

In 2024, Mosaic Insurance underwent a significant restructuring of its underwriting and operational teams. The restructuring was aimed at supporting the company’s strategic expansion and driving growth for its agency business. The reorganization led to the redistribution of roles across key operational areas and advancements in technological integration. Key personnel updates included the promotion of leaders in strategic finance, corporate affairs, digital and AI strategy, and underwriting. This restructuring demonstrates Mosaic’s focus on evolving its global agency model and fostering partnerships that bring innovative solutions to the market (Royal Gazette) (Royal Gazette).

Mosaic (MOS) offers both employee stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of its compensation package, with specific eligibility and conditions tied to each. The stock options are divided into Non-Qualified Stock Options (NQSOs) and Incentive Stock Options (ISOs). NQSOs are available to employees, contractors, directors, and advisors, while ISOs are limited to employees and are capped at $100,000 per year in exercisable value. RSUs can also be awarded to employees, contractors, directors, and advisors, with no set annual limits. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Mosaic has continued to offer stock options and RSUs to key personnel, especially employees contributing to long-term company growth. Mosaic stock options grant the right to purchase company stock at a set price, and vesting schedules are typically spread over several years.

Medical Premiums: For both 2023 and 2024, employees saw slight increases in medical premiums. The monthly premium rise was approximately $6 to $29 in 2023 and $5 to $25 in 2024, depending on the plan. These adjustments reflected national trends while maintaining lower increases than expected. Dental and Vision: For four consecutive years, Mosaic maintained stable costs for dental and vision plans, ensuring that employee contributions did not rise. Wellness Incentives: Mosaic offers a $500 wellness incentive for employees and spouses/domestic partners who participate in personal health screenings under the company’s health plan. This incentive continues into 2024 as part of their focus on preventive care. Flexible Time Off: In addition to health benefits, Mosaic implemented a "Flexible Time Off" program allowing employees to take time for vacation, illness, mental health, and volunteering.

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

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