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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Newmont Corporation Newmont Corporation typically offers healthcare benefits through various insurance options for its employees, primarily utilizing the services of major health insurers like UnitedHealthcare and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), depending on the geographical locations of their operations. As a large mining company, Newmont is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage, which likely includes various plans that are tailored to meet the needs of its diverse workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As the healthcare landscape shifts towards significant premium hikes in 2026, Newmont Corporation may face compounded pressures from rising costs. With the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium increases projected to exceed 60% in some states, many employees could see their out-of-pocket costs soar dramatically-potentially by over 75%-if enhanced federal premium subsidies expire as anticipated. This combination of escalating medical costs and the threat of reduced subsidies poses a considerable challenge for employers like Newmont, who might need to navigate these complexities to maintain access to affordable healthcare for their workforce. Click here to learn more

'Newmont 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.

'Newmont 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 Newmont?

Newmont offers a 401(k) plan that allows employees to save for retirement by contributing a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

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

Newmont provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of employee contributions up to a certain limit.

Can employees at Newmont change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Yes, employees at Newmont can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's rules.

What investment options are available in Newmont’s 401(k) plan?

Newmont’s 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

When can Newmont employees start contributing to the 401(k) plan?

Newmont employees can typically start contributing to the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of employment, often within their first month.

Does Newmont allow for loans against the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Newmont allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance under certain conditions, as outlined in the plan documents.

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

If you leave Newmont, you can choose to leave your 401(k) account with the company, roll it over to another retirement account, or cash it out, subject to taxes and penalties.

How does Newmont inform employees about their 401(k) plan options?

Newmont provides information about the 401(k) plan through employee orientation, benefit guides, and online resources available on the company’s intranet.

Is there a vesting schedule for Newmont's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, Newmont has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matching funds.

Can Newmont employees access their 401(k) funds while still employed?

Generally, Newmont employees cannot access their 401(k) 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.

Name of Pension Plan: Newmont Pension Plan Years of Service Requirement: 5 years of service required for eligibility. Age Qualification: Participants must be at least 55 years old to begin receiving benefits, with eligibility to retire at age 65. Pension Formula: The pension is calculated based on a formula that considers the average salary during the highest-paid years of service and years of service. Name of 401(k) Plan: Newmont 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan Eligibility Criteria: Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after 30 days of employment.

Restructuring and Layoffs: Newmont Mining Corporation announced a significant restructuring plan in early 2024. The company is streamlining its operations and has decided to reduce its workforce by approximately 10% to enhance efficiency and cut costs. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to adapt to fluctuating gold prices and increasing operational costs. Given the current economic climate, where inflation and market volatility impact resource extraction industries, this restructuring is crucial for maintaining financial stability and competitiveness.

Newmont Corporation offers stock options and RSUs as part of its employee compensation package. For 2022, Newmont granted RSUs to senior executives and key employees, which are subject to performance and time-based vesting criteria. The stock options at Newmont are typically granted with a 10-year term and vest over a period of 3 to 5 years.

Benefits Overview: Newmont’s official website provides details about their employee benefits, including health insurance, wellness programs, and retirement plans. Health Benefits: Typically include medical, dental, and vision coverage, with options for health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs). Newmont often emphasizes wellness initiatives and employee support programs. Acronyms: HSAs (Health Savings Accounts), FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts), EAP (Employee Assistance Program)