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Navigating Sequence Risk in Retirement: Lessons and Strategies for NextEra Energy Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for NextEra Energy NextEra Energy collaborates with a few key healthcare providers, primarily focusing on offering its employees healthcare benefits through large national insurers. One of the noted providers in this context is UnitedHealthcare, which serves many employees in the organization. --- Potential Healthcare Cost Increases for NextEra Energy in 2026 As we look toward 2026, NextEra Energy and its employees may face significant increases in healthcare costs, driven largely by expected hikes in Insurance premiums. With healthcare insurers projecting average rate increases around 18% to 66.4% in various regions, NextEra Energy's workforce is likely to experience heightened out-of-pocket spending. The potential expiration of enhanced premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act could exacerbate this situation, leading to average premium costs surging by more than 75% for many enrollees. This perfect storm of rising medical expenses and reduced financial assistance poses a serious challenge for both employers and employees alike. Click here to learn more

'NextEra Energy 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.

'NextEra Energy 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 primary purpose of the 401(k) plan offered by NextEra Energy?

The primary purpose of the 401(k) plan offered by NextEra Energy is to help employees save for retirement in a tax-advantaged way.

How can employees of NextEra Energy enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of NextEra Energy can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal during the enrollment period or after they become eligible.

What types of contributions can employees make to the NextEra Energy 401(k) plan?

Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and, in some cases, catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older.

Does NextEra Energy offer a company match for 401(k) contributions?

Yes, NextEra Energy offers a company match to eligible employees who contribute to the 401(k) plan, enhancing their retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for the company match in NextEra Energy's 401(k) plan?

The vesting schedule for the company match in NextEra Energy's 401(k) plan typically follows a graded vesting schedule, where employees become fully vested after a certain number of years of service.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) balance at NextEra Energy?

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

What investment options are available in the NextEra Energy 401(k) plan?

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

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the NextEra Energy 401(k) plan?

Employees can change their contribution amounts to the NextEra Energy 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan’s guidelines.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves NextEra Energy?

If an employee leaves NextEra Energy, they have several options for their 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, leaving it in the NextEra Energy plan, or cashing it out.

Is there a penalty for withdrawing funds from the NextEra Energy 401(k) plan before retirement age?

Yes, generally, there is a penalty for withdrawing funds from the NextEra Energy 401(k) plan before age 59½, along with potential income tax implications.

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

Plan Name: NextEra Energy Retirement Plan Eligibility:Years of Service and Age Qualification: Employees are generally eligible for pension benefits if they have reached 5 years of service and are at least 55 years old. Pension Formula: The pension benefit is calculated based on a formula that includes years of service and average salary. Specific details are outlined in the plan document. Plan Name: NextEra Energy 401(k) Plan Eligibility: Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing 30 days of service. Employees can contribute a percentage of their salary, and NextEra Energy offers a company match up to a specified percentage.

Restructuring and Layoffs: NextEra Energy announced a restructuring initiative in early 2024 aimed at optimizing its operational efficiency. This move involved the reduction of approximately 5% of its workforce. The company stated that the restructuring would streamline operations and improve financial performance. This news is particularly relevant given the current economic climate, as companies across various sectors are adjusting their structures in response to economic pressures, investment challenges, and shifting political landscapes.

NextEra Energy offered stock options and RSUs to its employees. The company used acronyms like "SO" for stock options and "RSU" for Restricted Stock Units. The RSUs were typically granted based on performance and tenure.

Health Insurance: NextEra Energy provides comprehensive health insurance plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Medical Plans: Options include PPO and HMO plans, with varying levels of coverage and costs. Dental and Vision: Coverage includes routine exams, preventive care, and some orthodontic services. Wellness Programs: The company offers wellness programs that include health screenings, fitness challenges, and mental health resources.