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Navigating Sequence Risk in Retirement: Lessons and Strategies for PPG Industries Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for PPG Industries: PPG Industries, a global supplier of paints and coatings, typically partners with prominent healthcare providers in the corporate sector to offer comprehensive health insurance plans for its employees. Specific providers can vary by region but may include nationwide insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, or Cigna, depending on the company's benefits structure. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases for PPG Industries in 2026: In light of anticipated changes in the healthcare landscape, PPG Industries may face significant healthcare cost increases in 2026. As record premium hikes are projected, with some states experiencing increases over 60%, the loss of enhanced federal premium subsidies could exacerbate financial strains on employees. Reports indicate that over 22 million participants in the ACA marketplace might see an astounding rise in out-of-pocket premiums, with average hikes anticipated to exceed 75%. This challenging environment could compel PPG to reevaluate its employee health benefits strategy to mitigate costs and maintain adequate coverage. Click here to learn more

'PPG Industries 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.

'PPG Industries 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 are the key factors that PPG Industries (UK) Limited employees should consider when planning for retirement, and how does the PPG Pension Hub facilitate this planning process to ensure a secure financial future?

Key factors for retirement planning and PPG Pension Hub: Employees at PPG Industries (UK) Limited should consider their lifestyle goals, contributions, and the age at which they wish to retire. The PPG Pension Hub facilitates retirement planning by providing access to personal pension data, modeling tools, and resources that help employees visualize their retirement income and savings adjustments(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).

How does the introduction of the Bridging Pension option affect the retirement planning of PPG Industries (UK) Limited employees, particularly those who are considering retiring before reaching State Pension age?

Bridging Pension option and retirement planning: The Bridging Pension option allows employees to receive a higher pension before reaching State Pension age and then reduces their pension once the State Pension begins. This is helpful for those retiring early, as it smooths their income before State Pension payments start(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).

In what ways can employees of PPG Industries (UK) Limited maximize their contributions to the DC section of their pension plan, and what strategies can they employ to adjust their retirement savings for unexpected financial needs?

Maximizing contributions to the DC section: Employees can adjust their retirement savings by increasing their regular or one-off contributions. The secure member website provides a tool, myTarget, that shows the impact of increased contributions on future benefits, helping employees manage unexpected financial needs(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).

How does PPG Industries (UK) Limited's change to the life assurance arrangement impact employeesâ€™ beneficiaries upon their death, and what steps should employees take to ensure their Expression of Wish Form is up to date?

Impact of changes to life assurance arrangement: The new life assurance arrangement removes the risk of exceeding the Lifetime Allowance by paying a lump sum outside the pension plan. Employees should ensure their Expression of Wish Form is up to date to guarantee the correct beneficiaries receive their lump sum upon death(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).

What are the implications of the recent updates regarding Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) equalization for PPG Industries (UK) Limited employees, and how can affected employees monitor the status of their benefits?

GMP equalization updates: The GMP equalization process ensures that pensions are equalized for men and women. Affected employees will be notified if changes apply to their benefits, and they should monitor communications from the plan administrators for updates(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).

How can PPG Industries (UK) Limited employees prepare for potential changes in minimum pension age and state pension age, and what resources are available through the company to assist in this planning?

Preparing for changes in pension age: With the normal minimum pension age rising to 57 in 2028 and the State Pension age increasing, employees should review their retirement plans. PPG Industries offers resources like the PPG Pension Hub and financial advice services to help employees plan for these changes(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).

How can employees of PPG Industries (UK) Limited access independent financial advice at no cost, and what should they consider when selecting a financial adviser to help them navigate their pension options?

Access to independent financial advice: PPG Industries covers the cost for one complete round of independent financial advice through WPS Advisory Limited. Employees should evaluate their adviser options, ensuring the selected adviser is registered and understands the specificities of the PPG pension plan(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).

What critical information regarding pension tax allowances in 2024 should employees of PPG Industries (UK) Limited be aware of when making contributions to their pension scheme?

Pension tax allowances in 2024: Employees should be aware of the Annual Allowance, capped at £40,000, and the Lifetime Allowance, fixed at £1.0731 million. Contributions exceeding these limits may result in tax charges, making it essential to track contributions and consider tax implications when planning their pensions(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).

How has the performance of the investment options within PPG Industries (UK) Limited's Defined Contribution (DC) section impacted member benefits, and what should employees consider when selecting their investment portfolios?

Impact of investment options in the DC section: The performance of the investment options, such as the new Aon Managed Global Impact Fund, can significantly affect employee benefits. Employees should assess their investment portfolios regularly to ensure they align with their risk tolerance and retirement goals(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).

How can PPG Industries (UK) Limited employees contact the company for detailed inquiries regarding their pension plans, and what specific information should they be prepared to provide during this contact for efficient assistance?

Contacting the company for pension inquiries: Employees can contact the plan administrators at Aon via phone, email, or postal address. They should be prepared with their employee ID or member number, as well as personal information like date of birth, to ensure smooth communication(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).