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Navigating Sequence Risk in Retirement: Lessons and Strategies for Rocket Companies Employees

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'Rocket Companies 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.

'Rocket Companies 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 plan does Rocket Companies offer to its employees?

Rocket Companies offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does Rocket Companies match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Rocket Companies provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) contributions, helping employees save more for retirement.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in the Rocket Companies 401(k) plan?

Employees of Rocket Companies 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 Rocket Companies choose how to invest their 401(k) contributions?

Yes, employees at Rocket Companies can choose from a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan to align with their retirement goals.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the Rocket Companies 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the Rocket Companies 401(k) plan is in accordance with IRS guidelines, which are updated annually.

Does Rocket Companies allow for catch-up contributions in its 401(k) plan?

Yes, Rocket Companies allows employees aged 50 and older to make catch-up contributions to their 401(k) plans.

How often can employees at Rocket Companies change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Employees at Rocket Companies can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at designated times throughout the year, typically during open enrollment or as specified by the plan.

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

If you leave Rocket Companies, you have several options for your 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account, leaving it in the Rocket Companies plan, or cashing it out.

Are there any fees associated with the Rocket Companies 401(k) plan?

Yes, like most 401(k) plans, the Rocket Companies 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related expenses, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

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

Yes, Rocket Companies allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to the terms and conditions of the plan.