New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Navigating Volatile Markets: Two Strategies T. Rowe Price Employees Can Use to Balance Growth and Protection

Healthcare Provider Update: T. Rowe Price offers medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with mental health support and wellness programs. Employees receive company-paid life and disability insurance, fertility and adoption benefits, and backup care services. Retirement benefits include a 401(k) with matching and additional contributions, plus stock purchase options. Paid parental leave and flexible work arrangements support work-life balance 8. T. Rowe Price As ACA premiums rise, T. Rowe Prices comprehensive benefits and financial wellness tools help employees manage healthcare expenses effectively and avoid the volatility of marketplace plans. Click here to learn more

'T. Rowe Price employees who recognize the emotional impact of market swings and adopt strategies to balance growth with principal preservation can better position themselves for long-term financial health, rather than letting short-term fear drive critical decisions.' – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'T. Rowe Price employees who combine disciplined strategies like anchor and protected accumulation approaches can help reduce the influence of loss aversion and support more consistent retirement outcomes over time.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

The impact of market volatility on investment behavior and long-term growth for T. Rowe Price employees.
Two established strategies—anchor strategy and protected accumulation—for balancing growth and principal preservation.
Key considerations and practical tips for addressing loss aversion, including the role of diversification and liquidity in retirement portfolios.

In unpredictable markets, T. Rowe Price employees can find balance between building wealth and managing losses.

Market volatility often triggers strong emotional responses, especially the fear of losing hard-earned savings. For T. Rowe Price employees, it’s important to recognize that decisions made out of fear—such as selling off assets during market downturns—can have lasting negative effects. For instance, after the 2008–2009 financial crisis, many investors shifted large sums into cash and missed out on the long-term gains that followed, demonstrating how efforts to sidestep risk can inadvertently limit future growth.

Market swings are a constant, but impulsive reactions to short-term turbulence can disrupt even the most well-crafted investment plan. Maintaining some exposure to equities is essential for long-term growth, yet hesitancy due to risk aversion is common. As Wealth Enhancement advisor Wesley Boudreaux notes, this reluctance may hinder wealth building for T. Rowe Price workers, particularly as inflation reduces the value of cash held on the sidelines.

The good news is that prioritizing both growth and limiting losses does not have to be an either/or proposition. T. Rowe Price employees can use established strategies that help reduce downside risk while still participating in potential market gains.

Why Timing the Market Rarely Works

Attempting to “time the market” by guessing ups and downs is notoriously difficult, even for seasoned professionals. Missing just a few of the market’s strongest days can substantially cut long-term returns. According to Fidelity research, skipping the ten best days in a 20-year period could reduce overall gains by half. ¹ For T. Rowe Price team members, fully stepping away from stocks could mean missing out on one of the best long-term tools for keeping up with inflation and meeting income needs throughout retirement.

Those with a time horizon of at least five to ten years may benefit from strategies that balance market participation with preservation of principal. The anchor strategy and protected accumulation approach are two practical methods T. Rowe Price employees can consider.

Anchor Strategy: Building Stability Into Your Portfolio

This approach divides a retirement portfolio into two parts: a conservative “anchor” and a growth-focused section. The anchor portion often uses certificates of deposit (CDs) or single-premium deferred annuities (SPDAs) that offer fixed or consistent returns. For example, investing $82,200 in a five-year SPDA yielding 4.0% can mature to $100,000, ² with the remaining funds allocated to stocks or equity funds for growth potential. The anchor provides the reassurance that the initial principal is restored at maturity, even if growth investments underperform.

For cautious T. Rowe Price employees, this technique helps reduce the likelihood of losing initial investments. However, it’s important to remember that inflation can still erode purchasing power over time. Additionally, annuity or CD interest in taxable accounts may be subject to annual taxes, even though tax-deferred accounts offer certain benefits.

Protected Accumulation: Growth Potential Plus Principal Preservation

This approach leverages certain deferred variable annuities—especially those with a Guaranteed Minimum Accumulation Benefit (GMAB) rider. Under this strategy, T. Rowe Price employees may invest a higher percentage in equities, sometimes more than the 15–20% seen in anchor portfolios. The GMAB feature, for a fee, provides for the principal to be restored to at least the original investment after a set period, even if the market underperforms. ³

An additional advantage is the “step-up” option found in many GMAB riders. If your investments increase, you can reset your principal floor to the new higher value, locking in gains and beginning a new investment period. For example, if your T. Rowe Price retirement portfolio with a GMAB rider grows from $100,000 to $110,000 in the first year, you can set $110,000 as your new principal floor. However, note that step-ups may result in higher fees, and annuity features vary among providers.

As with all financial tools, T. Rowe Price employees should review terms, features, and costs carefully when considering annuities or other investment products.

What T. Rowe Price Employees Should Consider When Addressing Loss Aversion

Choosing between these approaches depends on factors like your investment goals, interest rate environment, product fees, time horizon, and risk tolerance. While both strategies may help limit concerns about loss, they may also restrict the full potential of a diversified portfolio. Studies show that investors may experience greater long-term success with a balanced mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets. ⁴

Liquidity is another key factor for T. Rowe Price staff. Both annuities and CDs often impose penalties for early withdrawal, which can eat into returns. The protected accumulation strategy may be less suitable for those with shorter investment horizons (under ten years).

Ultimately, psychology shapes investment decisions. For T. Rowe Price employees, knowing that principal is preserved can make it easier to pursue growth opportunities without moving entirely out of equities.

Conclusion

While loss aversion is normal, it shouldn’t be the only driver of your investment choices. T. Rowe Price employees are encouraged to weigh their personal goals, risk tolerance, and portfolio needs when considering protected accumulation or anchor strategies. Consulting with a financial professional can also help maintain proper diversification and tax efficiency. Careful planning allows T. Rowe Price workers to navigate retirement savings through changing market conditions without letting fear dictate decisions.

Combining a ladder of bonds with dividend-paying stocks is another approach for T. Rowe Price retirees to consider. Bond ladders can reduce interest rate risk and provide steady income, ⁵ while dividend equities offer both income and growth potential.

Managing your T. Rowe Price retirement portfolio to balance growth and principal preservation is like preparing a ship for a long voyage: the protected accumulation approach serves as a reinforced hull, shielding you from rough waves, while the anchor strategy keeps your financial ship steady during storms. By using both strategies, T. Rowe Price employees can confidently navigate market volatility while seeking new opportunities to grow their retirement savings.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1. Fidelity Investments. “ What high inflation and market volatility mean for retirees ,” Fidelity, n.d. Accessed 13 July 2025.

2. Fidelity Viewpoints. “ Fighting loss aversion: How to stay invested for growth ,” Fidelity, n.d. Accessed 13 July 2025.

3. Investopedia. “ Guaranteed Minimum Accumulation Benefit (GMAB), ” by Julia Kagan. July 25, 2024.

4. BlackRock. ' Diversifying investments .' Portfolio Construction Modules. 2025.

5. Vanguard. “ Bond trading strategies: Ladders, barbells & swaps .” Vanguard, n.d. Accessed 13 July 2025.

How can employees of T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc. leverage the retirement planning tools provided by the company to enhance their financial preparedness for retirement? T. Rowe Price offers a variety of interactive tools that allow employees to model their retirement savings and understand the impacts of different investment strategies. What features do these tools have, and how can they be utilized effectively by employees to ensure they are saving adequately for their retirement goals?

Employees of T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc. can leverage a variety of retirement planning tools that the company provides to enhance their financial preparedness for retirement. These interactive tools allow employees to model different retirement savings scenarios and analyze the impacts of various investment strategies. The features of these tools include the integration of defined contribution (DC) and defined benefit (DB) plan information, interactive retirement modeling, and real-time digital experiences. By utilizing these tools, employees can monitor their progress toward their retirement goals and adjust their savings strategies accordingly to ensure they are adequately prepared for retirement(T Rowe Price Retirement…).

In the context of T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc., what specific considerations should employees take into account when choosing between defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans, and how do these considerations affect their long-term financial outcomes? Employees need to understand the risks and rewards associated with each plan type, as well as potential tax implications and growth potential, to make informed decisions about their retirement savings.

When choosing between defined benefit plans (DB) and defined contribution plans (DC), employees at T. Rowe Price must consider factors such as the predictability of retirement income, growth potential, and associated risks. DB plans typically offer guaranteed income based on salary and years of service, providing more certainty, whereas DC plans depend on employee contributions and market performance, offering growth potential but with increased risk. Tax implications also differ, with contributions and withdrawals from each plan having varying impacts on taxable income, which employees must evaluate for long-term financial planning(T Rowe Price Retirement…).

For employees at T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc., what are the key steps involved in the transition from active employment to retirement, and how can understanding these steps mitigate any risks associated with this life change? Retirement planning is not just about financial readiness; it also involves emotional and logistical preparation. What resources does T. Rowe Price provide to assist employees through this process?

The transition from active employment to retirement involves several key steps, including initiating retirement plan distributions, adjusting investment strategies, and preparing for changes in income and healthcare coverage. T. Rowe Price supports this transition by offering resources such as retirement modeling tools, educational meetings, and personalized consultations. Understanding these steps and utilizing the company’s tools can help mitigate the risks associated with this life change, such as underestimating future expenses or mismanaging retirement account withdrawals(T Rowe Price Retirement…).

How does T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc. ensure that employees are educated about their retirement options throughout their employment lifecycle, and what role does employee feedback play in shaping these educational programs? Continuous education is essential for employees to effectively manage their retirement savings. What initiatives has T. Rowe Price designed to keep employees engaged and informed?

T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc. ensures employees are educated about their retirement options through continuous education efforts, including online communications, in-person or virtual meetings, and access to detailed retirement plan information. The company’s educational programs are designed to be relevant throughout the employee lifecycle and are continually updated based on employee feedback to ensure engagement and the provision of meaningful, actionable information. This proactive approach helps employees make informed decisions regarding their retirement savings(T Rowe Price Retirement…).

What are the tax implications of withdrawals from retirement accounts offered by T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc., and how can employees effectively plan for these implications as they near retirement age? Understanding the tax consequences can influence the timing and amount of withdrawals, and T. Rowe Price provides resources to help employees navigate these complexities. How do these implications vary depending on the type of retirement account?

Withdrawals from retirement accounts offered by T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc. are subject to different tax implications depending on the type of account. For example, traditional 401(k) withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income, while Roth 401(k) withdrawals can be tax-free if certain conditions are met. To assist employees in navigating these complexities, T. Rowe Price provides resources such as tax planning tools and expert consultations, allowing employees to strategically plan the timing and amount of their withdrawals to minimize tax liabilities(T Rowe Price Retirement…).

Upon reaching retirement age, what are the options available to employees of T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc. regarding the distribution of their retirement benefits, and how can employees evaluate which option may best suit their needs? Employees must weigh the pros and cons of lump-sum distributions versus annuities, and what aligned strategies T. Rowe Price suggests to assist them in making this decision.

Upon reaching retirement age, T. Rowe Price employees have various options for distributing their retirement benefits, including lump-sum payments, annuities, or periodic withdrawals. Employees must evaluate their long-term financial needs, life expectancy, and risk tolerance to determine which option best aligns with their goals. T. Rowe Price suggests that employees use its retirement modeling tools and consult with advisors to weigh the pros and cons of each distribution option and select a strategy that provides financial stability throughout retirement(T Rowe Price Retirement…).

How does T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc. accommodate employees with different risk tolerances within its retirement investment offerings, and what strategies are recommended for employees to align their investment choices with their personal risk profiles? Employeesâ€™ financial goals can greatly differ; thus, understanding how to tailor investment strategies according to individual risk tolerance is crucial.

T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc. offers a range of investment options that accommodate different risk tolerances, from conservative to aggressive strategies. Employees are encouraged to align their investment choices with their personal financial goals and risk profiles by using the company’s interactive retirement planning tools, which provide tailored advice based on individual risk preferences. This personalized approach ensures that employees can confidently manage their retirement savings according to their comfort with market fluctuations(T Rowe Price Retirement…).

In what ways does T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc. support employees approaching retirement in understanding their healthcare options, and what resources are available to assist with the transition? Healthcare costs can be a significant burden in retirement, and employees need to be prepared. What educational tools or advice does T. Rowe Price provide to help ease this transition?

For employees approaching retirement, T. Rowe Price offers resources to help them understand their healthcare options, which can significantly impact retirement expenses. These resources include educational materials, healthcare cost calculators, and consultations with experts to provide a clear picture of post-retirement healthcare needs. By utilizing these tools, employees can better prepare for healthcare expenses and make informed decisions about Medicare, supplemental insurance, and long-term care(T Rowe Price Retirement…).

How can employees of T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc. utilize the companyâ€™s resources to keep abreast of changes in regulations affecting retirement benefits? The regulatory environment surrounding retirement plans is constantly evolving, and staying informed is imperative for effective planning. Which specific resources does T. Rowe Price offer to ensure employees remain updated on these changes?

T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc. ensures that employees stay informed about changes in regulations affecting retirement benefits through ongoing educational efforts, newsletters, and updates via the company’s online platforms. These resources provide timely information on regulatory changes, ensuring that employees can adjust their retirement plans accordingly to remain compliant and maximize their savings potential. Staying updated on these changes is crucial for effective retirement planning(T Rowe Price Retirement…).

For employees seeking additional information about their retirement options and benefits at T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc., what is the best method to contact the appropriate department for assistance? Understanding the various channels of communication and support available can optimize employees' access to information and resources. What steps should an employee take to ensure they receive comprehensive answers to their inquiries?

Employees seeking additional information about their retirement options and benefits at T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc. can contact the appropriate department by phone or through the company’s online support system. T. Rowe Price provides dedicated client contacts and real-time access to retirement plan information via its online portal. Employees can ensure they receive comprehensive answers by preparing specific questions and utilizing the available communication channels effectively(T Rowe Price Retirement…).