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Navigating Volatile Markets: Two Strategies USG Corporation Employees Can Use to Balance Growth and Protection

'USG Corporation 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.

'USG Corporation 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 USG Corporation 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, USG Corporation 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 USG Corporation 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 USG Corporation 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. USG Corporation 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 USG Corporation 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 USG Corporation 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 USG Corporation 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, USG Corporation 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 USG Corporation 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, USG Corporation employees should review terms, features, and costs carefully when considering annuities or other investment products.

What USG Corporation 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 USG Corporation 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 USG Corporation 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. USG Corporation 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 USG Corporation 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 USG Corporation 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 USG Corporation 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, USG Corporation employees can confidently navigate market volatility while seeking new opportunities to grow their retirement savings.

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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 does the retirement plan structure at USG Corporation impact both final average earnings participants and cash balance participants, especially regarding their eligibility and benefits accrued over time? In what ways does the differentiation between these two categories influence the retirement outcomes for employees of USG Corporation?

Retirement Plan Structure: USG Corporation's retirement plan differentiates between Final Average Earnings Participants and Cash Balance Participants. Final Average Earnings participants, who joined before January 1, 2011, accrue benefits based on their final average earnings and years of service, which can result in higher benefits for longer-serving employees. Cash Balance participants, who joined after January 1, 2011, have their benefits calculated based on a cash balance account, which grows with contributions and interest credits. These differences affect retirement outcomes, as Final Average Earnings participants may see higher pension payments if they have longer service or higher wages, while Cash Balance participants have more predictable but potentially lower benefits based on their account balance(USG Corporation_Retirem…).

USG Corporation's Retirement Plan allows for different age-specific rules regarding early retirement. How do the "Rule of 90" and "Rule of 82" affect the financial planning of employees considering an early retirement option, and what should they consider regarding their long-term financial security?

Rule of 90 and Rule of 82: The "Rule of 90" allows employees to retire early without a reduction in benefits if their age plus years of service total 90, provided they retire at or after age 62. The "Rule of 82" permits early retirement with reduced benefits for those whose age and years of service total 82. Employees planning early retirement must consider these rules as they directly affect the amount of benefits they receive, making it important to assess how long-term financial security will be impacted, especially if they retire before age 62(USG Corporation_Retirem…).

Could you elaborate on the process through which employees at USG Corporation can change their beneficiaries within the retirement plan? What steps need to be taken, and what are the implications of these changes on the benefits received upon the participant's death?

Changing Beneficiaries: To change beneficiaries, USG Corporation employees must contact Your Benefits Resources™, where they can designate a primary and contingent beneficiary. If married, the spouse must provide notarized consent to name a different primary beneficiary. The process involves completing a form, and any changes affect who receives benefits upon the participant's death. Failing to update the beneficiary could result in benefits being paid to unintended individuals(USG Corporation_Retirem…).

As part of the retirement process at USG Corporation, how are pensionable earnings calculated? What factors are included in this determination, and how might they vary among different employees based on their roles within the organization?

Pensionable Earnings Calculation: Pensionable earnings at USG Corporation include regular pay, shift differentials, and bonuses but exclude items like nonqualified deferred compensation, severance, and stock awards. These earnings are used to calculate benefits based on formulas that take into account an employee’s service years and earnings over the 36 highest consecutive months of the last 15 years of participation(USG Corporation_Retirem…).

How does the automatic enrollment in the USG Corporation Retirement Plan work, and what options do employees have if they initially chose not to participate? What implications might this have for their retirement savings strategy?

Automatic Enrollment and Opting In: Employees at USG Corporation are automatically enrolled in the retirement plan unless they choose to opt out. If employees decide not to participate initially, they can enroll later by contacting Your Benefits Resources™. Failure to participate from the start could result in lower retirement savings due to fewer years of contributions(USG Corporation_Retirem…).

In the context of USG Corporation, what are the potential tax consequences for employees withdrawing their retirement benefits, especially regarding the mandatory withholdings? How might employees effectively manage these tax liabilities when planning for retirement?

Tax Consequences of Withdrawals: Employees withdrawing their retirement benefits from USG Corporation will face mandatory federal income tax withholdings, typically 20% for lump sum distributions, unless the distribution is rolled over into an IRA. Employees must plan for these taxes when withdrawing to avoid unexpected liabilities and ensure they maximize their after-tax retirement income(USG Corporation_Retirem…).

How do employees at USG Corporation access the necessary documents related to their retirement benefits, and what is the process for obtaining copies of these documents if needed? What are the responsibilities of the Plan Administrator in this process?

Accessing Retirement Documents: Employees can access documents related to their retirement benefits through Your Benefits Resources™ online or via phone. If additional copies are needed, employees can request them from the Plan Administrator for a small fee. The Plan Administrator oversees ensuring these documents are provided to participants as required by ERISA(USG Corporation_Retirem…).

What unique provisions exist for USG Corporation employees who experience a break in service? How do these provisions impact their accumulated benefit service and overall benefits upon reemployment?

Break in Service Provisions: USG Corporation allows employees who experience a break in service to retain their accumulated benefits if they are reemployed within one year. If reemployed after one year, their previous service may not count toward future benefits unless they were vested prior to termination. This can affect the total benefits an employee accrues if they leave and later return(USG Corporation_Retirem…).

What options do employees of USG Corporation have for managing their benefits if they return to work after retirement? How does this affect their pension benefits and the overall strategy for maximizing retirement income?

Returning to Work After Retirement: Employees returning to work after retirement at USG Corporation will have their pension payments suspended and recalculated based on additional years of service. This recalculation takes into account prior payments, meaning employees should consider the impact of returning to work on their long-term pension strategy(USG Corporation_Retirem…)(USG Corporation_Retirem…).

How can employees of USG Corporation contact their Benefits Resourcesâ„¢ for more information on their retirement plan options? Are there specific channels preferred for different types of inquiries, and what resources are available to assist them?

Contacting Benefits Resources™: Employees can contact Your Benefits Resources™ via the web or a toll-free number to inquire about retirement plan options. Different inquiries, such as changes to beneficiaries or requesting benefit estimates, can be handled through these channels. Resources such as detailed benefit estimates are available to help employees plan for retirement(USG Corporation_Retirem…).