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

Navigating Volatile Markets: Two Strategies Windstream Holdings Employees Can Use to Balance Growth and Protection

'Windstream Holdings 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.

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

What Windstream Holdings 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 Windstream Holdings 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 Windstream Holdings 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. Windstream Holdings 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 Windstream Holdings 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 Windstream Holdings 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 Windstream Holdings 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, Windstream Holdings 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.

What are the implications of the Windstream Pension Plan for employees who wish to retire early, specifically regarding the eligibility criteria and benefit calculations that will affect their financial planning? How does Windstream address concerns for employees who may be contemplating retirement before reaching the defined Normal Retirement Age of 65?

Early Retirement and Financial Planning: Employees may retire early at age 55 with 20 or more years of service, though the pension benefit will be reduced. The reduction is by 1/180th for the first 60 months and 1/360th for each of the next 60 months that commencement precedes the normal retirement date of age 65. This ensures early retirees can still receive benefits, though at a lower amount than if they had waited until age 65(Windstream_Pension_Plan…).

In what ways does the Windstream Pension Plan protect the interests of employees during a potential plan termination? Specifically, how does the plan ensure that accrued benefits are preserved and what procedures are in place to inform employees about their rights under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA)?

Plan Termination Protections: In the event of plan termination, Windstream ensures all accrued pensions are fully vested. The plan assets will be used exclusively to meet accrued pension obligations before any surplus may revert to the company. Participants are also protected by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), which guarantees most pension benefits(Windstream_Pension_Plan…).

How does Windstream determine the necessary contributions to the Pension Plan, and what role does an independent actuarial assessment play in this process? Additionally, how does this funding approach impact the overall financial stability of the Windstream Pension Plan and the benefits it promises to its participants?

Contribution Determination and Actuarial Role: Windstream’s contributions to the pension plan are determined by an independent actuary who evaluates the plan annually to recommend adjustments based on experience. This approach ensures that the plan remains financially stable and capable of meeting its promised benefits(Windstream_Pension_Plan…).

What options are available to employees of Windstream regarding the forms of pension benefit payouts upon retirement, and how do these options like the Joint and Survivor Annuities differ in terms of financial implications for both the retiring employee and their spouse?

Benefit Payout Options: Windstream offers several pension payout options, including Joint and 100% Survivor Annuity, Joint and 50% Survivor Annuity, and a 10-Year Certain and Life Annuity. These options differ in terms of the benefit reduction applied to ensure payments continue for the life of the spouse, impacting both the retiree’s and the spouse’s financial planning(Windstream_Pension_Plan…).

How should Windstream employees approach the process of claiming pension benefits, especially if their claims have been denied? What recourse is available for employees who are facing issues with their pension claim and wish to understand their rights and the appeal process?

Claiming Pension Benefits and Denied Claims: If an employee's pension claim is denied, they will receive a written notice explaining the reasons for the denial and the specific plan provisions involved. Employees may appeal the decision within 60 days, and the appeal process must be completed within 60 days of the request, with the right to file a civil lawsuit if necessary(Windstream_Pension_Plan…).

Given the frozen status of the Windstream Pension Plan, what should employees understand about their service years and how these years contribute to their pension benefits? How does Windstream communicate these rules to ensure clarity among its employees?

Service Years and Frozen Status: Since the Windstream Pension Plan is frozen, no additional benefits accrue after December 31, 2007. However, employees continue to earn years of service, which count toward eligibility for early retirement and vesting. Windstream provides clear communication through its summary plan description and resources to ensure employees understand these rules(Windstream_Pension_Plan…).

What strategies can Windstream employees employ to maximize their pension benefits and ensure they are making informed decisions about their retirement? How does Windstream support its employees in accessing the necessary resources and information to facilitate effective retirement planning?

Maximizing Pension Benefits: Employees are encouraged to consider their timing of retirement carefully, as delaying retirement closer to the normal retirement age of 65 reduces benefit reductions. Windstream supports retirement planning through its pension resources and access to Merrill Service Representatives who can assist with planning tools(Windstream_Pension_Plan…).

How does Windstream ensure that employees are aware of their obligations under the plan regarding the filing of claims and maintaining updated personal information? What measures does the company take to keep communication channels open for any inquiries or updates employees might need?

Maintaining Updated Information: Windstream emphasizes the importance of keeping personal information up to date, including changes to contact information. Employees are responsible for filing claims in a timely manner, and failure to do so may result in delays or forfeiture of benefits(Windstream_Pension_Plan…).

In the event of the death of a vested Windstream employee, what benefits are guaranteed to eligible spouses under the plan, and how do survivors initiate the process for claiming these benefits? What steps should surviving spouses take to ensure they receive the necessary support and information from Windstream?

Survivor Benefits and Claim Process: In the event of the death of a vested employee, the spouse is entitled to receive a pre-retirement survivor annuity, which may start on or after the employee’s earliest retirement age. The spouse must contact Windstream to initiate the claim process and may receive a lump sum if the benefit’s present value is below certain thresholds(Windstream_Pension_Plan…).

How can Windstream employees reach out to the companyâ€™s Benefits Committee or Plan Administrator for detailed inquiries about their pension benefits? What contact methods are available, and what information should employees prepare to facilitate effective communication regarding their pension inquiries? These questions will help employees navigate the complexities of the Windstream Pension Plan and ensure they are well-informed as they approach retirement.

Reaching the Benefits Committee: Windstream employees can contact the Benefits Committee or Plan Administrator at Windstream Services, LLC in Little Rock, Arkansas, or via the Merrill Service Center at 1-800-228-4015. Employees should have relevant information, such as personal and employment details, ready to facilitate efficient communication(Windstream_Pension_Plan…).