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Steering Clear of Retirement Pitfalls: Strategies for Elanco Animal Health Employees

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'Elanco Animal Health employees nearing retirement should consider the 'bucket strategy' as a proactive way to help protect their retirement income from sequence of returns risk, providing a stable cash flow during market downturns while allowing their long-term investments to recover—creating a robust plan for both stability and growth.' – Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Elanco Animal Health employees approaching retirement can benefit from diversifying their income strategy using the 'bucket strategy,' which provides for short-term needs while positioning assets for long-term growth, establishing a balanced approach to market volatility and inflation.' – Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

  1. The risks of sequence of returns and how it can impact your retirement income.

  2. The 'bucket strategy' for managing market volatility in retirement.

  3. How to plan for inflation to help maintain your purchasing power during retirement.

Many Elanco Animal Health employees nearing retirement have worked hard to save, invest, and prepare for a stable financial future. However, even the most carefully crafted retirement plans can face a hidden risk that’s often overlooked: sequence of returns risk. This risk occurs when the timing of market returns negatively impacts a retiree's ability to generate income from their portfolio.

Sequence of Returns Risk: What is it?

For anyone depending on their investments for retirement income, risk is an inevitable part of the equation. Sequence of returns risk highlights a problem that can arise even with a solid financial strategy: even if you diligently save, make smart investments, and plan your retirement, a market downturn early in retirement can hinder the recovery of your portfolio. This can lead to reduced future income, especially if you’re forced to sell investments at a loss to cover expenses.

The key factor behind this risk is that, while markets generally trend upward over time, the returns you experience early in retirement significantly influence your long-term financial health. If the market underperforms during those first few years, especially if you’re making withdrawals, your portfolio's future potential can be seriously affected.

The Significance of Timing

Many investors assume that, over time, markets will rise, and they fail to account for the immediate impact market downturns can have on retirees. When you begin withdrawing income from your retirement portfolio and the market drops, you may be forced to sell assets at a loss. This not only locks in the losses but also reduces the ability of the remaining portfolio to grow, limiting future income potential.

This issue is not just a theoretical one; real-life examples abound where retirees have struggled to meet their financial goals due to poor timing early in retirement. Negative returns early on can disrupt even well-constructed portfolios. The sustainability of early retirement income and future growth potential can be compromised by such setbacks.

The “Bucket” Strategy: A Smarter Way to Generate Income

To manage sequence of returns risk, it’s essential to design a retirement income strategy that accounts not just for how much you’ve saved, but also when you access those funds. Elanco Animal Health employees should consider a strategy that divides retirement assets into multiple “buckets,” each with its own function and time horizon. This approach is designed to provide a reliable income stream, regardless of market fluctuations.

Here’s how the strategy works:

Bucket 1: Stability First, Years 1–5

The goal of Bucket 1 is to provide the income you need during the early years of retirement. This bucket includes low-risk, highly liquid assets like cash reserves, certificates of deposit (CDs), short-term treasuries, or fixed annuities. The focus here is on stability, making sure that you have the cash required during this crucial period without worrying unduly about market swings.

Bucket 2: Moderate Growth with Purpose, Years 6–10

While Bucket 1 focuses on stability, Bucket 2 emphasizes moderate growth. It may include bonds, fixed annuities with income riders, and other conservative investments with a longer maturity. The strategy here is to grow these assets in a way that aligns with future income needs, offering moderate risk while preparing for the years ahead.

Bucket 3: Long-Term Growth and Volatility Management, Years 11–15

Bucket 3 is designed for long-term growth and is meant for later years of retirement. With the first two buckets covering the early years, Bucket 3 can afford to take on more volatility by investing in stocks, which, while more volatile in the short term, offer greater potential for growth. This bucket is intended to withstand market downturns and notionally has the time to recover and take advantage of long-term market trends.

Bucket 4 and Beyond: Legacy and Longevity, Years 16+

For those planning a retirement longer than 15 years, Bucket 4 focuses on long-term growth. This bucket may consist of riskier investments, designed to grow over time and support legacy goals, long-term care needs, or late-stage retirement expenses. Funds in this bucket are meant to meet financial needs that arise far down the road, whether it’s covering health care costs or providing a legacy for future generations.

The Bucket Strategy’s Benefits

This strategy works because it helps retirees reduce emotional decision-making during volatile market periods. With portions of assets already set aside for short-term income, you can rest easy knowing that even in times of market volatility, your immediate needs are covered. This optimally allows your long-term growth assets to recover, potentially eliminating the need to sell investments in a downturn.

The strategy offers not only growth potential for the later years of retirement but also frees retirees from over-relying on the market for their daily living expenses, offering peace of mind.

In Conclusion

Retirement planning isn’t just about saving enough money—it’s about making sure that savings last through your retirement years. If you are approaching retirement at Elanco Animal Health, now is the ideal time to explore creating a structured income plan with a fiduciary advisor. This approach can increase confidence around your financial future, potentially helping you sidestep the pitfalls of sequence of returns risk.

The strategy outlined here aims to provide comfort, reduce the stress of market swings, and help your portfolio withstand both prosperous and difficult years. Elanco Animal Health employees have the opportunity to work with trusted professionals to create well-thought-out retirement plans that support their financial futures while providing a reliable income throughout retirement.

One of the most common mistakes retirees make immediately after retirement is underestimating the importance of adjusting their withdrawal strategy for inflation. A 2023 study by Fidelity Investments shows that retirees who neglect inflation may experience a decline in purchasing power as they age. It’s essential to include inflation-adjusted solutions in your retirement plan to preserve your purchasing power, even with small inflationary increases over time. By planning for this, you can better maintain your quality of life despite rising costs.

Explore how a structured income plan can help manage your retirement funds from the sequence of returns risk. Examine the 'bucket strategy' for managing retirement income, which balances stability, growth, and long-term objectives. Create a plan that shields against market downturns and provides consistent income, supporting your financial future. Learn essential techniques for managing risk and increasing returns in retirement. Optimize your retirement income with careful planning and low-risk investments. Use professional retirement strategies for long-term confidence.

Retirement is like preparing for a long road trip. You've packed your bags, checked your vehicle, and mapped out your route. But one of the biggest mistakes retirees make is neglecting to adjust their spending plans for the rising costs they will face over time. Ignoring inflation can gradually reduce your purchasing power, much like running out of fuel during a trip can derail your plans. By planning for inflation, you can avoid the financial bumps along the way.

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Sources:

2. 'Why Keeping Growth in Your Portfolio After 70 Is Crucial for Your Financial Health.'  Investopedia , 2 June 2025.

  • 2. 'Why Keeping Growth in Your Portfolio After 70 Is Crucial for Your Financial Health.'  Investopedia , 2 June 2025.

    • 3. Sloan, Jim. 'I'm a Wealth Manager: This Is How to Reduce One of the Biggest Risks to Your Retirement.'  Kiplinger , 1 June 2025.

      • 4. 'Inflation Is Weighing Heavily on Retirees.'  Investopedia , 3 June 2025.

        • 5. 'What Millennials Should Do to Combat the Fear of Running Out of Money.'  Investopedia , 2 June 2025.

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Elanco Animal Health?

The 401(k) plan at Elanco Animal Health is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

Does Elanco Animal Health offer matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Elanco Animal Health offers matching contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

How can employees enroll in the 401(k) plan at Elanco Animal Health?

Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan at Elanco Animal Health through the company’s benefits portal during the enrollment period or after a qualifying event.

What are the eligibility requirements for the 401(k) plan at Elanco Animal Health?

To be eligible for the 401(k) plan at Elanco Animal Health, employees typically need to meet certain criteria, such as age and length of service.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) at Elanco Animal Health?

Yes, Elanco Animal Health allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance under certain conditions.

What investment options are available in the Elanco Animal Health 401(k) plan?

The 401(k) plan at Elanco Animal Health offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to customize their investment strategy.

How often can employees change their contribution percentage to the Elanco Animal Health 401(k) plan?

Employees at Elanco Animal Health can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to company policies.

Is there a vesting schedule for the matching contributions at Elanco Animal Health?

Yes, Elanco Animal Health has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the matching funds.

What happens to an employee's 401(k) account if they leave Elanco Animal Health?

If an employee leaves Elanco Animal Health, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the Elanco plan if eligible.

Are there any fees associated with the Elanco Animal Health 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the Elanco Animal Health 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Pension Plan: Elanco's pension plan is structured as a defined benefit plan, meaning that employees receive a guaranteed payout upon retirement. The exact benefits are calculated based on years of service, age at retirement, and the average of the highest earnings during a specific period. Employees need to meet certain years of service and age qualifications to be eligible for this pension plan. The plan is aimed at long-term employees, ensuring that those who dedicate a significant portion of their career to Elanco are rewarded with secure retirement income. 401(k) Plan: Elanco offers a 401(k) plan to its employees, which is part of their broader retirement savings offerings. The plan allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis, which Elanco matches up to a certain percentage, though the exact match percentage may vary each year. The plan is designed to provide flexibility and financial security, enabling employees to manage their retirement savings effectively. The company’s 401(k) plan is part of their commitment to employee well-being, emphasizing financial benefits as a key component of their compensation package.
Restructuring and Layoffs: In August 2023, Elanco Animal Health announced a restructuring plan aimed at improving operational efficiency. The company planned to lay off approximately 200 employees globally as part of this restructuring. This move is part of a broader effort to streamline operations and focus on core business areas. It's crucial to stay updated on this news due to the current economic environment, which impacts job security and corporate strategies. Understanding these changes helps employees and investors navigate the shifting landscape effectively.
Elanco Animal Health offers stock options and RSUs to its employees as part of its compensation and incentive programs. In 2022, the company provided stock options and RSUs to its senior executives and key employees. For 2023 and 2024, Elanco Animal Health has continued this practice, with a focus on aligning incentives with the company's performance.
Review Elanco Animal Health's official website for their health benefits information, including any recent updates or changes for 2022, 2023, or 2024. Reliable Sources: Look for specific terms and acronyms used by Elanco in their health benefits information, such as types of health plans, coverage details, and any new initiatives.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Elanco Animal Health at 2500 Innovation Way Greenfield, IN 46140; or by calling them at (877) 352-6261.

https://www.thelayoff.com/ https://benefitslink.com/ https://www.federalregister.gov/ https://www.benefitspro.com/?slreturn=2024081195633 https://www.businessinsider.com/ https://www.elanco.com/en-us https://www.sec.gov/ https://pensionrights.org/ https://www.fidelity.com/ https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/benefits

*Please see disclaimer for more information

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