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Citigroup Employees: Is Timing the Market Worth the Risk?

Citigroup employees navigating volatile markets should remember that staying disciplined with a long-term financial plan can often lead to more favorable outcomes than reacting emotionally to short-term headlines. – Kevin Landis, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

Citigroup employees should remember that emotional decisions and market timing can derail years of disciplined planning—staying the course with a tailored strategy is often the most effective path to long-term success. – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

Why market timing can carry significant risk—even when headlines seem clear.
How emotional decisions may influence long-term investment outcomes.
The value of sticking to a customized financial plan.

Unforeseen events can significantly influence investor outcomes, as recent market activity has demonstrated. Amid ongoing volatility, the markets have been experiencing unpredictable ups and downs. Citigroup employees who exited the market before recent spikes may have missed out on potential returns. Similarly, selling into a down market may crystalize losses, impacting the long-term performance of a portfolio.

Tyson Mavar, a wealth manager and financial advisor at Wealth Enhancement, states, “This is precisely why we advise clients not to attempt to time the market.” Trying to forecast what happens next can often lead to subpar results, especially for Citigroup employees focused on retirement goals.

Mavar highlighted that reacting to fear during market turbulence can throw long-term planning off track. Investors who follow a disciplined, strategic framework often experience more favorable results over time—particularly important for Citigroup professionals preparing for retirement with significant pensions and savings.

At Wealth Enhancement, the emphasis is on consistent planning rather than reacting to daily headlines. Their methodology is designed to adapt through fluctuations, anchored in long-term objectives. “We help clients focus on what’s within their control—such as investment planning, portfolio structure, and saving behaviors,” Mavar noted—guidance that Citigroup employees may find helpful when facing market ups and downs.

Historical data shows that maintaining investment positions during market disruptions tends to result in better outcomes. Trying to exit and reenter markets at precisely the right time rarely works—and can often lead to missed opportunities during major rebounds. For Citigroup employees nearing retirement, staying consistent may yield better outcomes than trying to chase timing strategies.

The central message for anyone at Citigroup rethinking their portfolio or hesitant about reentering the market: have a thoughtful financial plan in place before markets fluctuate. Results often stem from consistency and preparation, not from spur-of-the-moment decisions.

A recent DALBAR study (2023) found that the average equity fund investor earned just 6.81% annually over a 30-year period—substantially lower than the S&P 500’s 10.12% annualized return. This gap was largely attributed to emotional investment behavior, such as exiting during downturns and reentering too late. For Citigroup employees, this data emphasizes the potential value of consistent investment strategies during job transitions and retirement planning.

Want to know how missing the right moment can impact your financial future? This article highlights the risks of reactive investing, offers time-tested strategies, and illustrates how aligning with a structured retirement-focused plan can help navigate unpredictable markets—particularly for Citigroup employees in transition.

Trying to time the market is like attempting to hop onto a moving train in the dark. It might work occasionally, but more often, it leads to missteps. Markets can change course quickly based on unexpected developments. Long-term investors—like Citigroup retirees with a structured approach—often benefit from staying the course, much like a traveler who follows a steady itinerary rather than chasing every departing train. According to DALBAR (2023), those who remain consistent tend to outperform those making frequent timing decisions.

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Sources:

1. DALBAR, Inc. 30th Annual Quantitative Analysis of Investor Behavior (QAIB) Report . 2024, pp. 1–3.

2. Benz, Christine. A Down-Market Survival Guide for Retirees. Morningstar , Sept. 2022.

3. Financial Strategies Group . Emotional Investing Part 2: The Costs of Investing Emotionally. 2024.

4. The Wall Street Journal Staff. How to Make Major Money Decisions Right Now: A WSJ Guide. The Wall Street Journal , Apr. 2025.

5. Morningstar Research Team . Does Tolerance for Risk Change in Retirement? Morningstar , Nov. 2024.

What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the Citigroup Pension Plan, and how can Citigroup employees ensure they meet these requirements throughout their employment? Furthermore, what implications does the merger of prior pension plans into the Citigroup Pension Plan have on the benefits for employees from acquired companies, and what steps should they take to understand how their previous service is credited under Citigroup?

Eligibility Criteria for Citigroup Pension Plan Participation: Employees hired before January 1, 2007, are eligible to participate in the Citigroup Pension Plan if they were employees of a Participating Employer. Employees hired after that date are generally not eligible to participate. Additionally, employees from acquired companies may have their prior service credited under Citigroup. It's important for these employees to review the plan's specific provisions or contact the Citi Pension Center to ensure accurate service credit(Citigroup_Pension_Plan_…).

How does the Citigroup Pension Plan address survivor benefits for employees who pass away before their pension benefits commence, and what steps must their beneficiaries take to claim these benefits? Additionally, how can employees ensure that their loved ones are adequately informed about the options available should they face this unfortunate event?

Survivor Benefits for Pre-Retirement Death: If an employee passes away before benefits commence, the surviving spouse may receive a lifetime annuity based on the account balance or opt for a lump sum. Employees should ensure that their beneficiaries are aware of these options and the process to claim benefits(Citigroup_Pension_Plan_…).

For Citigroup employees wanting to learn more about the pension plan's benefits and options available to them, what contact methods should they use? How does Citigroup facilitate communication regarding the pension plan, and what are the most efficient ways for employees to get their questions answered?

Contacting Citigroup for Pension Plan Inquiries: Employees can contact the Citi Pension Center by phone at 1-800-881-3938 for U.S. inquiries or use the online portal to access their pension details. These methods provide the most efficient way to get answers to any pension-related questions(Citigroup_Pension_Plan_…).