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Corteva Employees: Is Timing the Market Worth the Risk?

Corteva 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.

Corteva 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. Corteva 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 Corteva 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 Corteva 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 Corteva 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 Corteva employees nearing retirement, staying consistent may yield better outcomes than trying to chase timing strategies.

The central message for anyone at Corteva 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 Corteva 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 Corteva 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 Corteva 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.

Articles you may find interesting:

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.

How does Corteva Agriscience determine the eligibility criteria for employees to participate in the Pension and Retirement Plan, and what implications does this have for employees who were hired before or after January 1, 2007? Specifically, in what ways could this eligibility impact employees looking to retire within the next few years as they assess their planned benefits?

Eligibility Criteria: Employees at Corteva Agriscience are eligible to participate in the Pension and Retirement Plan based on their hire date. Those hired before January 1, 2007, are generally eligible for the plan, while those hired afterward are excluded. This eligibility distinction significantly affects employees planning to retire in the next few years, as those hired before 2007 may be able to rely on pension benefits in addition to other savings(Corteva_Agriscience_Pen…).

What are the different methods available for calculating retirement benefits under Corteva Agriscience's Pension and Retirement Plan? In particular, how do these calculations accommodate variations in years of service and average monthly compensation, and what considerations must employees account for when estimating their final retirement benefits?

Methods for Calculating Retirement Benefits: Corteva Agriscience offers different methods to calculate retirement benefits, including Formula A, B, and C. These formulas consider factors such as years of service and average monthly compensation. The formulas accommodate variations in service years, and employees must evaluate which formula provides the highest benefits based on their individual circumstances, including any service accrued before the Benefit Freeze Date(Corteva_Agriscience_Pen…).

How does Corteva Agriscience address early retirement options for employees, and what factors contribute to the potential reduction of pension benefits for those opting for early retirement? Analyze the balance between the desirability of early retirement and the financial implications it entails for employees at Corteva Agriscience.

Early Retirement Options: Employees may opt for early retirement, typically available from age 50 with 15 years of eligibility service. However, retiring early could reduce pension benefits based on a percentage reduction for each year before normal retirement age. Employees must carefully balance the attractiveness of early retirement with potential reductions in their pension benefits(Corteva_Agriscience_Pen…).

In what ways does Corteva Agriscience ensure that employees understand their rights and options regarding survivor benefits? What steps should employees take to designate beneficiaries effectively, and how might the choice of survivor benefit options affect long-term financial security for families after an employee's death?

Survivor Benefits: Corteva Agriscience provides survivor benefits, including options like joint and survivor annuities. Employees can designate a spouse or other beneficiaries to receive benefits after their death, ensuring long-term financial security for their families. Employees should regularly update beneficiary information and carefully consider how their choice of survivor benefits impacts their family’s financial security(Corteva_Agriscience_Pen…).

How does Corteva Agriscience's pension plan accommodate transfers between affiliated companies? Specifically, what rules govern the continuity of benefits, and how might a transfer impact the benefits accrued under the Pension and Retirement Plan, particularly for those moving between different titles of the plan?

Transfers Between Affiliated Companies: The pension plan allows for the continuity of benefits when transferring between Corteva’s affiliated companies. Transfers after specific dates between titles (e.g., DuPont, Pioneer) continue to earn benefits under the initial plan, which helps employees preserve their accrued benefits when moving between titles within the company(Corteva_Agriscience_Pen…).

What strategies can employees at Corteva Agriscience employ to maximize their retirement savings given the current limits set by the IRS for 2024? Discuss the potential implications of these limits on employee contributions and how the pension plan can work in conjunction with the employees' broader financial planning.

Maximizing Retirement Savings: Employees can maximize their retirement savings by contributing the maximum allowed under IRS limits for 2024. Since the pension plan is a defined benefit plan, it works alongside personal savings and the Retirement Savings Plan to provide comprehensive retirement support. Strategic contributions to 401(k) and other savings vehicles can complement the pension benefits(Corteva_Agriscience_Pen…).

How does Corteva Agriscience manage the funding of its Pension and Retirement Plan to ensure that it meets current obligations? Additionally, what role do anticipated changes in employee demographics play in shaping Corteva's approach to future pension fund viability?

Pension Funding and Viability: Corteva Agriscience manages its Pension and Retirement Plan by monitoring funding levels to meet obligations. Anticipated changes in employee demographics, such as increasing retirements, shape the company’s strategy to maintain long-term pension viability and ensure that benefits are funded adequately(Corteva_Agriscience_Pen…).

What are the potential benefits and limitations of participating in Corteva Agriscience's Pension and Retirement Plan for employees nearing retirement, and how do those factors influence their decision-making process regarding when to retire?

Benefits for Employees Nearing Retirement: Employees nearing retirement may benefit from Corteva Agriscience’s plan if they qualify under the eligibility criteria. However, the plan's limitations, including the Benefit Freeze Date and early retirement reductions, may influence their decision on when to retire. Employees must weigh these factors when assessing their overall retirement strategy(Corteva_Agriscience_Pen…).

How can employees contact Corteva Agriscience to gain further insight or clarification regarding their benefits under the Pension and Retirement Plan? What resources does Corteva provide to facilitate communication and ensure that employees are well-informed about their retirement options?

Contacting Corteva for Clarification: Employees can contact Corteva’s pension recordkeeper for further clarification on their benefits by reaching out to the contacts listed in the plan’s summary. Corteva provides resources like the retirement kit to help employees understand their options(Corteva_Agriscience_Pen…).

What legal and administrative steps must employees at Corteva Agriscience take when they experience changes in employment status or when filing claims related to their pension benefits? How does the administrative structure of the Pension and Retirement Plan influence these processes, and what resources are available to assist employees in navigating them?

Legal and Administrative Steps: Employees must notify the Pension and Retirement Plan administrator about changes in employment status and follow formal procedures when filing claims. Administrative processes are governed by plan-specific rules, and resources like Corteva Connection are available to assist employees through these processes(Corteva_Agriscience_Pen…).