Life Insurance: Do You Really Need It (and How Much)?

This entry is part 5 of 5 in the series Guide to Employee Benefits

Life insurance isn’t always top of mind when you’re starting a new job. But understanding whether you need it—and how much—is an essential part of building financial stability for those who depend on you. Let’s walk through the basics so you can make a clear and confident choice. What Is Life Insurance? Life insurance pays out a lump sum to your chosen beneficiary (like a spouse or child) if you pass away. It’s designed to…

401(k) Contributions: Your Future-Self Will Thank You

This entry is part 4 of 5 in the series Guide to Employee Benefits

When you’re just starting a job, retirement might feel like a lifetime away. But starting to save for retirement early is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make. Why? Because time—and compound interest—are on your side.  As much as compound interest on credit card borrowing can put you in a death spiral – the opposite occurs with savings. One of the best retirement savings vehicles is the 401(k).  Let’s walk through how to…

Choosing a Healthcare Plan

This entry is part 3 of 5 in the series Guide to Employee Benefits

Making the Right Call for Your Health (and Wallet) Your new job offers health benefits—congrats! But now you’re staring at acronyms, charts, and confusing terminology. PPO? HMO? HDHP? HSA or FSA? Don’t worry. With a little clarity, you can confidently choose a plan that fits your health and your wallet. Let’s walk through what all this means—and how to choose wisely based on your own needs. How Employer Healthcare Plans Work An employer-sponsored healthcare plan…

Understanding Your W-4: The First Step to Smarter Paychecks

This entry is part 2 of 5 in the series Guide to Employee Benefits

Starting a new job often comes with a flood of paperwork, and the W-4 form is usually near the top of the pile. It might look like just another tax document—but the choices you make here can impact your finances all year long.   Starting about the time of the Super Bowl, you see a lot of ads for “maximum tax refund”.  In reality, the tax refund you receive is not determined by the tax preparer…

You Got the Job, Now What?

This entry is part 1 of 5 in the series Guide to Employee Benefits

A Simple Guide to Employee On-Boarding Starting a new job can feel like stepping into a whirlwind—new routines, new people, and a mountain of paperwork. Right in the middle of it all? Your employee benefits. From tax forms to health insurance to retirement plans, these choices can have a huge impact on your financial well-being. But most of us aren’t taught how to navigate them—and many people go years (or even decades) feeling unsure if…