You’ve Chosen Your Benefits—Now What?

This entry is part 8 of 8 in the series Guide to Employee Benefits.

You made it. Whether you read one article or worked your way through the entire onboarding series—congrats on taking a powerful step toward greater financial confidence. Choosing your employee benefits isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about building a safety net. Planning for your future. And giving yourself the tools to navigate life’s inevitable ups and downs. What You’ve Just Done. By learning how to: Fill out your W-4 strategically, Choose the right healthcare and…

Voluntary Benefits: What Are They, and Are They Worth It?

This entry is part 7 of 8 in the series Guide to Employee Benefits.

Once you’ve picked your major medical health insurance and set your 401(k) contributions, there’s often one more section of your benefits package to consider: voluntary or supplemental insurance plans. These aren’t required, but they can offer targeted support that fits your life and risk profile. And since they’re offered through your employer, they’re usually more affordable than if you bought them on your own.  This type of insurance can be significant income protection as the…

Disability Insurance: The Most Overlooked Benefit You Might Desperately Need

This entry is part 6 of 8 in the series Guide to Employee Benefits.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing, “That won’t happen to me.” But here’s the truth: you’re far more likely to experience a serious illness or injury that prevents you from working, than to die unexpectedly before retirement. Think about this;  If you die, your obligations end.  If you are sick or seriously injured, not only do your obligations persist – you will likely encounter more financial obligations as a result of the…

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

This entry is part 5 of 8 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 8 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 8 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 8 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 8 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…