Are you taking full advantage of the bundle of employment benefits you receive from your employer? Benefits such as vacation, sick days, and medical flexible-spending accounts often have expiration dates. As a nonprofit credit counseling agency, ACCC wants to make sure you’re aware of your benefits (and the financial perks that can come from them). So, how can you effectively utilize all of these benefits?
Employment benefits can be financially helpful.
Employment Benefits – How to Maximize on Them
The first step of maximizing on your employment benefits is to fully understand them. Individuals often aren’t aware of all the benefits and programs their employer offers. They can add up to major savings over time. Taking full advantage of these benefits will likely help you in the debt management process in the long run.
See if these employment benefits are on your list!
- Retirement – Many employers will offer a match for some, if not all, of your 401(k) contributions. Ask around and find out what level of matching your company offers.
- Healthcare – Many employers offer a choice of healthcare plans. Research all packages to find the one that is most beneficial to you. Packages often include employee and family coverage.
- Bonuses – Companies may not advertise yearly, monthly, sign-on, or commission-based bonuses, so it is worth it to ask.
- Transportation Benefits – Check to see if your company offers a stipend or discounts for your daily commute.
- Paid Time Off – Paid time off should not be ignored. Check to see if your vacation days have expiration dates so you do not waste them. It is important to take time off every now and then to reset the mind.
- Wellness Programs – In an effort to keep employees happy and healthy, many companies have put Wellness Programs into place. Be sure to take advantage of perks such as gym membership discounts, stress management classes, workout classes, or company gyms.
- Tuition Reimbursement – Many companies focus on enhancing the education of employees. Some will offer tuition reimbursements to those who wish to further their education. It is not unlikely for employees to be promoted upon degree completion as well. More companies are also starting to offer student loan repayment benefits, where employers will pay a portion of the employee’s student loans each year.
- Dental Insurance – Dental care coverage offered by companies provides insurance to pay for a portion of dental treatment costs. Typical dental care plans include preventive, basic, and major services.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
