Making the Most of your Benefits

I am lucky enough that I am able to work for a large national company. Something that I've learned (some of it the hard way) that I want to take a few minutes to discuss.

Read through what your benefits are relating to your 401K, many employers amount match up to a certain percent. If they match up to a certain percent, if you can afford it, make sure you have that percentage put into your 401k. If you don't you're losing free money! You wouldn't leave a $20 bill at the the cash register when you're done at the grocery store, why leave it in your employers pocket. 

There are a number of employers that offer other perks, make sure to leverage them to benefit you. Do you have kids, check to see if your employer offers a benefit for child care, mine gives a weekly subsidy. Is it a lot, no, but it takes only a few minutes to set up and puts a little extra money in your pocket. 

Another benefit that may be available relates to your health. Some employers or your insurance company will pay for your gym membership or give you some type of compensation for completing a certain number of work outs during a year. 

Some companies have benefits that could surprise you, one my company offers that my husband and I were considering at one time, is $10,000 towards your costs for adopting a child. We tried for 6 years to have our son, and we were seriously talking about adoption. Now that our little guy is here, that conversation has been tabled, at least for now. 

These benefits that your employer has and offers is part of your compensation for doing your job. Just like the health insurance they provide, it is something they offer to compensate you. So, make sure you use and take advantage of them.

You should be able to find these on your employers website or in your employee hand book. Make sure to take the time to look through what is offered. You might be surprised at what is available to you.