BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- Many of you have had this week off. For some it may have been as simple as “take your vacation days or lose them” or you took your vacation days so you are home with the kids who are on school vacation.
On Sunday night we ring in a new year and with a new year many of us start to think about a long “To Do” list as well as New Year resolutions.
And with the new year it’s a good time to review your benefits at work. Usually the first thing we want to know with a job is how much am I going to earn. But there are many other factors that are important to you as an employee.
Did you ever receive an employee handbook way back when you started? Have you read it?
If you have been with the same company for a while request a new handbook and see if they have added any new benefits. There could be benefits you are not taking advantage of.
Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to save more? Does your company offer any type of a savings plan? 401(k), Saving Bonds? A credit union? Are you having your paycheck directly deposited into the credit union or your bank?
Your retirement will be here before you know it! So a good 401(k) plan is a stellar benefit. Check the company match. At least contribute enough to take advantage of the match. Even without a company match for your plan consider contributing as much as you can.
Health care is very important. Do they offer more than one plan to choose from? A family plan? Does the dental plan cover orthodontics?
Vacation and sick leave. What’s the policy? If you don’t use it will you lose it? Many companies are adopting this policy.
Insurance? Do they provide life insurance? How much do they provide? Do you need more? Can you buy more? Disability insurance? Discounts on auto or home insurance?
Is there a Flex Spending Plan; this plan allows you to contribute money pre-tax to an account for childcare or health care?
Do they offer memberships in a discount club such as BJ’s? Health club discounts? Weight loss programs like Weight Watchers? Shopping discounts?
Check your employee handbook. Your benefits are worth real dollars to you!
You can hear Dee Lee’s expert financial advice on WBZ NewsRadio 1030 each weekday at 1:55 p.m. and 3:55 p.m.