Are You Making the Most of Your Benefits?
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Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
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PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Are You Making the Most of Your Benefits?
As we welcome in 2024, let's take a moment to review what benefits we are eligible for.
It’s easy to forget eligible benefits because it’s not something we necessarily see everyday. However, as you consider what’s important to you in 2024, these unseen benefits can truly be important to your overall growth - and even wealth!
Getting Started
Start with your human resources department or the equivalent person for your company. They will likely have a benefits sheet they present to new employees and update as benefit offerings change.
Below are some examples of benefits you may be eligible for and want to take advantage of:
401K, 403B, or an equivalent: is there a minimum you need to contribute, to get the company match? If yes, make sure you are contributing the minimum. The match is free money!
Does your company's 401K offer a Roth option? If yes, this will give you the option to contribute money after taxes and therefore never pay taxes on the earnings.
Keep in mind that there is an annual maximum contribution for your company’s 401K. Many companies offer a free consultation with the financial company that holds the 401K. They can help you estimate how much you will have in retirement, based on your current contribution amount. Is the amount you are contributing supporting your retirement goals?
Does your health insurance plan allow you to open an HSA account? Keep in mind that HSA accounts have an annual maximum contribution, often much lower than your yearly deductible. Is the amount you are contributing to your HSA account meeting your potential health-related expenses?
Does your company offer an Employee Assistance Program? What benefits are included? You may be eligible to meet with a lawyer for free to execute your estate documents or a handful of free sessions with a therapist.
Does your company or health insurance plan offer reimbursement for your gym membership or a discount?
Do you have a Roth IRA? Are you contributing the maximum?
We hope you make the most of your benefits in 2024!
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.