| So you've graduated from college. | | | | Disability insurance is also something you |
| Congratulations, that's no small feat. Now | | | | should look into, especially if your employer |
| it's time to roll out the resume and dive | | | | is offering it at a cut rate. Accidents |
| headfirst into the job market. Chances are | | | | happen, and if you're put out of work for any |
| you'll endure your share of interviews and | | | | amount of time, disability insurance could |
| meet a few nice and not so nice people along | | | | save you. |
| the way before you get that first job offer. | | | | |
| When it comes, it's time to celebrate. Your | | | | Vacation, Holidays & Time off |
| four (or more) years of hitting the books | | | | |
| have finally paid off. The company will | | | | Take a look at what the employer offers |
| likely hang an enticing salary number in | | | | first-year employees for vacation time. Many |
| front of you. | | | | times it's little to nothing. Find out how |
| | | | you can accrue vacation time, the maximum you |
| However, before you bite, make sure to look | | | | can have, and if you can cash in unused days. |
| 'under the hood' of that company. Sure, the | | | | Look into the company's paid holiday |
| salary might look nice, but make sure to pore | | | | schedule. There should be at least six, and |
| over their benefits package before signing | | | | anything above that is to be considered a |
| on. A lucrative package can be worth | | | | bonus. Also find out if they offer 'floating' |
| thousands more to you in the long run than | | | | holidays. As far as sick or personal days, |
| just your salary. Meanwhile, a healthy pay | | | | look into how many you get per calendar year |
| rate with shoddy benefits could cost you | | | | and if you can use them for vacation time as |
| dearly. | | | | well. |
| | | | |
| Generally speaking | | | | Retirement |
| | | | |
| Start by talking about generalities. Do you | | | | Most employers offer 401(k) retirement plans. |
| have to sign up for the entire package or can | | | | Check to see how much of your contribution |
| you pick and choose your benefits? Who's | | | | the company will match a percentage of and |
| covered? Is there a monthly fee? When do | | | | when you will be vested in that money. If |
| benefits kick in? Are they taxable? All | | | | you're lucky, the company will also offer a |
| questions you should ask before signing up | | | | pension plan, though these are becoming |
| for anything. | | | | endangered. A pension plan is where a company |
| | | | will put money into a retirement account, |
| Medical, Dental & Vision | | | | with no contributions from you. You'll surely |
| | | | have to work a set amount of time to receive |
| These are undoubtedly the biggest features of | | | | any pension dollars, but it's an excellent |
| a benefits package, as they can save you | | | | benefit if you can get it. |
| thousands in medical care. For medical, weigh | | | | |
| your options carefully. Find out what types | | | | Stock Options & Profit Sharing |
| of plans are offered (indemnity, managed | | | | |
| care), who will be covered, what your | | | | If you're being wooed by a publicly traded |
| premiums, deductibles and co-pays will be, | | | | company, chances are they'll offer you their |
| and if there are any exclusions. For dental, | | | | stock. They'll sell it to you at a discount |
| learn if the plan covers preventative, | | | | of 10 to 15 percent with no broker fees. This |
| surgical and orthodontic care and to what | | | | is huge. Often times you'll be able to sell |
| extent. When looking at vision care, find out | | | | or reinvest your dividends without incurring |
| exactly what the plan covers and what the | | | | a commission fee. It's a fabulous benefit and |
| maximums are. Vision care might not be a big | | | | one you should definitely take advantage of. |
| deal to you now, but down the road you'll | | | | Often times a company will reward their |
| probably need it. | | | | employees through profit sharing plans. It's |
| | | | not guaranteed every year, and the amount |
| Life & Disability | | | | fluctuates, but hey, it's free money. |
| | | | |
| Life insurance probably isn't a top priority | | | | On the fringe |
| for you, and it shouldn't be. But in case | | | | |
| something should happen to you and you have a | | | | In a never ending quest to retain employees, |
| family to care for, life insurance is an | | | | many companies today are going above and |
| excellent benefit to have. If you can get a | | | | beyond the run of the mill benefits package |
| good rate - some employers even offer a set | | | | to keep their workers happy. These fringe |
| amount for free, look hard into signing up. | | | | benefits include employee assistance |
| As far as accidental death and business | | | | programs, parking reimbursement, commuting |
| travel insurance, if they offer it free of | | | | cost reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, |
| charge, why not? | | | | health clubs, and even on site child care. |
| | | | |