Are You Leaving Money on the Table? Make the Most of Your Employee Benefits

July 12, 2024

Let's start with a little thought experiment. If we offered you an instant 30% pay raise, no strings attached, would you take it? Of course, you would! Who wouldn't want that kind of influx of extra cash?


Well, here's the thing — you may already be entitled to the equivalent of a huge pay bump through your employee benefits package. The only catch is that you actually have to take advantage of the benefits to reap the rewards.


You've worked hard to earn what you have. So why leave money on the table by not fully utilizing all your employer's perks and benefits? It makes no sense! 


Keep reading to discover how you can maximize your employee benefits and unlock their full potential. We'll show you just how lucrative employee benefits can be.


Understanding Your Benefits Package


First things first — familiarize yourself with what's included in your benefits package. This might seem basic, but you’d be surprised how many people don't fully understand their benefits. Key areas to focus on include:


  • Health Insurance
  • Retirement Plans
  • Stock Options and ESPPs.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
  • Life and Disability Insurance


Your 401(k) Match 


Let's kick things off with a big one — your employer's 401(k) match. This is easily one of the most valuable benefits out there, yet it's still sadly underutilized.


For every dollar you contribute to your 401(k) retirement account (up to a certain percentage of your salary, usually 3-6%), some employers will match those contributions with free money from their end. You're literally getting paid to save for your future!


Let's say your employer offers a 4% match, and you earn $200,000 per year. If you max out the match by contributing 4% ($8,000) annually, your employer will kick in another $8,000 on top of that. Suddenly, your original $8,000 contribution has doubled to $16,000! Where else can you get a 100% return on your money just like that?


Over 30+ years that 401(k) match money could translate into hundreds of thousands of extra dollars for your retirement. It's such an easy way to accelerate your retirement savings and prepare for the future you want.


Even if your employer doesn't match your contributions, maximize your retirement contributions if you can afford it. In 2024, employees can contribute up to $23,000 into their 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, or the Thrift Savings Plan for federal employees. 


Maximize Health Insurance Benefits


Health insurance (including dental and vision) is often the most complex part of an employee benefits package. However, it’s also one of the most critical. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your health insurance:


  • Preventive Care: Take advantage of free preventive care services like annual check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations. These can help you catch health issues early, potentially saving you money and hassle down the line.
  • Wellness Programs: Many employers offer wellness programs that provide incentives for healthy behaviors, such as gym memberships, weight loss programs, or smoking cessation programs. Participating in these can improve your health and potentially reduce your insurance premiums.
  • Telemedicine: Check if your plan covers telemedicine services. Virtual doctor visits can be more convenient and sometimes cheaper than in-person appointments.


Take the time to understand the different plan options offered by your employer, including deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums. Carefully review the health insurance options during open enrollment each year. Don't just go for the cheapest option — consider your family's healthcare needs and choose a plan that provides the right coverage at a reasonable cost.


Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)


FSAs and HSAs offer excellent tax advantages for covering medical expenses. Here’s how to maximize their benefits:


  • Contribution Limits: For 2024, you can contribute up to $3,200 to an FSA and $4,150 to an HSA ($8,300 for a family). If you’re over 55, you can contribute an additional $1,000 to an HSA.
  • Qualified Expenses: Use these accounts for qualified medical expenses, which can include doctor visits, lab work, prescription medications, and even some over-the-counter items.
  • HSA as a Retirement Account: HSAs have a triple tax advantage (tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses). If you don’t need to use the funds immediately, consider investing the money for future healthcare costs in retirement.


Stock Options and Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs)


Stock options and ESPPs can be a fantastic way to build wealth, but they require careful planning:


  • Understand the Terms: Know the vesting schedule, the exercise price, and any stock selling restrictions.
  • Tax Implications: Be aware of the tax implications of exercising options or selling ESPP shares. Timing can significantly impact your tax bill.
  • Diversification: Avoid having too much of your portfolio tied up in your employer’s stock. While it's great to have faith in your company, you want to avoid risking your financial future on just one stock.


Evaluating Life and Disability Insurance


Life is unpredictable, and having adequate insurance coverage can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Many employers provide basic group life insurance to their employees for free or at a heavily subsidized rate. However, the coverage amount is usually just 1-2 times your annual salary, which may not be enough for your needs. Review these options carefully and determine if they meet your needs or if you require additional coverage.


Here’s how to make sure you’re adequately covered:


  • Coverage Amount: Assess if the coverage provided by your employer is sufficient. You may need additional coverage to protect your family’s financial future.
  • Supplemental Policies: Consider purchasing supplemental life or disability insurance if your employer’s policy doesn’t meet your needs.
  • Beneficiary Designations: Regularly review and update your beneficiary designations to ensure they reflect your current wishes.


Take Advantage of Other Awesome Perks


We've covered some of the essentials, but there are so many other valuable employee benefits that can help you make the most of your earnings:


  • Employer-paid training, education, and professional development opportunities
  • Commuter benefits to save on public transportation, parking, carpooling options, etc.
  • Employee discounts on products, services, travel, and more
  • Childcare reimbursement
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Generous paid time off, parental leave, sabbaticals and more
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) provide confidential counseling, legal assistance, and other valuable resources to help you navigate personal or work-related challenges.


The list goes on and on! But here's the catch — you have to take the time to learn about your benefits and what's available to you. Don't just let these valuable benefits go to waste!


Let Five Pine Help You Make the Most of Your Benefits


When it comes to your finances, small overlooked areas of inefficiency can add up to a staggering amount of money over time. Your employee benefits package represents a prime opportunity to gain additional income if you take advantage of them.


By thoroughly reviewing your available benefits each year and taking full advantage of them, you could easily inject a 10-30% raise into your household's finances. For a high-earner making $500,000+ annually, we're talking about tens of thousands of dollars in additional wealth-building power.


Of course, maximizing your benefits takes a little work and conscientious planning up front. However, the incredible value

you'll get in return is well worth the effort. After all, you've earned these benefits through your hard work and professional success.


If you need help figuring out where to start or could use some guidance, reach out anytime. As your financial advisors, we're here to help you maximize every possible resource available to you. 


To schedule a meeting, email us at info@fivepinewealth.com or call us at 877.333.1015. At Five Pine Wealth Management, we want to ensure you're taking full advantage of your employee benefits package!

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How to Build a Retirement Plan That Works No Matter What the Economy Does

August 14, 2025
We’re all feeling it these days: the underlying feeling of uncertainty about what lies ahead. Each day, we see headlines about inflation, Social Security’s future, or market swings. Unsurprisingly, Gallup tells us that the top three American fears have to do with money: the economy, availability/affordability of healthcare, and inflation. If you’re in your 50s and 60s, these concerns probably hit even closer to home. You’re not just thinking about the economy in general terms. You’re wondering how it will affect your specific retirement plans. Your mind likely turns to: Increasing healthcare costs – can you absorb unexpected costs on a fixed income? Inflation and market volatility – will the value of the dollar diminish your retirement savings? Social Security uncertainty – will it exist when you retire? Having enough saved – will your retirement budget hold up when the time comes? About 1 in 4 Americans over 50 are delaying retirement , and it’s not hard to understand why. With thoughtful planning and the right strategies, you can build confidence in your ability to maintain your lifestyle on a fixed income, regardless of what economic curveballs come your way. 5 Key Strategies to Prepare for Living on a Fixed Income Uncertainty doesn’t have to derail your retirement plans. By addressing these five critical areas, you can build a foundation that allows you to enjoy the retirement you’ve worked toward. 1. Review (And Potentially Adjust) Your Retirement Timeline One of the most powerful tools you have is flexibility with your retirement timeline. While certain ages qualify you for benefits or withdrawals from certain accounts, there’s no concrete age you have to retire at. Traditional retirement at 62 or 65 might not make sense for your unique situation; you should feel free to alter your timeline to make sense for you and your family. Consider Your Social Security Strategy Your Social Security benefits increase each year you delay claiming them beyond your full retirement age, up until age 70. For many people, this creates a meaningful boost to their guaranteed monthly income. If you can afford to wait, this strategy alone can significantly strengthen your fixed-income foundation. Explore Phased Retirement Options Rather than going from full-time work to complete retirement overnight, consider a gradual or phased transition. Many of our clients find success with: Part-time consulting in their field of expertise Freelance work that leverages their skills Small business ventures they've always wanted to try Investment properties that generate passive income This approach not only eases the financial transition but often provides a sense of purpose and engagement during early retirement. 2. Fine-Tune Your Investment Mix and Retirement Income Strategy Adjusting your portfolio is an ongoing responsibility, not a one-time task before retirement. Continue to revisit and rebalance as a proactive part of your retirement plan. Equally important is creating multiple income streams to reduce your reliance on any single source. Diversify Your Retirement Income Sources Think of building several income bridges instead of relying on one massive one. Your retirement income might come from Social Security, traditional retirement accounts (401(k), IRA), Roth accounts for tax-free withdrawals, and taxable investment accounts for flexibility. Each serves a different purpose in your overall strategy. Is Your Portfolio Inflation-Resistant? Cash can feel safe, but inflation quietly erodes its purchasing power over time. If you want an honest look at the hard numbers of inflation, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI Inflation Calculator . For example, we see that $1,000,000 in 2015 has the buying power of $1,380,194 in 2025. You would need an extra (almost) $380,000 to make up for inflation. Inflation is a reality of the economy that everyone deals with, but your investment strategies can mitigate its impact on your net worth. Consider allocating a portion of your portfolio to assets that historically perform well during inflationary periods. Don’t Abandon Growth Too Soon If you're retiring in your early 60s, you could have 20-30 years ahead of you. Being overly conservative with your investments might feel safer in the short term, but it could leave you struggling to maintain your lifestyle later. A balanced approach that includes growth-oriented investments can help ensure your money lasts as long as you do. 3. Reduce Outstanding Debts The Federal Reserve’s most recent Survey of Consumer Finances reports that the average older adult (ages 65 and up) carries between $95,000 and $172,000 in debt. The bulk of those debts is from outstanding mortgage balances, but credit card and medical debts contribute significantly. Prioritize Your Debt Payoff Strategy High-interest debts from credit cards and personal loans can take up a lot of room on a fixed income. Consider whether it makes sense to use some of your current higher income to aggressively pay down these balances before you retire. There are two primary ways of tackling multiple debts: Avalanche: Pay off your balances starting with the highest interest rates. Snowball: Pay off your balances from smallest to largest. Entering retirement debt-free can be a very freeing experience. Consider Your Mortgage Your mortgage situation is more nuanced. Some retirees find comfort in owning their home outright, while others benefit from maintaining their mortgage if it's at a low interest rate, and money can be invested for higher returns. The right choice depends on your specific situation and comfort level. 4. Plan for Healthcare Costs and Insurance Transitions Healthcare expenses are frequently retirees' most underestimated cost. Add in Medicare's maze of coverage options, and it's no wonder many retirees feel unprepared. Planning for these expenses and understanding your options before you need them can prevent costly surprises that strain your fixed income. Understand Your Medicare Options If you're 65 or older: Enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which begins 3 months before your 65th birthday and extends 3 months after Consider supplemental coverage options: Medigap (if you choose Original Medicare Parts A and B) Medicare Advantage (Part C) as an alternative to Original Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D), if not included in your plan If you’re under 65 and retiring, consider: COBRA coverage from your employer allows you to keep your current plan for up to 18 months, but you'll pay the full premium plus administrative fees (typically $400-$700 per person monthly) Your spouse's employer plan (if available and you're eligible) An Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plan Prepare for the end of employer-sponsored insurance coverage about a year in advance to avoid lapses in coverage. Build a Healthcare Reserve According to the 2025 Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate , a 65-year-old individual may require approximately $172,500 in after-tax savings to cover health care expenses in retirement. Consider establishing a separate savings account specifically for medical expenses. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), if you're eligible, offer triple tax advantages and can be particularly valuable for retirement healthcare planning. 5. Create a Flexible Retirement Budget It’s wise to reevaluate where your money is going every month so you can enjoy once-in-a-lifetime retirement opportunities fully. This, combined with an emergency fund, helps avoid lifestyle creep and the stress of unexpected expenses. Plan for the “Retirement Smile” Retirement spending tends to move in a “U” shape: higher spending in early retirement, less in the middle, and back up again towards the end. While your bucket list trips and experiences are significant expenses, they’re often one-and-done. Most people do these things early on in retirement and slow down into a more predictable financial rhythm. Towards the end of retirement, costs often increase again to cover long-term care needs. Organize Your Budget Into Categories Consider dividing your retirement expenses into essential costs (housing, utilities, healthcare), lifestyle expenses (travel, dining, hobbies), and discretionary spending (gifts, major purchases). Cover your essentials with your most reliable income sources like Social Security, while funding lifestyle expenses through portfolio withdrawals that can adjust during market downturns. How Can You Reduce Your Future Cost-of-Living? Consider ways you can capitalize on your existing assets to better position yourself for the future. If you’ve built significant home equity, downsizing or moving to a more affordable city may be a great option, as you’ll benefit from liquidity and reduced costs. Rely on A Trusted Fiduciary Financial Planner If you’re feeling anxious about the future, know this: you’re not stuck doing it on your own. With the help of a fiduciary financial planner, you can not only see if your plan holds up against inflation and economic uncertainties, but they will:  Prioritize tax-efficient retirement withdrawal strategies Strategize Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) Create a sustainable withdrawal strategy The best thing you can do for a healthy retirement is to leverage the experts. At Five Pine Wealth Management , we create comprehensive financial plans that align with your financial goals and personal values. If you'd like to discuss how these strategies might apply to your specific situation, we're here to help. Email us at info@fivepinewealth.com or call 877.333.1015 to schedule a conversation about your retirement planning needs.

40 and Catching Up: Why This Decade Could Be Your Best for Building Wealth

July 18, 2025
Your 40s arrive with a unique mix of clarity and urgency. You've likely figured out what you want from life, but suddenly retirement no longer feels like a distant concept. If you're looking at your financial situation and feeling behind, you're not alone. Many people in their 40s experience this same wake-up call. The good news is that this decade offers some of the most powerful opportunities to accelerate your wealth-building journey. Think of your 40s as your financial prime time. You're earning more than you ever have, you understand money better than in your 20s and 30s, and you still have 20-25 years to let compound growth work its magic. Instead of dwelling on what you should have done differently, let's focus on what you can do right now to make this decade count. The Reality Check: Where You Stand vs. Where You Want to Be Before exploring strategies, let's acknowledge the elephant in the room. Many financial experts recommend saving three times your annual salary by age 40. If you're reading this and thinking, "I'm nowhere near that," take a deep breath. Life happens. Maybe you started your career later, switched fields, dealt with medical expenses, helped family members, or simply prioritized other goals during your 30s. The key is to start from where you are today, not where you think you should be. Your 40s bring unique advantages: higher earning potential, greater financial discipline, and often more stable life circumstances. Many successful investors didn't hit their stride until their 40s or later. You're not behind; you're just getting started on a more intentional path. Retirement Savings Strategies That Work in Your 40s Your retirement savings strategy in your 40s should differ from someone in their 20s or 30s. You have less time but more resources, which means you need to be both aggressive and smart about your approach. First, maximize your employer's 401(k) match if you haven't already. This is free money, and missing out on it is like leaving cash on the table. Additionally, consider increasing your contribution rate by 1-2% each year, or whenever you receive a raise. This gradual approach makes the adjustment less painful while significantly boosting your long-term savings. Roth conversions become particularly powerful in your 40s. If you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement or if you want to leave tax-free money to heirs, converting some traditional IRA or 401(k) funds to Roth accounts can be a smart move. The key is to do this strategically, perhaps in years when your income is temporarily lower or when you can manage the tax impact. Don't overlook the power of diversification beyond your 401(k). A taxable investment account gives you flexibility and access to your money before age 59½ without penalties. This can be crucial for achieving early retirement goals or covering major expenses that may arise before the traditional retirement age. Catch-Up Retirement Contributions: Start the Habit Now Once you reach 50, you can make catch-up contributions to your retirement accounts, which significantly increases your savings potential. For 2025, this means an additional $7,500 in 401(k) contributions (bringing your total to $31,000). However, you don't have to wait until 50 to think like someone making catch-up contributions. Start now by treating your savings rate as if you're already eligible for these higher limits. If you can save an extra $600 per month ($7,200 annually) starting at 45, you'll have built the habit by the time you're actually eligible for catch-up contributions. Retirement Milestones by Age 40: A New Perspective Traditional retirement milestones can be discouraging if you're starting later or if life hasn’t gone as planned. Instead of focusing on arbitrary multiples of your salary, consider these more practical benchmarks for your 40s: The Emergency Fund Foundation : Before aggressively pursuing retirement savings, ensure you have a solid emergency fund in place. This prevents you from having to tap retirement accounts during tough times. Aim for 3-6 months of expenses, adjusted for your specific situation. The Debt Freedom Focus : High-interest debt can quickly derail retirement plans. If you're carrying credit card debt or other high-interest obligations, addressing these might be more valuable than maximizing retirement contributions beyond your employer match. The Income Replacement Goal : Rather than focusing on net worth multiples, think about what percentage of your current income you're on track to replace in retirement. A good target is 70-80% of your pre-retirement income, but this depends on your lifestyle and retirement plans. The Flexibility Buffer : Your 40s are a great time to build financial flexibility. This means having investments outside of retirement accounts that you can access without penalties, creating multiple income streams, and maintaining career skills that keep you marketable. Insurance: Life and disability insurance coverage should reflect your current income and family needs. Estate Planning : A basic will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive should be in place. Making Your Peak Earning Years Count Your 40s often represent your peak earning years, and how you manage this increased income will significantly impact your financial future. The temptation to inflate your lifestyle with every raise is real, but this decade calls for more strategic thinking. Consider implementing a "pay yourself first" approach where you immediately redirect any income increases to savings and investments. If you get a $5,000 raise, automatically increase your 401(k) contribution by $3,000 and your taxable investment account by $2,000. You'll barely notice the difference in your take-home pay, but you will thank yourself in the future. This is also the time to think seriously about additional income streams. Whether it's consulting in your field, starting a side business, or investing in rental real estate, diversifying your income sources provides security and potential for acceleration. Building Wealth Beyond Retirement Accounts While retirement accounts are crucial, they shouldn't be your only wealth-building tool. Your 40s are an excellent time to diversify your investment approach and build wealth that's accessible before traditional retirement age. Consider opening a taxable investment account if you haven't already done so. This provides flexibility and liquidity while still offering growth potential. Focus on tax-efficient investments, such as index funds, and consider holding dividend-paying stocks or REITs for their income potential. Real estate can be particularly powerful in your 40s. Whether it's paying off your primary residence early, investing in rental properties, or exploring REITs, real estate adds diversification and potential inflation protection to your portfolio. Don’t Forget the “You” Factor We’d be remiss not to mention this: life in your 40s is busy. You might be managing aging parents, teenagers, or a toddler (or all three). You may be helping your partner through a career change or navigating one yourself. It’s a lot. Which is precisely why intentional financial planning matters now more than ever. You don’t need to do it perfectly. You just need a plan that’s rooted in your real life — your values, your vision, and your goals. A good financial advisor can help you prioritize, simplify, and clarify the next best steps, even if you feel like you’ve fallen behind. Ready to Create Your Personal Financial Strategy? Feeling overwhelmed by all the options and strategies available? You don't have to navigate this journey alone. At Five Pine Wealth Management , we specialize in helping individuals and families in their 40s and beyond create comprehensive financial plans that align with their goals and circumstances. Whether you're looking to maximize your retirement savings, explore catch-up strategies, or build a diversified investment portfolio, our team can help you develop a personalized approach tailored to your situation. We work with clients at various stages of their financial journey, from those just getting serious about retirement planning to those with substantial assets seeking to optimize their strategies. Don't let another year pass wondering if you're on the right track. Schedule a conversation with our team to discuss your financial goals and explore how we can help you make the most of your financial prime time.