What Every Employee Should Know About Company Benefits

As a new employee, one of the things you will have to decide is whether or not to implement certain company benefits. Whether you are working for cutting edge companies like Melaleuca, or even a small local business, you need to be educated. To help, below is an overview of some things every employee should know about their company benefits.

Choosing Between an HMO and a PPO

Generally, when you apply for health insurance, you’ll be given two choices. One will be a plan from a health maintenance organization or HMO. The other will be a preferred provider option or PPO. HMOs are generally less expensive than PPOs. However, you will not have the option of choosing your own doctors under an HMO.

Life Insurance and Disability Insurance

These are two options that may also be available as part of your company benefits. Life insurance is usually designed to help your family in the case of your untimely death by paying for things like the funeral and burial. Disability insurance is supposed to help a worker pay for living expenses if he or she becomes disabled after an injury. However, many of these plans have deceptively low coverage. Make sure to read the specifics first before signing up.

Retirement Plans

Many businesses offer plans to help you save for retirement. How different plans work can be quite technical. Common plans offered include 401k plans, TSP plans, 457b plans, and 403b plans. Make sure to do plenty reading up on technical aspects of the plans being offered before you make a decision. You should also learn how much your company will match the funds you pay into different plans.

Dental and Vision Insurance

Dental and vision insurance may also be offered in addition to a standard healthcare plan. Not everyone should sign up for such plans. Vision and even dental problems are sometimes genetic in nature. Not everyone suffers from the same issues. However, dental and vision procedures can also be ridiculously expensive. Dental problems, for example, slowly develop over time. While it may seem like you don’t have problems with your teeth now, it could be different in five years. Make sure you know your overall willingness and ability to spend in these programs.

Stock Options

Lastly, you may be given the choice to receive stock options. In certain cases, employees have become millionaires thanks to stock options that paid off. In other cases, they lost all value. Research the possibility for growth by your company before buying into a stock option program. You can even connect with companies through linkedin to find out more about the best stocks to invest in now.

Overall, you need to be educated on what your company is offering. Some options may greatly improve your life in the future. Others may be completely useless to you. It all depends on where you are in your own life. Take time to consider your future as you sign up for company benefits this year.

6 Factors That Influence Your Car Insurance Premiums

Most people already know that the points on their driving record impact their insurance premiums, but there's a lot more to it than that. Many factors come into play when an insurance company is calculating your premium. Here are some of the many things they may consider. 

What You Do for a Living

Your occupation can impact your car insurance premium either positively or negatively. Car insurance companies look at the statistical odds of car accidents for various professions. Jobs that need attention to detail are often rewarded with a lower premium. Scientists and pilots have some of the lowest car insurance premiums. High stress occupations that have long hours typically result in a higher premium. If you have a career in law or medicine, you'll probably pay more to insure your car. 

Where You Take Your Car

The more you drive, the more you'll pay for car insurance. Your long commute will cost you more than just gas. Lowering your weekly mileage can help you save on your premiums. You should also expect a higher premium if your car spends a lot of time in urban areas during your commute to work. If you drive your car all day as part of your job, your premiums are usually even higher. 

Who's in Your Family

Most people know that teenagers, particularly teenage boys, have a higher risk for car accidents, and are therefore expensive to insure. Women in general are less expensive than men. Your marital status comes into play as well. Many companies charge a lower premium for married people than single ones. If you're insuring several people on one plan, you may get a discount for multiple cars, but the age and gender of the others on the plan will impact your premiums as well. 

Who Insures You

While most insurance companies look at the same factors, they don't all weigh them the same way. Take the time to gather affordable auto insurance options from several providers to find the best deal. Do this on a regular basis, as rates can change over time. 

Where You Live

Your zip code tells an insurance company a lot about the risk factors for your car. If you live in a high crime area, you'll pay more for insurance. Urban areas are typically more expensive as well. The safer your neighborhood, the lower your premiums. 

What You Drive

Your car plays a big part in your insurance premium, but it's not as clear-cut as you might think. Older cars aren't always cheaper. A new car with a high safety rating may actually lower your premium if your previous vehicle was very unsafe. Additional features like an anti-theft system will lower your premium as well. Contrary to common belief, the color of your vehicle does not impact your premium at all.

With these factors in mind, you may find that you can take steps to lower your car insurance premiums. Always compare rates to make sure you're getting the best deal you can.

Image via Flickr by epSos.de

Binary Option Platforms and How You can Use Them Effectively?

To trade in binary options, there are different types of trading platforms present. You need to know about what types of platforms are present and how you can use them to gain more advantage. The main thing that differentiates binary options from gambling is a binary options trader does a complete analysis before he starts his trading, while a gambler just makes his bets on luck.

Types of Platforms Present

There are many binary options platforms present online. While some traders use different platforms and like to involve more than one in their strategies, others find that they work well with a selected few platforms only. Knowing different platforms will help you decide on what is effective for you. 

• Sixty Second Trading – This is a universal type of platform that can be used by both amateurs and trading pros. The ease of use makes it a preferred choice except for the expiry time, which is just one minute. 
• Digital Options Pro – This is another convenient and easy to use platform that is generally offered by all brokers. Similar to the sixty seconds trading platform this too can be used by beginners and experts. 
• One Touch – This is a highly profitable platform that provides a payout of nearly 500% in case the value of assets nears the set target. 
• Option Builder – In this platform, the returns on the investment can be adjusted and you are able to control the amount of profit you make. 
• Meta Trader – This is a highly advanced platform that is used by experts and technical analysts. 

Choosing the Platform

Since there are many platforms present, their selection depends on the choices that the trader makes in relation to the use of financial tools. A trader can earn a considerable sum in commodities in general if he can keep up with the daily trading. This is more difficult in case of binary options as it has only two main outcomes namely earning a fixed amount of money or commodity, or losing the investment altogether. To choose the best platform, a trader needs advice of a dependable broker. A broker helps in studying various platforms and how to increase profits with the options present. 

Finding a Broker

The broker should have the following qualities:

• He should be reputable, stable, and make reliable decisions 
• The returns made should be near 70% 
• You need to read the reviews, terms and conditions and all the relevant fine print 
• A broker with a demo account will be more effective 
• Customer service team should be verified for proper and prompt service 
• The trading tools and features present should be able to increase the asset value considerably 

Greater Opportunity

The platform selected should provide more variety of assets with which you can trade. Since there are many ways in which investors can keep track of the assets like the news channels, internet, and financial magazines, giving traders a wider selection of opportunity will help them make more profits.

The simplest method in which you can profit in the financial market is by binary options. No technical skill or experience is needed in this whole picture. But with the proper knowledge about the platforms present and the brokers, an investor can certainly be assured of greater profits.

Author Box:

Philip Barry relates the importance of choosing a suitable platform to preserve your winning chances with best binary options available. He equally puts his emphasis on choosing a right broker that can understand your needs before taking care of your hard earned funds.

Boomers Dental Health: What You Need to Know

English: A little girl has her first visit to the dentist. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As more and more Baby Boomers age, many are finding that their overall dental health is lacking. Trying to juggle the many different monthly expense is contributing to the lack of proper dental care. It's true their prime health concern is worrying about paying their health insurance premiums. Plus with the Obama Care debacle, many losing are losing their health care insurance.

It is very important to take care of your dental health but to many it's secondary and often ignored. A survey by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) finds that for older Americans, even though they claim to be aware of preventive dental measures, neglect to implement these measures. These measures include using floss and mouthwash daily and even daily tooth brushing.

Still the good news is many Boomers do make twice a year visits to the dentist for check-ups. You need to take charge of your dental health care by learning what your needs are and making sure your dentist performs the proper the treatment properly.

It is important to be aware that 80,000 people per year are victims of some form of dental negligence. Sadly only 10,000 of these people seek help and appropriate compensation. Many wish to avoid the malpractice root because of fear or ignorance of their rights. 

The law states any health care practitioner who is responsible for causing injury is subject to the laws of medical malpractice. If your dentist hurts you or causes pain or injury it could be considered medical malpractice.

Dental malpractice is considered by many to be when the dentist causes a negligent conclusion to a medical procedure. This is true but there is another type of malpractice called passive malpractice. An example of this is when during a regular checkup your dentist spots evidence of cancer development. If the dentist neglects to tell you, then this is considered passive negligence.

There are many reasons that people avoid going to the dentist. But for overall health it is important to get you checkups and cleanings twice a year. For more information on dental health and your rights visit brooklyn dental malpractice.

Tips for Saving When On a Low Income

If you are on a low income, you may be struggling just to pay your monthly bills and have not even considered starting to save. As difficult as it may seem in your specific situation to start saving money, it can be done, even if it is a little at a time. Having a savings account set aside can reduce your financial stress level and help you be prepared for emergency money situation. There are several great tips listed below to help you get started on your own savings plan.

Set Up a Budget

The first step to saving money is to set up a monthly budget for your household. This will quickly let you see if you have enough income coming in each month to cover the costs of your bills. A budget may also alert you to any areas where you may be spending more money than you realized. It will also help you monitor your spending habits. Try to incorporate a savings category in your budget, even if it is a small amount because it will add up over time.

Seek Out Government Benefits

The government offers a wide selection of benefits to low-income families and seniors. Some of these benefits include a Baby Bonus and Parental Leave Pay for after the birth of a child or an adoption, childcare rebates and benefits, Single Income Family Supplement, and Parenting Payments. These payments are made through Centrelink through the Department of Human Services. To find out what benefits your family may be eligible for, you should go to the Department of Human Services’ website. Obtaining some of these benefits will take some of the financial pressure off of you and free up some money in your budget for savings. 

Take Out a Low or No Interest Loan

The government offers no interest loans through the No Interest Loans Scheme that allows qualified people to borrow up to $1,200. The also offer the StepUP low interest loan that provides loans up to $3,000 to eligible people. Depending on your specific situation, taking out one of these no or low interest loans may help you pay off some outstanding bills or loans, so you do not have to keep paying interest fees each month. It can also consolidate all of your unpaid bills into one low monthly payment and can help save you money each month. This is also a better option that a standard bank loan that comes with higher interest rates. 

Set Up a Savings Plan

Setting an account up that is just for your savings is a great idea. This allows you to keep your savings separate from your disposable money and may make it easier not to spend. The government also has several savings plans that will match your savings dollar for dollar up to a set amount. This can help you save twice as much money in a shorter period of time. The AddsUp savings plan is designed for those who have successfully paid of a StepUp loan or a No Interest Loans Scheme loan. Once you are able to save $300 they will match your savings up to $500. The Saver Plus plan allows you to set a financial goal and once that goal is met they will match your savings up to $500.

If you are trying to find ways to save money to secure your future, you should try all of the suggested tips listed above. Combined a few of these savings tips will provide you with more disposable income each month. You can then use a portion of this income to set aside into a savings plan. When setting up your savings account, be sure to look for matching funds from the government, this will help you save faster and make more money available to you in case of an emergency.

To Save or to Splurge? Common Sense Spending and Saving Options for Empty Nesters

The kids are gone and your nest is empty. Now that you’re no longer financially responsible for your children, you may find yourself with a bit of extra money (and time) on your hands. Before you go on a shopping spree, splurge on a night on the town or take your dream vacation, make sure you save. That means contributing more to your savings accounts before increasing your spending budget. Fill your empty nest with good times, prosperity and personal development by balancing your spending habits with these unexpected ways to save. 

When to save?

Downsize your nest. There are dozens of unexpected ways to save for empty nesters. However, a more traditional approach is downsizing your living situation. According to the AARP Public Policy Institute, in 2009, 29 percent of U.S. households with occupants above the age of 50 spent more than 30 percent of their income on housing. That’s an increase of 20 percent since 2000. Don’t bog yourself down by paying for and maintaining a large home; consider downsizing to a smaller house, condo or apartment for more manageable mortgage payments and savings on utility costs, home maintenance and property taxes. That means more money to spend – or better yet, invest in your saving accounts.

Buy fewer groceries and clothes. Fewer people at home means fewer mouths to feed and bodies to clothe. So, skip the epic shopping trips to Costco and the Mall to cut back on your grocery bill. Remember, you’ll be cooking for just one or two now, not your kids and the entire soccer team. And you don’t have to handle back-to-school wardrobes any longer, so take that budget and put it directly into savings accounts.

Unexpected ways to save. Look into discount programs like frequent flyer, hotel rewards and credit card points, as well as social couponing to save. You can also consider consolidating to one car, reducing the number of cable channels you subscribe to and eliminating a home phone in favor of cell phones to save a little more. Try to contribute these savings to an account monthly or even weekly to avoid spending them.

Contribute more to your retirement saving accounts. Now that you don’t have to feed, clothe and house your children, take the money saved from these reduced expenditures and contribute to your retirement fund savings options. By putting away more money into one of your retirement savings accounts, like a 401(k), IRA or other high-interest savings account , you'll not only reach your retirement saving goals, but you might even be able to reach them faster. 

When to spend?

Pay off your debt. Reducing debt is almost as important as saving for retirement. So, after you cut down costs and increase your cash flow, come up with a debt reduction plan that works for your budget. The more quickly you get out of debt, the less interest you will pay over time. And that means more money to spend enjoying the rest of your life.

Take on a new hobby. You've probably spent the last twenty years or more working and/or chasing around your kids. Now that they’re grown, you have more time to invest in your personal development. Check out your local community college’s continuing education classes to learn to use your new digital SLR or brush up on your French for your upcoming trip to Paris. Classes are usually inexpensive and available at night and on weekends. Whether you’re going back to school, gardening, learning to paint, practicing yoga or taking a culinary course, spending your newfound money and time cultivating your passions is a wise investment in your future. Who knows, you may even be able to sell some of your art online or at a local show and contribute to your savings account!

Embark on an adventure. One of the most popular (and rewarding) ways empty nesters spend their money is on vacations. Taking a holiday has the power to reinvigorate your mind and body and expose you to new cultures. Plus, now that you don’t have to worry about the kids, you can take your vacation anywhere you like – and spend more money on pricier destinations, luxury hotels, fine dining, and once-in-a-lifetime activities. However, you may choose to save on accommodations and splurge on activities by staying at a B&B, or rent a cottage in the woods one year so you can go with the whole family to Aspen the next. There are always little ways to save and still enjoy your vacation. 

Celebrate your independence

Don't be shy about hitting a night on the town, taking a spa day, having dinner at your favorite restaurant or attending a glamorous opera. You don’t have to worry about a babysitter or a curfew, and with your savings built up, it’s OK to splurge. So, spend a little time (and money) enjoying yourself and your newly discovered “me” time. Of course, if you can find discount nights, coupons, or tickets that support your favorite charity it’s even better!

Sponsored content was created and provided by RBS Citizens Financial Group.