Do you have both a Health Savings Account (HSA) and a 401(k) through your employer? HSAs are generally thought of as a vehicle for healthcare savings – after all, that’s right in the name! – and most people understand that a 401k is used for retirement. Many wonder, though, which account they should fund first, the HSA or 401k. Let’s compare the two. HSA vs 401k – What is the difference? What is an HSA?
Nearly half (45%) of companies anticipate layoffs in 2025, while some economic analysts also predict an increase in furloughs. Many people do not understand the key differences between layoffs and furloughs. There is also a significant difference between the two regarding eligibility for COBRA continuation coverage. Furlough vs. Layoff: What’s the Difference? Both furloughs and layoffs involve a reduction in work, but they differ significantly regarding employment status and benefits eligibility. If unsure whether your
Family-friendly benefits have become essential to attracting and retaining top talent. Companies that provide robust support for working parents can enhance employee work-life balance, productivity, and job satisfaction. Family-friendly workplaces have higher retention rates and a better reputation overall among current and prospective employees. Here are some of the most popular family-friendly benefits, including childcare assistance and parental leave, along with actionable strategies to cultivate a supportive work environment. The Importance of Childcare Assistance One
While competitive salaries and flexible work arrangements often grab headlines, tax-advantaged benefit accounts like health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) are powerful tools for recruiting and retaining top talent that are often overlooked. These accounts support employees’ financial wellness and help employers manage benefit costs effectively, creating a win-win scenario for both parties. Financial Wellness Benefits Grow in Importance Financial stress remains a significant burden for many employees.
When you think of finances and retirement, what immediately comes to mind? Popular retirement vehicles typically include Social Security benefits, a 401(k), an IRA, and investments like mutual funds or stock options. There is another retirement tool that many people overlook – the Health Savings Account or HSA. At first glance, this may seem confusing. What does an account used for healthcare needs have to do with retirement? While HSAs are primarily used for qualified
The COVID pandemic’s seismic shift toward remote work has had a lasting impact on employee expectations and organizational dynamics. As more employers implement return-to-office (RTO) policies, many are facing a tug-of-war between these mandates and employee desire for continued flexibility. Return-to-Office Policies and Employee Resistance A PwC survey in 2023 revealed that 90% of executives expected employees to return to the office at least three days a week, yet only 20% of workers favored this
Gone are the days when Americans retired at 65. According to Pew Research: How does Medicare factor into employer-sponsored benefits packages? What solutions can they offer? Benefits of DataPath Medicare Options For 40 years, DataPath has been a pivotal force in the employee benefits, financial services, and insurance industries. The company’s flagship DataPath Summit platform offers an integrated solution for managing CDH, HSA, Well-Being, Commuter/Transit, COBRA, and Billing. Through its partnership with Accelergent Growth Solutions, DataPath also offers expert BPO services, automation, outsourced customer service
For decades, participating in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) has been crucial to affordable healthcare for millions of American workers and their dependents. The extensive list of eligible expenses covers well-known services like medical, dental, and vision copays, copays, deductibles, eyeglasses and contact lenses, and prescription medication. However, due in part to updates in recent years to approved items and services, you may be overlooking a host of qualified FSA
Commuting to and from work daily can be quite a headache and consume a lot of valuable time, especially for employees who live near or travel into a big metro area. With the average commute at 26 minutes, it takes nearly an hour each day to get to and from your place of employment. Consider, too, that an estimated 76% of U.S. workers travel to their place of work every day, trying to avoid traffic
Open enrollment can be stressful for employees, HR professionals, and third-party benefit administrators. Vital information must be shared and digested, and timely financial decisions must be made so coverage can start on time. Your company workforce may range from experienced, veteran employees to new hires in their first job. It’s a tall task to pull off an open enrollment season that meets the needs of everyone involved (but you CAN do it!). Here are 12 ways