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Setting up financial benefits and planning for new hires Starting a new job brings excitement and challenges. Among the many tasks new employees face, setting up financial benefits and habits can feel overwhelming. A clear, step-by-step approach helps new hires build confidence and make smart decisions without stress. This guide breaks down the first 90 days into manageable phases, focusing on education and practical actions. It avoids personal advice and instead points to tr

Two people speaking about income protection at a desk with documents and pens Income protection is often overlooked until a sudden illness or injury disrupts an employee’s ability to work. Without a clear understanding of how income protection works, setbacks can quickly turn into financial crises. This guide covers the essential elements every employee should know to safeguard their income and maintain financial stability during challenging times. Short-Term Disability Short

Thanksgiving dinner table featuring a roasted turkey surrounded by various side dishes Thanksgiving brings family and friends together to share gratitude and create memories. Yet, it often comes with surprise expenses that can add stress to the holiday. Travel costs, grocery bills, and last-minute purchases can quickly pile up, leaving many feeling overwhelmed as December approaches. This guide offers simple, practical tips to help you plan a joyful Thanksgiving without finan

Credit report and calculator on desk, showing financial documents and tools Most people leave school knowing how to solve math problems but not how a credit card works. For many employees, the first real lesson about money comes not from a classroom but from a bill, a credit card statement, or a surprise interest charge. These moments can be confusing and stressful, especially when they affect your ability to rent an apartment, get a car loan, or even land certain jobs. This

Holiday budget planner with calculator and receipts The holiday season brings joy and celebration, but it also brings expenses that can quickly add up. From travel and hosting to gifts and extra childcare, the costs can strain your budget if you’re not prepared. The fix isn’t magic; it’s a short plan, a number you can live with each paycheck, and a few guardrails so you don’t raid long-term savings. The key to managing holiday expenses is a clear plan that fits your paycheck

Financial planning tools on a desk Reaching your 40s and 50s often marks a critical phase in your financial journey. These years typically represent peak earning potential and a vital opportunity to strengthen your retirement planning, build emergency savings, and adjust your investment strategy. But how are Americans really doing in this age group? The latest data from the Federal Reserve and other sources reveal some eye-opening facts about savings and retirement balances f

Retirement planning booklet showing Social Security and Medicare information Preparing for retirement can feel overwhelming, especially for employees nearing the end of their careers. Key decisions about Social Security, Medicare enrollment, and maximizing retirement savings through catch-up contributions carry significant financial impact. This guide offers clear, vendor-neutral information HR teams can share with late-career staff to help them navigate these choices confide

Open Enrollment (OE) is an important period for employees, where choices about health coverage, tax savings, retirement plans, and paychecks come together. This time can feel overwhelming, but with the right information, employees can navigate OE with confidence. This blog post serves as a guide to simplify the process, providing straightforward, vendor-neutral insights into the essential money topics that matter most to employees today. A calculator and financial documents o

When employees seek help with their finances, HR faces a tricky challenge: offering the assistance needed while steering clear of giving personal advice. ERISA 404(c) provides a clear path. By focusing on education rather than advice, employees can make informed choices about their finances. This approach not only empowers them but also reduces the legal risks for HR. What “Vendor-Neutral” Really Means Vendor-neutral education means delivering unbiased information. This is ac

Navigating employee benefits can be challenging for HR teams, especially when it comes to regulations like ERISA 404(c). This rule is crucial as it helps protect fiduciaries from liability related to employee investment choices, but it comes with specific requirements. In this post, we will break down ERISA 404(c), explore how vendor-neutral financial education is integral to compliance, and highlight its importance for HR departments. A financial education workshop setup wit

A welcoming breakroom setting for financial wellness discussions Open Enrollment is a sprint; Q1 is the reset. Strong attendance and real learning can happen without the pressure of sales. Instead of a complicated program, a straightforward 30-day plan can help your team build financial confidence. This guide offers a vendor-neutral approach that HR partners can easily implement for effective financial education. Week 1 — Pick the “Why,” Then the Month Start by deciding the r

The short version Hosting a SOFA workshop is simple: you pick a date and topic for your audience, and we handle the rest—program design,...

A peaceful retirement community surrounded by nature Planning for retirement can feel daunting, but it doesn't have to be. With a...

In today's fast-paced world of human resources, staying informed about the latest trends and regulations is essential for success. For HR...

Trust begins with boundaries. At SOFA (Society for Financial Awareness), our commitment to vendor-neutral, no-cost education  is more...

Healthy skepticism is a feature — not a bug — when you’re responsible for your team’s wellbeing. The Society for Financial Awareness (SOFA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is simple: end financial illiteracy through free, no-sales education. We partner with employers, associations, municipalities, and community organizations to bring practical, vendor-neutral workshops to real people with real money questions. If you’ve encountered mixed opinions online, that’s exactly

A peaceful landscape symbolizing the journey to retirement As we see more employees nearing retirement, the need for solid retirement planning has never been clearer. Yet, many teams trip up on key aspects that can jeopardize their employees' financial futures. This post will delve into common mistakes in retirement readiness. We’ll explore concepts like participation versus adequacy, the importance of auto-features, the effects of fees and behavior, and provide a straightfor

A peaceful landscape promoting financial wellness In today's fast-paced work environment, financial wellness is not just an add-on; it...