This week on The Retirement Readiness Podcast, hosts Tim Regan and Kaitlyn Hedger zoom in on an essential step for early-career professionals: understanding and maximizing your employer benefits. Whether you’re just starting your career or already navigating the complexities of health insurance and retirement plans, Tim and Kaitlyn break down what you really need to know about making the most of what your workplace offers.

Kaitlyn, leader of the Kickstart program and a financial advisor at Prairie View Wealth, joins Tim to walk through common questions and overlooked opportunities—from choosing the right health insurance to deciding what to do with old 401(k) accounts. “With your employer benefits…you might be leaving money on the table if you’re not taking part in these benefits,” Kaitlyn explains. They cover topics such as what to do if you don’t plan to stay with a job long-term, how to avoid gaps in your financial plan, and why it’s worth the effort to review your benefits package—even if it means finally digging that email out of your inbox.

Plus, they share practical steps, like using Prairie View’s online tools and checklists, to stay organized along the way. Tune in to boost your benefits knowledge and take actionable steps towards your own “Two-Comma Life®”

3 Key Takeaways

– Your employer benefits are a significant part of your compensation—understanding them can help you avoid leaving money on the table.

– Enrolling in your 401(k), even if you don’t plan to stay at your current job long-term, is an important step since your account goes with you.

– Regularly reviewing and organizing your benefits (like health insurance, life insurance, and retirement accounts) helps you spot and close any gaps in your financial plan.

Want more guidance? Visit pv-wp.com for resources and previous episodes, and don’t forget to subscribe to The Retirement Readiness Podcast.