Job Offers and Your Debt
Dealing with debt can be especially tough when you’re unemployed, so any job offer might seem like a step in the right direction. One of the main factors of procuring a new job is how much you’ll be paid. Your monthly income will directly impact how well you can manage your debt. However, what some fail to realize is how a job can add to your expenses as well. There are many expenses that come with a new job that, while small at first, can add up to be quite costly if you’re not prepared for it. Here are some of the things you might want to take into account when deciding on a new job offer.
Transportation
One of the main problems people run into with new jobs is how they’re getting to work. There are many times when a suitable job (or just a job that hires) is a far enough distance away from you to consider the commute as an expense. Transportation costs would then become a large factor in your monthly income. Whether your employer will handle your transportation costs in part or in total will greatly impact your expenses. Some employers will pay a set amount of money with each check to offset your transportation costs. Without any assistance, these costs can quickly add up and might contribute to your overall debt.
Take into consideration a few things when dealing with transportation cost. If you live close enough to your job, can you walk or ride a bicycle instead of driving or taking public transportation? Does your job allow you to keep track of the amount of miles you drive to work? If your job requires travel during work hours, do they compensate for that? Make sure you have a clear idea of what your employer will handle so you can factor it in with your income.
Insurance
Some might take health, vision and dental insurance as a given in today’s workforce, but there are some companies that do not offer these forms of insurance to their employees. Whether employed or not, every American must have a form of health insurance. Making sure that you have coverage is important, but it is not the only thing that should be taken into account. Knowing how the coverage affects your budget for medical needs can help to avoid unnecessary financial hardship.
Not all insurance plans cover all things equally. You will be responsible for whatever your insurance does not cover. This can range from copays to procedures. Take into account any medical conditions you might be dealing with and whether you will need to add a related monthly expense to your budget. Medicines and check-ups can add up quickly, so make sure you know whether your employer is willing to provide insurance to partially or fully cover these expenses.
Food
Food might not seem like a big deal financially, but it can definitely put a noticeable dent in your wallet. When you purchase groceries for your home, do you also account for eating on the job? Purchasing lunch or breakfast at work can add up before you’re aware of it. A job that offers a stocked kitchen to prepare your own food can help eliminate lunch spending. Also, consider free cafeteria areas that are offered as well.
If you find that these options are not available to you, consider making your lunch at home and taking it with you. Many times, meals can be made from your home groceries to satiate your lunch needs at work. You can do this without incurring any extra cost to your take home pay. This can offer extra benefits to you as well. Home cooked meals are often healthier than what you pay for outside, and you’ll always be satisfied with what you choose to make for yourself.
Retirement
Another offering that is not always offered as a job benefit, retirement saving is an important part of any working individual’s life. Your employer may offer to match your retirement savings to a certain dollar amount, effectively doubling your funds. Make sure you know how much you can set aside towards your retirement and whether you are funding your savings alone.
Tuition Reimbursement
One incentive to work for a specific company is their offering to help pay for a student’s tuition. Having a tuition reimbursement plan in place can help to reduce the amount of money that comes out of your income for school. Some companies will also cover the costs of specific classes to help you develop as a professional. This can be beneficial as you increase your earning potential immediately upon completion of such programs.
Extras
Aside from everything already mentioned, there are other offerings that employers provide as working incentives. Be aware of these offerings as they could present more opportunities to save money and avoid debt. Certain amenities like company parking spots and gym memberships can help to remove these expenses from your budget (if they already existed there). Adding the potential cost of these benefits might make a job more valuable than another job with equal pay but no benefits.
Americans who struggle with debt know how the addition of a new job can help alleviate the stress of making payments. Even when a new job comes into the picture, debt doesn’t always go away. Some forms of income don’t help combat all of the debt one might have. For those situations, give Guardian Debt Relief a call as soon as possible. Our debt relief specialists are waiting to provide you with all the information you need to get your debts under control. Don’t let the thrill of a new job become marred by your existing debt. Take advantage of our free consultation and get the information you need. Take the first step and contact Guardian Debt Relief today.