Maximizing Employee Benefits as a Dollar Tree Professional

Responsibility

In the 1980’s, companies that offered pensions began to substitute them with defined contribution 401(k) plans. Corporate America did this to reduce costs and transfer risk onto the employees. As a result, it is your responsibility as the employee to understand and participate in planning for your retirement. However, at Tull Financial Group, it is our duty as fiduciaries to help you along your financial journey with your best interests in mind. We provide Dollar Tree professionals with comprehensive financial plans that help fully use their benefits package to achieve their financial goals.

401(k) 

Since your employer’s 401(k) plan tends to be your largest asset/source of income in retirement, contributing to it on a regular basis is important. Dollar Tree will match dollar-for-dollar up to 5% of what you contribute to your 401(k). As of 2023, the annual contribution limit for 401(k)s is $22,500. An additional $7,500 may be contributed by those over age 50. The 5% match that Dollar Tree provides does not count toward your contribution limit. It can feel difficult deferring some of your payroll, but you don’t want to miss out on the “free money” from the match. So, make sure you are contributing as much as you are able, to receive the full match that Dollar Tree provides. 

Flexible Savings Accounts

Tax deferred and pre-tax savings are almost always beneficial as a taxpayer. One way to save money pre-tax at Dollar Tree is through the Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) they offer. With a Flexible Spending Account, you can contribute up to $3,050(for 2023) annually to spend on health-related expenses. You do not need to spend it solely on yourself, as it can also be utilized to pay for your spouse’s or dependents’ medical expenses. Taxes do not need to be paid on the income you contribute to your FSA. If you have not spent what you contributed by the end of the year, certain cafeteria plans may permit you to carry over $610 to the next year, and any money remaining is returned to your employer. 

Health Savings Accounts

Health Savings Accounts are similar, except they function more like a 401(k) or IRA. The contribution limit (2023) is $3,850 for self-only coverage, and $7,750 for family coverage. Unlike Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts are carried over every year, and can be invested for tax-free growth. After retirement, your HSA can still be used for medical expenses tax free, or taxed for nonmedical expenses, with no additional penalty. 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Dollar Tree’s associates can participate in an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Through payroll deductions, employees can contribute up to $25,000 of their income to be invested in company stock, which is purchased at a 15% discount of the shares current trading price. This is an attractive perk that Dollar Tree offers, since the maximum discount allowed for any company’s employee stock purchase plan is 15%. However, they have restricted contributing any more than 10% of your salary. Regardless, this is still an attractive benefit. Employees are provided with a purchase period every quarter. A purchase period is the time in which you can set aside portions of your paycheck that will be used to purchase stock at the end of the period. You must own the shares you purchased at a discount for at least one year before selling them. 

Life and Disability Insurance

Fully paid life insurance policies are also available to employees with the available addition of policies for spouses and/or dependents. They even provide a will prep service, which can be used to protect your loved one’s future. Obtaining a legally enforceable contract can ensure that your wishes will be carried out after your passing. Creating a will involves deciding who gets your assets upon your passing and determining what your assets will look like in the future. Disability insurance is also offered both short-term and long-term plans. 

Summary

It is often up to the employee to do their own research and ask good questions. At Tull Financial Group, we will help guide you through the many aspects of your employer benefits package. It is important to take advantage of your benefits and reassess your financial plan regularly, especially in highly volatile markets. Our skilled team at Tull Financial Group takes pride in serving you. If you have any questions, please contact us or stop by our office, which is conveniently located next to Dollar Tree’s corporate headquarters at 555 Belaire Summit Pointe.