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4 Ways to Help Your Employees Tackle Financial Stress

4 Ways to Help Your Employees Tackle Financial Stress

by | Sep 14, 2022 | Blog

4 ways to help your employees tackle financial stress. Financial stress is on the rise among your employees. Here are 4 common financial problems facing your employees and how Best Money Moves can help. 

Between rising housing costs and continued inflation, U.S. workers are facing financial stress on all sides. According to a survey conducted by SoFi at Work and Workplace Intelligence, employees spend around 25% of their work week worrying about money, resulting in significant productivity loss. Another 45% of employees feel that their employer is unconcerned with their financial well-being. 

Your employees want greater financial well-being and they’re looking to you for help managing financial strain. Best Money Moves is a financial wellness solution designed to help dial down employees’ most top-of-mind financial stresses. 

Here are 4 common financial problems facing your employees and how Best Money Moves can help.

1 Address employee mental health strain by diagnosing the root causes of financial stress.

Employee mental health is top of mind for many employees in the post-COVID workforce. Not having a firm grasp on personal finances adds significant strain to employee wellbeing. 42% of American adults said money had a negative impact on their mental health as reported by Bankrate’s Money and Mental Health survey. That’s why diagnosing employee financial stress is at the heart of everything Best Money Moves does.

Using a unique tracking system known as the Stressometer, employees can measure their financial stress across 14 financial categories. Best Money Moves will map these stressors and use our unique content mapping system to connect each user to the financial resources they need the most. Identifying the root causes of financial stress is the first step toward alleviating financial anxiety.

2. Help employees build their financial literacy and make smarter financial decisions.

In a report conducted by Guardian, the average American worker could only answer about half of the questions of a standardized personal finance test. And it’s no surprise why — it’s often in the best interest of the financial services industry to keep consumers confused about their options.

However, your employees shouldn’t need a PhD in economics just to understand their finances. That’s why Best Money Moves prioritizes thoroughness and readability when it comes to financial education. Users gain access to a library of 800+ educational resources, including articles, videos, webinars, and more, about all kinds of money management strategies.

3. Employees are unprepared for a financial emergency. Help them catch up.

According to a survey by MagnifyMoney, 20% of Americans reported that they put $0 towards emergency savings during 2021. Successful savings starts with a strong budget, so Best Money Moves offers intuitive tools for both.

The Best Money Moves budget tool uses real-world data about an employee’s monthly income and living situation to create personalized budget goals (their Best Money Moves). Employees can organize their spending into a wide array of categories and receive alerts and guidance about areas of overspending. 

Plus, with the Best Money Moves savings tools, users can also break long-term goals into smaller, more actionalabe monthly savings. 

4. Address the specifics of financial stress by connecting employees to the guidance they need.

Providing employees with customized assistance to their finances can signal to employees that you’re listening to their needs. According to Morgan Stanley, 70% of employees say they’d be open to receiving personal financial support at work from a financial professional.

Best Money Moves offers high levels of customization and engagement, so your employees get the information, tools, solutions and products they need to live their best financial lives. Our latest, and most affordable, product is Best Money Moves Premium, which allows companies to personalize and contextualize the benefits they give to their employees, dramatically cutting down the time it takes to implement a full-service financial wellness program. 

We have a full slate of award-winning, best-in-class benefits our customers can choose for their employees or end users, or companies can pull in their own benefits and use our triggers & alerts overlay to push the right benefit to the right person at the right point in time. Best Money Moves Premium is available as a zero-cost or low-cost white label solution to the problem of getting employees to engage with their benefits

Need a financial wellness solution for your team? Try Best Money Moves!

Best Money Moves is a mobile-first financial wellness solution designed to help employees meet their most top-of-mind financial goals. With budgeting tools and personalized money coaching, users can easily receive comprehensive financial advice right from their phones.

Focused on user-friendliness, Best Money Moves is designed to bring financial wellness resources right to the fingertips of employees. Our dedicated resources, partner offerings and 700+ article library make Best Money Moves a leading benefit in improving employee financial wellbeing.

To learn more about Best Money Moves Financial Wellness Platform, let’s schedule a call. Contact us and we’ll reach out to you soon.

U.S. Rent’s on the Rise: How to Fight Housing Insecurity for All Employees

U.S. Rent’s on the Rise: How to Fight Housing Insecurity for All Employees

by | Aug 17, 2022 | Blog

U.S. rent’s on the rise: How to fight housing insecurity for all employees. Help your employees combat housing insecurity with financial education resources and other strategies. 

Whether you’re buying or renting, housing is less affordable today than it was a year ago. Rental prices have risen 15%, according to Redfin data, and the Federal Reserve recently announced another interest rate hike, which will raise the cost of mortgages. As a result, more people are facing housing insecurity.

Increasing housing costs affect everyone from minimum wage employees to six-figure executives. Learn more about how housing insecurity may be hurting your workforce and how to support secure housing for all.

What is housing insecurity?

Housing insecurity is an umbrella term for the different housing-related problems people have (including, but not limited to affordability, safety, quality and security). 

Housing insecurity may look different from person to person. Today, over 3.5 million people suffer from housing insecurity, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, which covers a broad spectrum of issues and situations.

3 ways companies can fight housing insecurity for all:

Housing insecurity affects most workforces across America and with rents still rising, even more people may become impacted. Luckily, companies can help all employees build a future of financial wellness and housing security in three key ways:

1. Provide financial wellness and budgeting tools.

Although low-wage employees have been disproportionately affected by rent hikes, employees across the income ladder have been impacted, too. By investing in robust financial wellness resources, companies can help ensure housing security for all employees. 

Money coaching, budgeting tools and other financial advice can help employees navigate new rent hikes and adjust their budget, regardless of an employee’s living situation or income level. Financial wellness resources are to people reach their most personal financial goals, whether it’s homeownership or simply making ends meet.

2. Allow remote/hybrid work to stay.

Across America, living in the city or business districts tends to be more expensive than surrounding cities or suburbs. With remote and hybrid work, employees are given newfound flexibility in how they make housing decisions. 

By preserving remote and hybrid work models, companies can help employees work toward sustainable housing situations that they can afford long term. Instead of prioritizing being close to the office or city center, employees can prioritize affordability and security when choosing where to live. Moreover, remote and hybrid work models help employees save money by commuting less.

3. Offer relocation benefits.

Moving can be costly, especially when moving out of state for a new job. For instance, in the Chicago, Ill. metro area, the median asking rent is $2454 per month, according to Redfin data, and $4000 in the Boston and New York metro areas.  

To help reduce the financial burden of moving and housing, some leading companies have invested in relocation support for employees (e.g., company-sponsored moving services, subsidies or even temporary corporate housing). By offering relocation benefits, companies can support housing security for all employees, while themselves apart from the competition.

Financial wellness is an investment, but it doesn’t have to be costly. Need a top-notch, budget-friendly solution? Try Best Money Moves!

Best Money Moves is a financial wellness solution designed to help dial down employees’ most top-of-mind financial stresses. As a comprehensive financial well-being solution, Best Money Moves offers 1:1 money coaching, budgeting tools and other resources to improve employee financial wellbeing. Our AI platform, with a human-centered design, is easy to use and fit for employees of any age. 

Whether it be college planning or securing a mortgage, Best Money Moves can guide employees through the most difficult financial times and topics. Our dedicated resources, partner offerings and 700+ article library make Best Money Moves a leading benefit in bettering employee financial wellness. 

To learn more about Best Money Moves Financial Wellness Platform, let’s schedule a call. Contact us and we’ll reach out to you soon.

Rainy Day Fund: Helping Employees Weather Financial Uncertainty

Rainy Day Fund: Helping Employees Weather Financial Uncertainty

by | Jul 26, 2022 | Blog

Rainy day fund: Helping employees weather financial uncertainty. A surprising number of employees don’t have enough savings to cover unexpected expenses. Here are 4 ways to help employees build a rainy day fund.

Almost one in five employees cannot cover a $400 emergency expense without using a credit card, according to the Social Policy Institute at Washington University, and almost as many would have to borrow money from family or friends. Having a rainy day fund can help people cover low-cost emergency expenses, without disrupting monthly budgets or accruing more debt. 

Here are 4 ways to help employees weather economic hardship with a rainy day fund.

statistic about need for rainy day fund

Rainy day fund vs. emergency fund

Although similar, rainy day funds and emergency funds slightly differ in two distinct ways: the size of the savings and the intended use of the savings. 

Rainy day funds do not have a set amount, but they tend to carry anywhere from $200 to over $1000 in savings. Instead, emergency funds should contain about three to six months’ worth of living expenses. This is because rainy day funds are typically used for small, non-recurring payments, like an unexpected car repair or surprise parking ticket. 

On the other hand, emergency funds should be used to cover large, unanticipated emergencies, like hefty medical expenses or home repairs. In the event of unforeseen job loss, emergency funds can help cover monthly necessities like rent, utilities and food.

4 ways to help employees build a rainy day fund

Rainy day funds can help employees enjoy a higher level of financial wellbeing and security. In the event of an emergency or economic downturn, employees can be assured that they have a financial cushion to help them weather financial uncertainty.  

1. Start a company match program to help employees build a rainy day fund.

Company match programs can help encourage employees to save. Moreover, they can also help direct employees on where to save. For instance, employees may be more likely to funnel their savings to their 401(k) account if they know that the funds will be matched by their employer.

Instead of just matching retirement contributions or philanthropic donations, consider applying the company match model to other accounts like rainy day funds. This can help employees at all income levels build a financial cushion and improve their financial security.

2. Invest in financial advisors.

Building a rainy day fund doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time and planning. And for some employees that planning is best done with a financial advisor. 

There is no clear-cut amount one should have in their rainy day fund, but with a financial advisor, employees can develop a target amount that works best for them. Regardless of one’s financial situation or level of income, a quality financial advisor will offer personalized solutions fit for any employee’s circumstance. 

3. Provide financial wellness resources and programs.

Beyond financial advising, there’s a whole suite of financial wellness resources that can help employees prepare for financial hiccups. For instance, budgeting tools are an effective way to help employees break down penny-by-penny what money is incoming and outgoing. Budget mapping can also help employees find opportunities to lower their expenses and increase their savings for a rainy day.

4. Offer access to affordable lines of credit and loans for when a rainy day fund isn’t enough.

Rainy day funds grow overtime, but what if some employees need an immediate solution to a financial emergency? Firms can provide an extra layer of financial support by making affordable lines of credit and loans accessible to employees.

Looking for an easy-to-use financial wellness solution? Give Best Money Moves a try!

Best Money Moves is a mobile-first financial wellness solution designed to help employees dial down their financial stress and meet their most top-of-mind financial goals. With budgeting tools, strategic partnerships and 1:1 money coaching, Best Money Moves offers users easy, compressive financial advice right from their phones. 

Best Money Moves is designed to guide employees through the most difficult financial times and topics. Our dedicated resources, partner offerings and 700+ article library make Best Money Moves a leading benefit in bettering employee financial wellness.

To learn more about Best Money Moves Financial Wellness Platform, let’s schedule a call. Contact us and we’ll reach out to you soon.

Most Americans Live Paycheck-To-Paycheck. Here’s How Employers Can Help

Most Americans Live Paycheck-To-Paycheck. Here’s How Employers Can Help

by | Jul 19, 2022 | Blog

Most Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck. Here’s how employers can help. With inflation the highest it’s been since the 1980s, more and more families are living paycheck-to-paycheck. What can employers do to help their teams?

Inflation has caused food, gas and housing prices to skyrocket. Between May 2021 and May 2022, inflation hit 8.6% — the highest increase since December 1981, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics — and economists are unsure when prices may fall.

Trying to make ends meet, about 60% Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck, according to a LendingClub report, making it the primary financial lifestyle in the U.S.

Living check-to-check isn’t sustainable — it leaves people susceptible to increased debt and high-stress levels. Here are 4 ways companies can help employees manage rising inflation and create viable money habits for the future.

1. Offer budgeting tools and 1:1 money coaching to help employees living paycheck-to-paycheck.

Even with a high income, poor budgeting or not budgeting at all can create a paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyle. For instance, although 7 in 10 Americans have a budget, only 25% have detailed budget, according to a TIAA report. Without a detailed budget, it is difficult to accurately keep track of how much money is coming in and going out each month.

To help employees break with a paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyle, companies can offer budgeting tools and personalized money coaching. These resources are to help employees focus on necessitates and better allocate their money, regardless of their income level. Moreover, it can help identify savings gaps or where to cut down spending.

2. Provide student loan repayment assistance.

Since the federal student loan pause started in 2020, repayment has not been top-of-mind for most Americans. However, this is expected to change starting August 31, 2022 — when student loan repayment, interest and collections pause is scheduled to expire.  This means millions of Americans will have to reintegrate student loan payments into their monthly budget, but with rising inflation, many are worried if they can afford to resume payment. 

By providing student loan repayment assistance, firms can demonstrate a commitment to employee financial wellness and wellbeing. Not only will this help employees lower their student loan debt, but it will also help them weather inflation and financial stress.

3. Invest in mental health resources for those living paycheck-to-paycheck.

Money stress does not function in a vacuum — it can bring on emotional stress, physical stress and even wear down someone’s mental health. According to TIAA, 59% of Americans carry financial stress and with prices on the rise, this number may grow. 

To help dial down stress levels and support all-around employee wellbeing, firms are investing mental health resources like talk therapy and meditation apps. Consider ways your company can make mental health resources more affordable and accessible for employees at all paygrades.

4. Expand financial literacy and education opportunities.

With the right tools and resources, companies can help employees strengthen their financial wellbeing and knowledge, simultaneously. At every budget, there are ways institute financial wellness programming and resources, whether it be tax filing workshops or retirement planning seminars. 

Companies are most successful when they listen to the wants and needs of their own employees, then creatively follow through in their financial wellness offerings and approach. When searching for a quality financial wellness program, try to avoid one-size-fits-all solutions and keep an eye out for customized services (e.g., 1:1 money coaching, mortgage and loan calculators and other personalized solutions).

Need a top-notch, budget-friendly financial wellness program? Try Best Money Moves!

Best Money Moves is a mobile-first financial wellness solution designed to help employees dial down their financial stress and meet their most top-of-mind financial goals. With budgeting tools and personalized money coaching, users can easily receive compressive financial advice right from their phones. 

Best Money Moves is designed to guide employees through the most difficult financial times and topics. Our dedicated resources, partner offerings and 700+ article library make Best Money Moves a leading benefit in bettering employee financial wellness.

To learn more about Best Money Moves Financial Wellness Platform, let’s schedule a call. Contact us and we’ll reach out to you soon.

5 Benefits to Help Employees Cope with Inflation

5 Benefits to Help Employees Cope with Inflation

by | Jun 1, 2022 | Blog

5 benefits to help employees cope with inflation. Inflation is the highest it’s been in years. Here’s how employers can support their teams cope with inflation with the right benefits choices. 

As inflation skyrockets, the effects are felt throughout the US workforce. According to BenefitsPro, 82% of HR executives are concerned that their employees’ personal finance issues affect workplace productivity. 

Luckily, there are methods employers can use to help employees weather this period. Here are 5 benefits employers can use to help employees cope with inflation.

1. Improved Retirement Benefits

Increased inflation is straining “rainy day funds” and other savings for employees. According to the AARP, 39% of employees have nothing saved for emergencies and 20% have nothing in their retirement accounts. A few great ways for employers to assist employees are auto-enrolled retirement plans and increasing 401(k) contributions. Improving retirement benefits can also be a great way for employers to keep up with the competition in their industry. According to SHRM, 16% of large and midsize US employers plan to raise 401(k) contributions or reinstate a contribution match for 2022.

2. Health Care Assistance

A strategy for employers to signal to employees that their needs are being cared for is by increasing health care benefits. This assistance can come in many forms such as covering the cost of health insurance or assisted savings programs. Health care costs can often drag behind increases in consumer prices, so employees may face an increase in costs that will last throughout this year and next.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 46% of employees reported that they have less than $1,000 in out-of-pocket costs for any unexpected hospital/doctor visit. Assisting with health care can also help alleviate mental health problems amongst workers. According to AFLAC, about half of all employees report having anxiety about covering the cost of healthcare beyond what their insurance covers.

3. Student Loan Repayment Assistance

Repaying the student loans that employees are indebted to is a great way to repay the workers for the investment they made in higher education. The government has tried to encourage businesses to implement these programs in their benefits packages. In 2020, employers that offered student loan repayment assistance doubled from 4 to 8%. However, in a survey by SHRM, 41% of young adult employees placed student loan assistance in their top 3 benefit choices.

4. Financial Planning and Coaching

Financial Planning and Coaching benefits showcase a gap between employer benefits and what employees want. According to BenefitsPro, only 35% of employers offer financial planning and 24% offer financial coaching while 60% of employees want personalized financial planning and 54% of employees want personalized financial coaching. Utilizing a service like Best Money Moves makes it easy for employees to find custom solutions to each employee’s problems.

5. Comprehensive Financial Benefit Packages

The best way to address the evolving personal finance needs of employees is by providing financial wellness benefits that can address a wide range of issues. According to Obsidian, 34% of workers spend some of their work hours on personal finances. Working in close communication with workers about what plan works best for them makes it easy to have a healthy workplace and can increase productivity. Best Money Moves is a platform that provides many of the solutions that employees are searching for.

Help employees cope with inflation with financial wellness solutions from Best Money Moves.

If you’re looking for a first-in-class financial wellness solution, Best Money Moves could be the answer you need. Best Money Moves is a financial wellness program that provides all the guidance and support employees need to help them reduce their financial stress. It has tools and features that help employees measure their financial stress, budget for monthly expenses, pay down debt and plan for emergencies.

Employees can talk to trained professional financial counselors and educate themselves about everything from investing to co-signing loans and buying their first homes with access to a library of over 700 articles, videos and calculators. 

Best Money Moves is also gamified, featuring a point-based rewards system where users earn points every time they log in, enter their information into their profile, work with their budgets, read articles and measure their stress. Each point translates into a chance to win a monthly contest.

Employers want a financial wellness program that is expansive, engaging and suited to meet each of their employee’s unique needs and they’ve found it in Best Money Moves.

To learn more about Best Money Moves Financial Wellness Platform, let’s schedule a call. Contact us and we’ll reach out to you soon.