Conversation Starters for Working Adults and Employers
Getting Started
Consider these questions to improve your understanding about available employee benefits and prepare yourself for possible career changes, job loss or retirement.
Budgeting
- Do you understand your income and expenses?
- How much of your pay can you contribute to saving, investing and retirement planning?
- Where can you cut back on expenses to save and invest more?
- How would you use a future pay raise or bonus?
Saving
- How much of your pay will you direct deposit to a savings account and/or retirement plan?
- Are you taking advantage of employer-matched retirement plan contributions?
- Do you have a fund for emergencies?
Investing
- Where can you find help with your investment decisions? Which type of investment professional is right for you?
- Does your employer offer any financial classes?
- Does your mix if investments match the level of risk you want?
- How do you roll over your retirement accounts?
- Do you know all commissions, penalities, taxes and fees for withdrawing or rolling over retirement funds?
Scams and Frauds
- How do you know your investment is safe?
- Do you monitor your investments and ask questions?
- Where can you verify an investment opportunity and promoter?
- If you suspect a scam, what should you do?
- How can you protect yourself from investment scams and fraud?
