Ready for a not so fun fact? The IRS reports that the average American spends 13 hours and $200 preparing their tax return. 

Managing your finances can feel like a confusing puzzle on and off the clock. Most of us want clear cut answers telling us how to spend, save, pay off debt, and handle big decisions. 

But money is personal, and the best advice I can offer to one employee doesn’t always apply to everyone’s situation. Even so, employees of all demographics and pay grades are asking the same questions.

Everywhere you look there’s advice on how to make this ‘your’ year — the one where you exercise more, eat healthier, and get your financial life in order. 

On a personal level, you might have set a goal to save more, pay off debt, and creating a plan for your money this year.

As a benefits professional, you might have noticed the growing trend of financial wellness, and hope to bring guidance and support to your workplace. Either way, you might be considering the help of a Financial Advisor.

Millions of Americans make New Year's resolutions and head into January feeling capable and motivated. Yet, many struggle to make progress towards their goals and nearly 80% give up entirely by mid-February.

"Will financial wellness ever be as ubiquitous as healthcare? "

To some, this question might conjure up images of a far away future, in workplaces that look much different than they do today.

But Karlos Guerra, Benefits Consultant at Lockton Companies, has already witnessed this emerging benefit gain a ton of traction. For him, a world where companies prioritize employee financial wellbeing as much as physical and mental wellbeing isn't far off at all.

It's no secret - healthcare is the fastest growing sector of our economy, estimated to grow 19% between now and 2024. As a result, hiring and retaining the best talent is a growing challenge.

Sleep impacts the overall wellbeing of your organization, and money-related stress is preventing your employees from getting enough.  

According to a 2019 survey by Bankrate.com, more than half of American adults are losing sleep over financial stress.

With open enrollment in full swing, it’s time for your team to review their health insurance options. A common approach is to check the same box as last year, leaving your health insurance unchanged for another 12 months. 

In making this quick, uninformed decision, most employees aren’t aware of potentially missing out on a powerful retirement savings tool. 

What is keeping your hard-working employees up at night? No, it’s not nightmares from the latest horror movie to hit Netflix. It’s their financial fears.