Navigating the Application Process

When it comes to applying for jobs, the process can be overwhelming and tiresome. It can be discouraging and difficult to find the motivation to apply when you feel lost in your search. However, applying for jobs is a crucial step in the hiring process. It not only shows your interest in the position, but it informs the employer of your skills and experience. Knowing how to apply for jobs is a key factor that will help to improve your chances of receiving an invitation to interview. To help you successfully navigate the application process, try these tips:

  • Be Organized – It is important to be organized when it comes to applying for jobs. It is easy to forget what you have applied for and soon everything starts to blend together. One easy way to avoid this is by having a system to document your progress. Create an excel sheet listing the name of the company, job title, date you applied, or any other information that may be important for you to remember. If you prefer writing things down, use a notebook to help keep track of your progress. There are countless apps and platforms online to help your job tracking, too!
  • Research – Before applying to a position, make sure you have fully read the job description and taken a look at the company’s website. You want to ensure that the position you are applying for is something that you are not only a fit for, but interested in as well. Be curious -, research and have an interest inat the roles you are looking into!
  • Be Yourself – The application process is designed for the employer to get to know you better. It is important to be your true, authentic self when applying for jobs. Remember that the employer also wants you to do well and wants to see you for who you are as a person, not just an employee.

  • Tailor Your Application – Customizing your resume or cover letter for the position you are applying for is a great way to catch the attention of the hiring manager. Use keywords from the job description and desired skills listed. Adjusting the phrasing of these skills and accomplishments can help your application land on top.
  • Use Multiple Platforms – Explore online job boards, company websites, and professional networking platforms to find suitable job openings. You can also leverage your professional network by informing your friends, family, and colleagues about your job search. In addition, attend networking events or industry-related gatherings.Not only is self-care important, but so is setting boundaries for yourself. Work is only one aspect of your life – don’t let it overtake other parts! To create these boundaries, define what your specific work hours are and stick to those, even confirming your hours with your manager so that you are both in agreement with your expectations. We all know there are times when overtime is needed, but try not to let that become the norm if possible.

Remember to be persistent, patient, and adaptable throughout the job search process. Each application and interview is a learning opportunity that can contribute to your overall success. Good luck!

If you’re looking for information on how to kickstart your career, browse jobs today! We help entry-level and mid-level job seekers find positions that fit their expertise and career goals. Find more advice to help you in your job search.

Managing Job Stress: Tips for Self Care and Staying Motivated

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Managing Job Stress: Tips for Self Care and Staying Motivated

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Avenica

At some point in our career, most of us feel the stress of our job. Maybe it’s from a fast-approaching project deadline, a manager who sets unattainable expectations, or simply just too much on your plate.

Job stress can take many forms. Some of us may feel exhausted after the workday – even after 3 cups of coffee. Others may feel anxious, have constant thoughts of work outside of office hours, or even lose sleep over this stress. While these job stressors can impact our overall well-being, the good news is that there are many ways to overcome the mental and physical tolls that job stress can bring.

Self-care is a great way to combat the work woes. Because it allows you to put yourself and your needs above pressures and stresses, self-care is a key to preventing burnout. Here are some examples of what self-care could look like for you:

  • Treat yourself to Starbucks or your favorite local coffee shop on the way to work.
  • Take a 5-minute stretch break away from your desk.
  • Keep water and healthy snacks nearby to maintain energy levels throughout your day.
  • Practice deep breathing exercises before a stressful call or task.
  • Build relationships with your colleagues and talk about some non-work-related topics to build positive relationships in the workspace, even invite someone to grab lunch with you!
  • Take a walk on your break and get some fresh air.

Not only is self-care important, but so is setting boundaries for yourself. Work is only one aspect of your life – don’t let it overtake other parts! To create these boundaries, define what your specific work hours are and stick to those, even confirming your hours with your manager so that you are both in agreement with your expectations. We all know there are times when overtime is needed, but try not to let that become the norm if possible.

To get your work done in those given hours, prioritize your tasks. This could be done with a pen and paper or by utilizing software like Microsoft OneNote if you prefer it to be digital. Prioritizing tasks is helpful but so is setting up a work regimen. Develop a routine that helps you know what to expect each day. If you set aside the same time for certain tasks or meetings each day, then your brain will know what to expect. We are creatures of habit, so find a routine that works for you and your role.

Navigating the demands of a job while maintaining well-being can be a challenge, though not impossible! Prioritizing self-care, establishing clear boundaries, and implementing effective strategies can be helpful in your journey to minimizing job stress. These tips can help find your way to a fulfilling career without invading your personal life.

If you’re looking for information on how to kickstart your career, browse jobs today! We help entry-level and mid-level job seekers find positions that fit their expertise and career goals. Find more advice to help you in your job search.

Work Life Balance

Work Life Balance

Five ways to take care of yourself during the work day

Whether you’re just joining the professional world or have been around the block, you have probably heard the term “work life balance.” But what does this term really mean, and how does one achieve it? That’s what we’re going to be sharing in this article!

Work life balance can be defined as the intersection of work and personal life, and how well these two things balance each other out. If a person’s whole world is absorbed with their work, you might say that they have poor work life balance. When a person can shut their laptop at the end of their day and enjoy their night without thinking about work then you might say they have good work life balance. The “right” mix or balance might be different from person to person, but it’s part of the job to find out what that balance is for you!

When looking for a career you may prioritize opportunities that offer work life balance. We encourage all of our candidate’s to do their due diligence to research the companies they are interested in potentially working with and to consider their desired work life balance. In order to reach your fullest potential balance is vital!

1.)    Keep a healthy snack/drink at your desk

Make sure to keep a bottle of water on your desk to sip on while working and during meetings. Maybe you want to have some fruit slices or crackers, too, that are easy to eat during the day, but hopefully nothing too messy by your computer!

2.)    Get some movement

If you work from home, you may be able to take a few 10–15 minute breaks throughout your day. Consider using this time to go outside and take a short walk. In addition, you could utilize YouTube for a short yoga video, there are even many videos you can find that have desk yoga! It is important not to spend too many hours in a row sitting during the day. If you work in person maybe you could take a lap or two around the office and spend part of your lunch break outside. If you really want to take things to the next level you could even invest in a desk treadmill!

3.)    Stretching at your desk

If pulling up YouTube feels likes a lot during your day, consider doing a few easy stretches while working! You could stretch your neck while typing or touch your toes in between emails. Even a few minutes of stretching a day can make a huge impact in how you feel!

4.)    Have a before work routine

Work takes up most of our day, that’s just the way it is. Because of this, it is a great idea to prepare yourself for the workday. If possible, create a before work routine that prioritizes you! For example, maybe a skin care routine gets you in the right mood or spending some time reading your new book gets you ready for the day!

5.)    Create an after work routine

It can be difficult to transition from work to home at the end of the day. Somethings that can help you shut off your work mind are: changing into something comfortable, taking a quick shower, or decompressing with some music or a show. It can be super helpful to create a habit that helps transition out of working mode that you can complete every day.

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If you’re looking for information on how to kickstart your career, browse jobs today! We help entry-level job seekers find positions that fit their expertise and career goals. Find more advice to help you in your job search.

Tips for Setting Professional Goals in 2023

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Tips for Setting Professional Goals in 2023

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Avenica

 

As 2022 comes to a close it is a great time to take inventory of our accomplishments and look ahead to next year! As the new year approaches, whether you are in your first ever job, or working to make the leap to a new industry, these tips will help you get set up for even bigger professional strides in the coming year.

1.)  Set both long-term and short-term goals

It is important to have “reach goals” that will take a while to complete. These will help project a sense of anticipation and accountability throughout the time it takes to accomplish them. These long-term goals could be goals that take 1-5 years to accomplish. Short-term goals typically take less than a year to accomplish. Short-term goals help give milestones to celebrate and demonstrate you are on the right track to accomplishing those longer-term goals.

Some examples of long-term goals are: To implement a new marketing strategy in your company, with a timeline and deliverables structured into the strategy, or to complete a major project, with deadlines and milestones attached to the project plan.

Some examples of short terms goals are: Facilitate better feedback over the course of a quarter, make a certain number of sales this month, or have one meaningful networking lunch a month.

2.)  Make goals that are both measurable and abstract

It is helpful to be able to see progress by tracking goals through measurable data. For example, if your goal is to complete a course you will be able to track how much of the curriculum you complete. In addition, having a vision and feeling to focus on is just as important. Hand-in-hand with completing the course your goals could be to feel confident in the course material. Taking note in the degree of confidence you have will also push you forward towards this goal.

3.)  Ask someone to hold you accountable

The best way to make a goal happen is to tell others about it. Once you speak it into the world, you will likely feel a bit more pressure to complete it. It is important to share your goals with people who are safe and encouraging, so the pressure is positive and not anxiety inducing. Consider asking a coworker or manager to hold you accountable to your goals this year and schedule regular check-ins on the goals progress.

4.)  Make a vision board

Another great way to make your goals happen is to see them every day. Making a vision board that you keep in your office is a great strategy to encourage yourself to work toward the achieving your goal. This could be as easy as googling images that inspire you and pasting them on a piece of cardboard from the recycle bin! You could also create an online Pinterest board or go as far as to put images and affirmations on a bulletin board – the options are limitless!

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If you’re looking for information on how to kickstart your career, browse jobs today! We help entry-level job seekers find positions that fit their expertise and career goals. Find more advice to help you in your job search.

Managing Stress And Expectations This Holiday Season

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Managing Stress And Holiday Expectations This Holiday Season

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Avenica

 

As the holidays and new year approach it is important to take care of yourself. It may feel like a balancing act between holiday cheer and your usual work tasks. There are many end-of-year deadlines and expectations to meet, potential family and social pressure, as well as a change in the weather. With all these factors contributing to a busy time of year, we collected a list of 5 things that may help you manage or relieve some holiday work stress.

 

1.)    Plan out your holiday work schedule in advance

If you are planning to take time off, ask early so you and your supervisor can manage time together and look ahead for anything that may need to be done before you are out. In addition, look ahead at the beginning of the month to understand which holidays fall on which days of the week. Maybe a meeting will need to be moved or after school care changed. By looking ahead, you can ensure that you have a plan for the holidays in all of the areas of your life.

 

2.)    Plan time for yourself

Just as looking ahead can help you plan with everyone else in your life, it is important to plan some time for yourself. It might just be spending 5 minutes in the car before or after work on a YouTube meditation or going for a 15-minute walk by yourself to clear your thoughts. It is important to take time for yourself during the holidays as others’ expectations on your time may be higher than other times throughout the year.

 

3.)    Find out about your employer’s benefits

Many companies offer fitness incentives, mental health resources, and other programs that may offer support during this time of the year (and beyond!). Reach out to your HR department about what may be available to you through your company’s resources.

 

4.)    Check in with your coworkers

Holidays impact everyone differently, some may be celebrating holiday cheer while others may be looking for support for the season. If possible, take some time to connect with your coworkers to see if you can help support their workload. In addition, consider adding some social connects to your calendar to let your coworkers know that you have their back in their personal life as well.

 

5.)    Give back

The season of giving is all around. If you are looking for a way to feel good this holiday season look into some local ways to give back to your community. Consider volunteering at a local humane society, food drive or similar opportunity. You may even invite some of your coworkers to participate in a toy drive or other way to give back as a group to promote community within your team.

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If you’re looking for information on how to kickstart your career, browse jobs today! We help entry-level job seekers find positions that fit their expertise and career goals. Find more advice to help you in your job search.

Scare Away the Sunday Scaries

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Managing Stress And Holiday Expectations This Holiday Season

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Avenica

 

As the holidays and new year approach it is important to take care of yourself. It may feel like a balancing act between holiday cheer and your usual work tasks. There are many end-of-year deadlines and expectations to meet, potential family and social pressure, as well as a change in the weather. With all these factors contributing to a busy time of year, we collected a list of 5 things that may help you manage or relieve some holiday work stress.

 

1.)    Plan out your holiday work schedule in advance

If you are planning to take time off, ask early so you and your supervisor can manage time together and look ahead for anything that may need to be done before you are out. In addition, look ahead at the beginning of the month to understand which holidays fall on which days of the week. Maybe a meeting will need to be moved or after school care changed. By looking ahead, you can ensure that you have a plan for the holidays in all of the areas of your life.

 

2.)    Plan time for yourself

Just as looking ahead can help you plan with everyone else in your life, it is important to plan some time for yourself. It might just be spending 5 minutes in the car before or after work on a YouTube meditation or going for a 15-minute walk by yourself to clear your thoughts. It is important to take time for yourself during the holidays as others’ expectations on your time may be higher than other times throughout the year.

 

3.)    Find out about your employer’s benefits

Many companies offer fitness incentives, mental health resources, and other programs that may offer support during this time of the year (and beyond!). Reach out to your HR department about what may be available to you through your company’s resources.

 

4.)    Check in with your coworkers

Holidays impact everyone differently, some may be celebrating holiday cheer while others may be looking for support for the season. If possible, take some time to connect with your coworkers to see if you can help support their workload. In addition, consider adding some social connects to your calendar to let your coworkers know that you have their back in their personal life as well.

 

5.)    Give back

The season of giving is all around. If you are looking for a way to feel good this holiday season look into some local ways to give back to your community. Consider volunteering at a local humane society, food drive or similar opportunity. You may even invite some of your coworkers to participate in a toy drive or other way to give back as a group to promote community within your team.

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If you’re looking for information on how to kickstart your career, browse jobs today! We help entry-level job seekers find positions that fit their expertise and career goals. Find more advice to help you in your job search.

Seven Books to Enhance Your Career Search

Insights

Managing Stress And Holiday Expectations This Holiday Season

Avatar photo

Avenica

 

As the holidays and new year approach it is important to take care of yourself. It may feel like a balancing act between holiday cheer and your usual work tasks. There are many end-of-year deadlines and expectations to meet, potential family and social pressure, as well as a change in the weather. With all these factors contributing to a busy time of year, we collected a list of 5 things that may help you manage or relieve some holiday work stress.

 

1.)    Plan out your holiday work schedule in advance

If you are planning to take time off, ask early so you and your supervisor can manage time together and look ahead for anything that may need to be done before you are out. In addition, look ahead at the beginning of the month to understand which holidays fall on which days of the week. Maybe a meeting will need to be moved or after school care changed. By looking ahead, you can ensure that you have a plan for the holidays in all of the areas of your life.

 

2.)    Plan time for yourself

Just as looking ahead can help you plan with everyone else in your life, it is important to plan some time for yourself. It might just be spending 5 minutes in the car before or after work on a YouTube meditation or going for a 15-minute walk by yourself to clear your thoughts. It is important to take time for yourself during the holidays as others’ expectations on your time may be higher than other times throughout the year.

 

3.)    Find out about your employer’s benefits

Many companies offer fitness incentives, mental health resources, and other programs that may offer support during this time of the year (and beyond!). Reach out to your HR department about what may be available to you through your company’s resources.

 

4.)    Check in with your coworkers

Holidays impact everyone differently, some may be celebrating holiday cheer while others may be looking for support for the season. If possible, take some time to connect with your coworkers to see if you can help support their workload. In addition, consider adding some social connects to your calendar to let your coworkers know that you have their back in their personal life as well.

 

5.)    Give back

The season of giving is all around. If you are looking for a way to feel good this holiday season look into some local ways to give back to your community. Consider volunteering at a local humane society, food drive or similar opportunity. You may even invite some of your coworkers to participate in a toy drive or other way to give back as a group to promote community within your team.

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If you’re looking for information on how to kickstart your career, browse jobs today! We help entry-level job seekers find positions that fit their expertise and career goals. Find more advice to help you in your job search.

Breaking Down Core Values

What is a core value?

Core values represent a company’s deeply held beliefs. At Avenica, we say our core values are what drive our actions whether people are watching or not. They are impossible to fake and “core” to how individuals show up every day. If done correctly, core values can be the connecting force of teammates within a company.

Who comes up with core values? What does that process look like?

At Avenica, we implemented EOS (the Entrepreneurial Operating System®), to get better at defining our vision, to build a strong team, and instill clear focus and accountability. Understanding, communicating, and operating with core values is paramount to being a successful EOS company. Our EOS Implementor led us through an exercise that included listing out the qualities of strong performers and valued individuals within the organization. We narrowed in on commonalities to arrive at our list of core values. We revisit our core values quarterly to see if those values and our definition of those values still apply as the company matures.

How do core values play out in a company at a high level? What about day-to-day?

Core values should be at the heart of how a company operates day in and day out. They should be called out in meetings, listed as teammates are recognized for contributions, referenced when key decisions are being made, and “core” to the hiring, evaluating, and firing processes within a company.

Why do they matter when I am looking for a job?

Finding an authentic fit is important for an individual to be able to show up as their true self every day. We are paid to go to work for a reason. Work requires effort. Trying to be someone you’re not (but a company expects you to be) will require a great deal of time and energy. For many people, that takes more time and energy than simply doing their day job. A core values match allows an individual to focus on the work itself and drive results, instead of spending time and energy on “trying to fit in”.

How can I find a company that fits me?

When interviewing, ask questions about a company’s core values. Seek to understand what the values mean and if they speak to who you are and an environment you think will bring out the best in you. Also try to gauge how important the core values are within an organization. It’s telling if the interviewer needs to look up what the core values are, or if they speak freely about them. Ask the interviewer questions such as:

  • How are your core values demonstrated in day-to-day operations?
  • How are you evaluating me on whether I’m a core values fit?
  • How are your core values celebrated?
  • What happens when someone is deemed to not be a core values fit?

Credit Card Basics

How do I get a credit card?

Most financial institutions (banks) will offer a variety of credit cards. There are also private companies that specialize in more specific credit card programs. In general, you would reach out to the institution or company to inquire about a credit card. They will use information about you including your credit score (see below) to determine your financial risk. From there, you will be approved or declined a credit card based on those factors. Your credit score, income, and other factors will also determine how much credit you will be allowed at a time. This could range from $500 to hundreds of thousands, for example.

What’s a credit score?

This is a great question and one that many people don’t completely understand. A credit score (or Fair Issac Corporation, “FICO” score) is a three-digit number tied to individuals who have opened at least one line of credit; typically, a credit card or loan.

The score itself will range between 300-850 per individual and is based off your:

  • Timeliness of making payments – are you paying your minimums on time?
  • Available credit balance – how much credit is available to you
  • Credit mix – revolving debt (credit cards) and/or installment debt (loans, etc.)
  • Length of your credit history – how long you’ve had a credit card or loan
  • New credit – are you applying for new credit often?

Generally, you need six months of owning a credit card or having credit (through a student loan, for example) to obtain a credit score.

Broken down, here are how the big three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) would rate credit score.

  • 800-850 = Exceptional
  • 740-799 = Very Good
  • 670-739 = Good
  • 580-669 = Fair
  • 300-579 = Very Poor

Each of the big three credit bureaus may give you a different score and some lenders or institutions favor one over others. In general, the higher your credit score, the more likely financial institutions and lenders are to lend you money via a loan or credit card at a lower interest rate because you are less of a risk to them. They know you can pay back the debt owed to them efficiently and in full. Lower credit scores are looked at as riskier because of how the scores are calculated and often result in either a denial of credit or loans, or a higher interest rate to make up for the risk.

What types of credit cards are there?

Get ready because there are likely many more types of credit cards than you previously imagined.

There are many different types of credit cards, but the most common types include:

  1. Secured credit cards
  2. Standard unsecured credit cards
  3. Travel rewards credit cards
  4. Credit cards for students
  5. No annual fee credit cards
  6. Business Credit cards
  7. Charge cards
  8. Store credit cards

Each of these have different application requirements and from a value standpoint will vary from person to person.

Super quickly, a secured credit card requires an upfront deposit that protects the card holder. Often this deposit becomes your credit limit. From a risk perspective, this ensures that the credit card company won’t be out any money if you aren’t able to pay off your balance. An unsecured credit card means that you don’t pay an initial deposit to open the card/account.

How do I figure out which one is right for me?

This is the million-dollar question, and the answer is of course, it depends.

There are many credit cards that offer perks like cash-back, travel rewards, or initial rewards bonuses. So, let’s give a couple examples. Let’s say you’re an avid traveler who has some liquidity (meaning you have a good amount of money left over each month after paying off your expenses and debts). You may opt for a credit card that earns you miles with each purchase that you can use on airfare in the future rather than paying cash out of pocket. On the other hand, maybe you’re not looking to travel just yet, are in school, and barely making it by month to month. You would likely do better with a student credit card with a lower APR (Annual Percentage Rate) and lower spending limit that would keep you out of longer-term debt issues. It really depends on your financial position and interests at the end of the day.

What’s an APR?

Good timing! APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate. It is the percentage that credit companies and lenders charge on an annual basis, calculated off your balance. The most common ways you will see this is in the interest applied to your credit account during a billing cycle.

With a Variable APR (the most common credit card APR), you can calculate this by taking your daily rate (divide your credit card’s APR by 365) x average daily balance (add all the balances at the end of each day and divide by the number of days in that billing cycle) x days in billing cycle. That will get you your credit card APR.

A Fixed APR is a fixed rate that you can lock in for a designated period. Keep in mind that fixed rates can sometimes be higher than Variable APRs and can also change based on if you miss payments or your credit score decreases.

If you don’t plan to carry a balance with your credit cards (that should always be your goal), APR won’t impact you as they are based on balances you carry.

Who else can see my credit score?

Another great question. Individuals and entities who have access to your personal credit score are lenders, landlords, utilities, potential employers, and insurance companies. Each of these have a specific reason why they may want access to your credit information, but all get back to the same question of “what is level of risk I take on if lending/servicing/employing this individual?” The higher your credit score, the less risky you appear to these entities, and you may eliminate any need to pay additional fees that offset that risk.

How do I find my own credit card score?

There are a variety of companies that can do a credit report for you or obtain your credit score. A credit report is a statement that details your credit history. A credit score is the three-digit number we mentioned at the beginning of this article. Some loans, financial institutions, and employers will provide annual credit reports to their customers or employees for free. If you’re looking for yours without these resources, you can find more information by visiting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) website.

Should I pay my entire balance each month? Should I only pay the minimum?

Ideally, each month you should pay off your balance so that you have a better ratio of debt to available credit. The minimum balance is truly the “bare-minimum” that you should pay each month to stay in good standing. Not to mention that if you decide not to pay it off in full, you will begin accumulating interest likely as well. That total balance will keep ticking upward!

How do I build credit?

You build credit by paying your debts on time or in full over a period of time. Building credit takes time and discipline. Despite what you may think, having debt can be a good thing. Some debt is looked at more favorably than others! A few debts that are often considered better for your credit would be a mortgage, student loans, and car loans generally. This is because each of them can positively impact your financial position and potentially provide a return on your investment. “Bad debt” would be more often considered credit cards or high-interest loans that are difficult to repay. Now, if you’re paying off your credit card in full each month, that can actually help your credit score, too. The key is to pay on time and be aware of what you can afford to pay off ultimately. Don’t overspend.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment on my credit card?

It depends. Every institution or loan may have specific terms for missed payments and it’s important to familiarize yourself with them before you sign up for a card, loan, or otherwise. Regardless, this does not positively impact your credit and over time can really hurt it.

Can I get a credit card if I have no credit?

Yes, you can. The options for which are available to you may vary though. You may need to start out with a card that is designated a “student credit card” or another introductory card with a higher APR due to your risk profile. But generally, there is a card out there for everyone. Just be sure to understand the minimums and APR you’ll be repaying for that card itself. If you are living paycheck-to-paycheck, a credit card may not be a great option for you just yet.

Why do we have “Credit.” Where does it come from?

Credit is, in other words, your buying or financial power. It’s your promise to pay back a balance from an institution, individual, or other entity. The history of credit dates back thousands of years. It has often been originally linked to farmers. As a farmer’s crops took time to grow, they would need to take out credit from the sellers for the initial seeds they would plant and pay them back plus interest when the harvest was complete, and they had cashflow from the sale of their crops.

Disclaimer: Avenica is not a financial institution or personal finance expert. The information above is for informational purposes only and should not be seen as financial guidance. You should always seek additional information from a financial professional before opening a credit card or taking on any level of debt.

Benefits Basics

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Benefits That Come With A Job: Terms You Should Know

Understanding and selecting the right benefit plan from your employer.

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Avenica

Benefits that come with a job can be overwhelming, or even underwhelming when accepting your first role. Every employer is different, but we asked our benefits experts at Avenica to answer some of our FAQs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Benefits That Come With A Job

What is a co-pay?

A co-pay is a set amount you pay upfront for certain services or prescriptions. Co-pays apply toward meeting your out-of-pocket maximum, but not your deductible.

What is deductible?

A deductible is the amount your pay each year before your insurance starts to pay. If you have a $1,000 deductible you would need to spend $1,000 on medical care before your insurance begins to cover it.

How much comes out of my paycheck?

Typically, what comes out of your paycheck via payroll deduction is your premium cost. The actual amount of your premium will vary based on the plan, the carrier, the employer cost-share, and other factors. Most times these payroll deductions are made on a pre-tax basis, so you’re paying for them before any federal, state, or other taxes are deducted from your paycheck.

How much is “normal” to pay for benefits?

There’s not really a “normal” amount to pay for benefits. Premium costs are determined for each plan using a variety of factors and can vary widely. Costs may be determined using state and federal guidelines, member experience ratings, location, and costs of service providers, in addition to other factors.

To understand the overall cost of your insurance you can consider: how much you’ll pay for premiums, how much you’d have to pay to meet a deductible, and what a normal office visit or prescription might cost. These will help you decide which coverages might be best for you and your personal health needs.

Costs are also often offset by employer contributions — generally, employers don’t fully cover benefits for employees but do offer some cost-sharing. This means both you and your employer pay a portion of your health insurance premiums. It’s a nice benefit if the employer’s share of the cost is higher than the employee’s share!

What should I look for in a benefits plan when I am accepting a role?

Employers attract talent partially through the job and the compensation offered, but also through the benefits package – which typically includes medical, dental, vision, retirement, and other benefits or perks, such as life insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, or pet insurance. You might not need (or want) them all, but it’s nice to know what an employer is offering. It can be found in your official job offer or a question you ask the hiring manager during the interview process.

For medical insurance specifically, you might be interested in a low-cost, super basic health plan or you might be interested in a more comprehensive benefits plan for those “just-in-case” moments.

If you had healthcare needs that would require you to use your coverage more often (frequent prescription refills, regular office visits, etc.), then you’ll really want to pay attention to the out-of-pocket costs and deductible – you may be inclined to choose the plan that has a lower deductible or has a co-pay structure, rather than say, a High Deductible Health Plan.

Can I change my benefits or am I stuck?

Once you pick your benefits for the first time, you’re generally locked in for the duration of the plan year. There are some exceptions to when you can make benefit plan changes – these are called Qualifying Life Events (QLE’s). Examples of a QLE might be: losing coverage on a parent’s plan, getting married, getting divorced, having a baby, or gaining coverage through a new job. There are others, too, but these are standard life events that employees may experience throughout the course of a year that allows you to make corresponding mid-year benefit changes.

Outside of QLE’s, you generally have to wait until Open Enrollment – an annual period of time when plans are renewed, and employees are asked to re-evaluate and make changes for the next benefit plan year. Again, you’re locked into those elections than for the full plan year unless you experience a QLE and can make a mid-year change!

How much will I actually pay the doctor?

It depends on your plan and what you’re seeing the doctor for. Typically, preventive care visits (your annual physical or wellness exam) are covered at 100% – zero cost to you. If you’re referred for other tests and bloodwork, those elements of your visit may not be covered at 100% – you might have to pay out of pocket.  If you have a plan that offers a co-pay, then you typically pay the corresponding co-pay for that visit. If you have a co-insurance plan, then you typically pay the full cost of the visit or procedure. It really depends on what’s covered / what’s not covered under your plan and how things are coded by the medical provider. Reading the fine print is important.

Who can answer questions for me about my insurance?

Your health insurance carrier is a great resource if you want to talk about what’s covered or what’s not, and your HR department might be able to provide more detail as well. If you have benefits questions, ask the front desk for guidance on how to find out what’s covered.

What is co-insurance?

Co-insurance applies after your deductible is met – it’s your share of the costs of a covered health care service. For example, if you met your deductible, and your insurance plan pays 70% after the deductible is met, you pay 30% of health care costs between when your deductible is met and until your out-of-pocket maximum is met. The cost-share of the insurance plan’s responsibility and your responsibility is co-insurance.

What is an out-of-pocket maximum?

It’s the most you will pay for health care services covered by your insurance in a plan year. Once you reach your out-of-pocket maximum, your insurance pays 100% of any additional covered charges for the rest of the year.

What is preventive care?

Preventive care helps detect or prevent serious diseases and medical problems before they become major. This is different from diagnostic care, which is when your provider is looking for something specific to diagnose, often because of symptoms or based on results of a preventive test or screening.

Can I stay on my parent’s? Can I join my partner’s? Can I be on more than one plan?

Covered dependents can remain on a parent’s plan until the age of 26, which is when individuals typically age out of their parent’s plans and must seek coverage as an individual or join another plan.

You may join a spouse’s plan if you are legally married, and their plans allow for spousal coverage. You may be able to join a partner’s plan as a domestic partner — but this depends on the plan’s eligibility criteria. Each plan is unique, so I’d recommend always reviewing the plan documents or asking a trusted source like your carrier or the HR department for benefits questions.

While you can be on more than one plan, it’s uncommon. In instances where you are covered twice, the two plans work under what’s called “coordination of benefits.” This is where one plan pays as primary and the other pays as secondary. The pros and cons to this largely depend on the plans themselves, how they determine the coordination of benefits, and the costs to hold both plans.

Who can I include in my plan?

You can enroll qualified dependents onto your medical, dental, and vision plans. This could be your legally married spouse (or domestic partner, if eligible under the plan) and children.

If you’re looking for information on how to kickstart your career, contact Avenica or browse jobs today! We help our entry-level job seekers find positions that fit their expertise and career goals.

Arch Advisory Group has joined forces with Avenica. You can learn about Arch Advisory Group and its services at thinkaag.com

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