Hey glorious bitches! Quick (or probably not so quick) question! My current job pays me $16.50 an hour, and I have medical, dental, and vision, which combined take only $30 out of my paycheck. Is it better to stay here, or go somewhere that's higher paying but either doesn't have all of the insurances or takes more?
(OR should I stay at the first job and look for a 2nd higher paying job w a 401k?)
What's the official opinion with 401ks thrown in? <33
Hi precious puggle! This is an interesting question. Because essentially, you're looking at that $30 taken out of your paycheck as an expense, when really it's part of your compensation.
The total monetary value of that insurance is FAR more than $30 if you were to buy the insurance on your own. You're getting a discount through your employer.
That said, personal finance is personal! Maybe money is extremely tight for you right now. Maybe you're willing to risk going without health insurance for a while if it means you can use that $30 to pay off debt or build up your emergency fund. That's your right! I'd suggest first asking if you can opt out of dental and vision, but keep health insurance, if this is your situation.
All that said: you should ALWAYS be keeping one eye open for your next higher paying job. Look for one that pays more and has better insurance policies. I think brushing up on compensation benefits will help you in this equation:
Workplace Benefits and Other Cool Side Effects of Employment
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