SECURE 2.0: What to Expect in 2024 Subscribe to the SECURE Podcast on Apple, Google or Spotify. Regardless of the uncertainties of the economy, the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 offers new avenues for financial stability and security. This landmark legislation, an extension of the SECURE Act of 2019, introduces over a hundred provisions designed to bolster American workers’ economic well-being. In a climate where an alarming 60% of the workforce is grappling with living paycheck to...

The Role of Employer-Sponsored Health Benefits Subscribe to the SECURE Podcast on Apple, Google or Spotify. In recent years, the landscape of employer-sponsored health benefits has undergone significant transformation. With rising healthcare costs and the increasing complexity of health insurance, employers are seeking innovative solutions to provide comprehensive benefits to their employees. A recent study revealed that the average deductible for Americans has skyrocketed, creating...

A Data Approach to Understanding Mental Health and Financial Precarity  Subscribe to the SECURE Podcast on Apple, Google or Spotify. The intersection of mental health and financial precarity is a topic that has recently gained significant attention. As society grapples with the challenges of a rapidly changing economic landscape, the impact on individual mental well-being is undeniable. Studies show that approximately 46% of individuals with debt also have a mental health diagnosis,...

The Intersections of Financial Wellness and Healthcare Subscribe to the SECURE Podcast on Apple, Google or Spotify. In recent years, the intersection of financial wellness and healthcare has become a pivotal topic of discussion, especially as the global workforce grapples with the aftermath of the pandemic. A study reveals that financial stress is the leading source of anxiety for the U.S. population, highlighting the urgency of addressing the intertwined challenges of economic...

Student Loan Debt: Restarting Payments Post-Pandemic & the 529 Solution  Subscribe to the SECURE Podcast on Apple, Google or Spotify. When the Supreme Court struck down the Biden administration’s Student Loan Debt forgiveness plan, it not only eliminated a potential $400 billion in student debt relief, it reset the clock for payments to resume in October 2023. Less than a year prior, the Biden plan announcement gave millions of Americans struggling with student loan payments...

A New Approach to Debt Management and Preventing Bankruptcy Subscribe to the SECURE Podcast on Apple, Google or Spotify. As financial challenges persist, more individuals seek assistance in managing debt and achieving financial stability. Over 50% of Americans are concerned with their ability to pay off their credit card debt this year, emphasizing the urgency of discussing financial wellness solutions.  How can you take control of your financial future and tackle credit card...

Establishing Employee Relief Funds Can Better Secure a Financial Future Subscribe to the SECURE Podcast on Apple, Google or Spotify. Today, financial stability and resilience for individuals, families, and businesses is more critical than ever. A survey from the Federal Reserve shows that 32% of Americans would struggle to cover an unexpected $400 expense, highlighting the need for innovative solutions that support financial health. One such solution being discussed is the development...

Building Workplace Communities Around Wellness Subscribe to the SECURE Podcast on Apple, Google or Spotify. In the modern business world, the importance of wellness and the focus on building a strong community within the workplace is gaining momentum. This comes as no surprise considering the shift towards remote work and flexible schedules, which while advantageous, can potentially threaten the social fabric of organizations. In fact, the US Surgeon General recently reported...

Employee Ownership for Financial Health Subscribe to the SECURE Podcast on Apple, Google or Spotify. Stocks are one of the most commonly used investment options, with 58 percent of Americans reporting they owned some form of stocks in 2022, according to Gallup. But what about owning stock in the company you work for, or employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs)? There are just under 14 million participants in the U.S., which amounts to around 4 percent of the U.S. population....