It doesn’t take a degree in finance to see the cost of college continues to rise.
In its 2017 report, the College Board showed that public four-year institutions raised prices an average of 3.2% annually between the 2007-08 and 2017-18 school years. Put another way, a $5,000 education in 2007-08 would cost $6,851 in 2017-18.
For a few families, the lion’s share of education costs falls on parents and, in some cases, on grandparents. For our Bloomin' Brands clients who are parents you may already know, generally, the majority of families rely on a combination of scholarships, grants, financial aid, part-time jobs, and parent support to help pay the cost.
For Bloomin' Brands employees who have children approaching college age, a good first step is estimating the potential costs. The accompanying worksheet can help you get a better idea about the cost of a four-year college.
For Bloomin' Brands employees who already put money away for college, the worksheet will take that amount into consideration. For Bloomin' Brands employees who haven’t, it’s never too late to start.
Resources
There are a number of resources that can help individuals prepare for college. The U.S. government distributes certain information on colleges and costs. Here are two sites for these Bloomin' Brands employees to consider reviewing:
www.studentaid.ed.gov
The government’s college and financial aid portal.
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www.collegeboard.org
The group that administers the SAT test.
Estimating the Cost of College
What is the 401(k) plan offered by Bloomin' Brands?
The 401(k) plan at Bloomin' Brands is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for their future by contributing a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax basis.
How does Bloomin' Brands match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Bloomin' Brands offers a matching contribution up to a certain percentage of the employee's salary, encouraging employees to save for retirement.
When can employees at Bloomin' Brands enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees at Bloomin' Brands can enroll in the 401(k) plan during their initial onboarding process or during designated open enrollment periods.
Is there a vesting schedule for Bloomin' Brands' 401(k) matching contributions?
Yes, Bloomin' Brands has a vesting schedule that determines how much of the matching contributions employees are entitled to based on their years of service.
Can employees at Bloomin' Brands take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Bloomin' Brands allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions.
What investment options are available in Bloomin' Brands' 401(k) plan?
The 401(k) plan at Bloomin' Brands offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
How can employees at Bloomin' Brands manage their 401(k) accounts?
Employees can manage their 401(k) accounts through an online portal provided by Bloomin' Brands, where they can view balances, change contributions, and adjust investments.
Does Bloomin' Brands provide financial education regarding the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Bloomin' Brands offers resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed decisions about their retirement savings.
What happens to the 401(k) savings if an employee leaves Bloomin' Brands?
If an employee leaves Bloomin' Brands, they have several options, including rolling over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account or cashing out, subject to taxes and penalties.
Are there any fees associated with Bloomin' Brands' 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Bloomin' Brands, which are disclosed in the plan's documentation.