Brinker International Employees: Navigating the Rising Costs of College Tuition for Your Family
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 Brinker International 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 Brinker International 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 Brinker International employees who already put money away for college, the worksheet will take that amount into consideration. For Brinker International 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 Brinker International employees to consider reviewing:
www.studentaid.ed.gov
The government’s college and financial aid portal.
www.collegeboard.org
The group that administers the SAT test.
Estimating the Cost of College
What is the 401(k) plan offered by Brinker International?
The 401(k) plan at Brinker International is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
How can employees of Brinker International enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees of Brinker International can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Brinker International offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?
Yes, Brinker International offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the eligibility requirement for Brinker International employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?
Most employees at Brinker International are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically within their first year of employment.
What types of investment options are available in Brinker International's 401(k) plan?
Brinker International's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
Can Brinker International employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees at Brinker International can change their contribution percentage at any time, allowing them to adjust their savings based on their financial situation.
When can Brinker International employees access their 401(k) funds?
Employees of Brinker International can access their 401(k) funds upon reaching retirement age, or in certain circumstances such as financial hardship or termination of employment.
What happens to my 401(k) balance if I leave Brinker International?
If you leave Brinker International, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out, or keep it in the Brinker International plan if allowed.
Are there any fees associated with Brinker International's 401(k) plan?
Yes, Brinker International's 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents provided to employees.
How often can Brinker International employees review their 401(k) account statements?
Employees at Brinker International can review their 401(k) account statements quarterly, and they can also access their account online for real-time updates.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Brinker International offers a 401(k) Savings Plan for its employees, which includes several important features and eligibility criteria. Employees become eligible to participate in the plan on the first of the month following the attainment of age 21 and the completion of 90 days of eligible service. Notably, non-U.S. citizens, union employees without specific contract provisions, and leased employees are excluded from participating in the plan.
For contributions, Brinker International matches 100% of the first 3% of an employee's pay and 50% of the next 2%, with participant contributions allowed up to the maximum deferrable amount as permitted by the IRS. Catch-up contributions are also allowed for employees aged 50 or older. The plan allows employees to invest their contributions across various investment options, including money market funds, mutual funds, and Brinker International common stock. All contributions, including employer matching, are immediately vested.
Restructuring Layoffs: Brinker International has focused on optimizing its operations, especially in its Chili's and Maggiano's brands, through strategic menu pricing and adjustments in restaurant operations. While no massive layoffs have been reported, the company has taken measures to reduce costs, which may indirectly affect employment and operational structure.
Benefit Changes & Pension Modifications: The company's pension plan has been updated with a new cash balance formula effective January 1, 2023. This formula provides annual pay credits ranging from 4.5% to 10% based on age and years of service, with annual interest credits tied to U.S. Treasury yields. This change reflects the need to align with market conditions and reduce the burden of traditional pension plans.
Sources and Information:
Source: Brinker International Annual Reports (2022-2024)
Document: Brinker International 2023 Annual Report
Page Number: 40
Details: Brinker International offers stock options (SO) and restricted stock units (RSU) to its executives and key employees as part of their compensation package. The company uses RSU to incentivize long-term performance and align employee interests with shareholder value.
Source: Brinker International 2022 Proxy Statement
Document: Brinker International 2022 Proxy Statement
Page Number: 25
Details: In 2022, Brinker International provided stock options (SO) and RSUs primarily to senior management and high-potential employees. RSUs vest over a period of time, typically 3-5 years, to encourage retention.
Source: Brinker International 2024 Investor Relations Page
Document: Brinker International 2024 Investor Relations Document
Page Number: 32
Details: For 2024, Brinker International continues to offer RSUs and stock options (SO) to its executives. These stock options and RSUs are designed to reward performance and retain top talent within the company.
Source: Brinker International Quarterly Financial Reports
Document: Brinker International Q1 2023 Financial Report
Page Number: 15
Details: Brinker International's compensation strategy includes stock options (SO) and RSUs for its leadership team. The report highlights adjustments in stock option grants based on company performance and market conditions.
Summary
Brinker International:
Stock Options (SO): Brinker International provides stock options (SO) primarily to executives and senior management to align their interests with shareholder value. These options typically have a vesting period of 3-5 years.
Restricted Stock Units (RSU): RSUs are granted to Brinker International’s key employees to incentivize long-term performance and retention. The vesting schedule for RSUs usually spans several years to ensure employee alignment with company goals.
Sources:
Brinker International 2023 Annual Report, Page 40
Brinker International 2022 Proxy Statement, Page 25
Brinker International 2024 Investor Relations Document, Page 32
Brinker International Q1 2023 Financial Report, Page 15
Brinker International, the parent company of Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy, has maintained a robust health benefits program for its employees in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Their health benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with wellness programs that are designed to support both physical and mental health. Notably, Brinker offers comprehensive coverage options that include preventive care, prescription drug coverage, and mental health services.
Specific terms and acronyms frequently associated with Brinker's health benefits include EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) and HSA (Health Savings Account), which are used in their plans to provide more flexible and cost-effective healthcare solutions for their employees. Additionally, the company emphasizes the importance of preventive care through various wellness programs, which include health screenings and flu shots.
In terms of recent developments, Brinker International has been responsive to the ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19. They have implemented policies in compliance with state regulations, including offering testing to employees at no cost during work hours, especially in cases of potential outbreaks at their restaurant locations. These efforts are part of Brinker's broader commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of their employees during the pandemic.
Additional Articles
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Brinker International at 6820 LBJ Freeway Dallas, TX 75240; or by calling them at +1 972-980-9917.
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