New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Bruker Employees: Navigating the Rising Costs of College Tuition for Your Family

Healthcare Provider Update: Bruker provides health, dental, and vision insurance, along with FSAs and HSAs. Employees benefit from paid holidays, sick leave, and a 401(k) retirement plan. The company emphasizes wellness through internal initiatives and offers leadership development programs to support career growth 6. Bruker As ACA premiums rise, Brukers employer-sponsored coverage and wellness initiatives offer employees a stable and cost-effective alternative to individual marketplace plans. Click here to learn more

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 Bruker 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 Bruker 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 Bruker employees who already put money away for college, the worksheet will take that amount into consideration. For Bruker 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 Bruker employees to consider reviewing:

www.studentaid.ed.gov
The government’s college and financial aid portal.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

www.collegeboard.org
The group that administers the SAT test.

Estimating the Cost of College

Estimating the Cost of College

What type of retirement savings plan does Bruker offer to its employees?

Bruker offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

How does Bruker match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Bruker matches employee contributions up to a certain percentage, typically 50% on the first 6% of contributions, but employees should check the specific plan details for exact matching rates.

Can Bruker employees choose how to invest their 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Bruker employees can choose from a variety of investment options available within the 401(k) plan.

What is the eligibility requirement for Bruker employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

Generally, Bruker employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a certain period of employment, typically 30 days.

Does Bruker allow employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Bruker allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's specific rules and limits.

How can Bruker employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Bruker employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in Bruker’s 401(k) plan?

Yes, Bruker has a vesting schedule for the employer match, meaning employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the matched contributions.

What happens to the 401(k) savings if a Bruker employee leaves the company?

If a Bruker employee leaves the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) savings into another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the Bruker plan if they meet the minimum balance requirement.

Can Bruker employees change their contribution percentage at any time?

Yes, Bruker employees can change their contribution percentage at any time, typically through the HR portal or by contacting HR.

Does Bruker provide financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Bruker provides financial education resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Restructuring Layoffs: Bruker has announced a series of layoffs impacting approximately 5% of its global workforce as part of a strategic realignment. The restructuring is aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs.