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F5 Employees: Navigating the Rising Costs of College Tuition for Your Family

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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 F5 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 F5 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 F5 employees who already put money away for college, the worksheet will take that amount into consideration. For F5 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 F5 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 plan does F5 offer to its employees?

F5 offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does F5 match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, F5 provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) accounts, subject to certain limits.

What is the eligibility requirement for F5 employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of F5 are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically 30 days.

Can F5 employees choose how to invest their 401(k) contributions?

Yes, F5 employees can choose from a variety of investment options available within the 401(k) plan.

What is the maximum contribution limit for F5 employees under the 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for F5 employees is determined by the IRS and may change annually. Employees should check the latest IRS guidelines for the current limit.

Does F5 allow for catch-up contributions in the 401(k) plan?

Yes, F5 allows employees who are age 50 or older to make catch-up contributions to their 401(k) accounts.

How often can F5 employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

F5 employees can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at designated times throughout the year, typically during open enrollment or upon certain life events.

What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave F5?

If you leave F5, you can either leave your 401(k) account with F5, roll it over to another retirement account, or withdraw the funds, subject to tax implications.

Is there a vesting schedule for F5's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, F5 has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees earn ownership of those funds over time.

Can F5 employees take loans against their 401(k) accounts?

Yes, F5 allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions.

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

F5 offers a comprehensive retirement program consisting of both a defined contribution plan and a 401(k) plan for its employees. In 2023, F5's 401(k) plan includes a company match where employees can contribute up to the IRS maximum of $22,500, with an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500 for those aged 50 or older (F5, Inc.) (SHRM). The company provides a 50% match on the first $8,000 contributed by the employee (Investopedia). Regarding pension plans, F5 follows the corporate trend of focusing on defined contribution plans rather than traditional pensions. Although specific details on a corporate pension were not emphasized for F5, the company heavily promotes its 401(k) plan as a key retirement benefit for all eligible employees, who are automatically enrolled upon meeting eligibility criteria

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, F5 announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. This move involved a reduction of approximately 10% of the global workforce. The decision was driven by the need to adapt to the changing market dynamics and enhance operational efficiency. This restructuring is crucial to address as it reflects broader industry trends and can have significant implications for employees and investors. The current economic environment, characterized by high inflation and market volatility, makes understanding these changes important for assessing investment risks and opportunities.

F5, Inc. (NASDAQ: FFIV) offers its employees stock-based compensation through various programs, including stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). F5's stock options and RSUs are made available to eligible employees, with stock-based compensation expenses categorized as part of their non-GAAP measures (F5 Investors) (F5, Inc.). F5’s RSUs and stock options are a key part of their compensation structure, incentivizing employees to contribute to the company’s growth. Stock options provide employees the opportunity to purchase shares at a fixed price (the strike price), whereas RSUs represent actual shares granted upon vesting, typically subject to a vesting period based on continued employment or performance milestones (F5 Investors). Eligible employees at F5, particularly those in management and key technical roles, often receive these awards as part of their compensation package

Company's Official Website: Visit F5's official website and look for their employee benefits section, often found under "Careers," "Employee Benefits," or "HR" pages. Glassdoor: Check Glassdoor for employee reviews about the company’s health benefits. Sometimes, employees provide insights into changes or updates to benefits. LinkedIn: Explore F5’s LinkedIn page for any updates or posts about employee benefits. Company updates or employee testimonials can be found here. Indeed: Search for F5 on Indeed, where past and current employees may discuss their experiences with the company’s health benefits. Benefits Websites: Websites like BenefitsPro, HR Dive, or SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) may have articles or reports about F5's benefits and any recent changes.