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

Healthcare Provider Update: Offers medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and HSAs/FSAs, with up to 95% employer coverage depending on the plan3. As ACA subsidies phase out, Mercurys generous employer contributions and comprehensive benefits may shield employees from the financial impact of rising premiums. 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 Mercury General 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 Mercury General 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 Mercury General employees who already put money away for college, the worksheet will take that amount into consideration. For Mercury General 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 Mercury General 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 Mercury General offer to its employees?

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

Is the 401(k) plan at Mercury General available to all employees?

Yes, the 401(k) plan at Mercury General is available to all eligible employees.

What is the employer match policy for the 401(k) plan at Mercury General?

Mercury General provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of employee contributions, up to a certain limit.

How can employees at Mercury General enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Mercury General can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What are the contribution limits for the 401(k) plan at Mercury General?

The contribution limits for the 401(k) plan at Mercury General follow the IRS guidelines, which are updated annually.

Does Mercury General offer a Roth 401(k) option?

Yes, Mercury General offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to contribute after-tax dollars.

Can employees at Mercury General take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Mercury General allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in the Mercury General 401(k) plan?

The Mercury General 401(k) plan includes a variety of investment options, such as mutual funds, stocks, and bonds.

How often can employees at Mercury General change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Employees at Mercury General can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to plan rules.

What happens to my 401(k) balance if I leave Mercury General?

If you leave Mercury General, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out, or leave it in the plan if eligible.

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

Pension Plan Name: Mercury General does not offer a traditional defined benefit pension plan. The company primarily focuses on offering a 401(k) plan to its employees. 401(k) Plan Name: Mercury General Corporation 401(k) Plan Eligibility: Employees are eligible to participate in the Mercury General Corporation 401(k) Plan after completing 30 days of service. The plan is available to full-time employees. Company Match: Mercury General provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, though specifics about the match percentage may vary based on the company’s policies and plan documents.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Mercury General announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency. This move was driven by the need to adapt to changing market conditions and the economic environment. The restructuring included layoffs in several departments, with a focus on reducing operational costs and reallocating resources to more strategic areas. The company's management emphasized that these changes were necessary to enhance competitiveness and long-term sustainability. The impact of these layoffs on employees and the broader organizational structure is a key concern amid current economic uncertainties.

Description: Mercury General's 2022 annual report details the stock options and RSUs offered to employees. Stock options are generally available to executives and key employees, while RSUs may be granted to a broader range of employees based on performance.

Benefits Overview: Offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They provide health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and wellness programs. Medical Plans: Includes PPO and HMO plans. Employees can choose between different levels of coverage based on their needs. Wellness Programs: Includes access to fitness resources, mental health support, and preventive care programs.