What Five Below Employees Should Know About Caring for Aging Parents
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Five Below
Five Below, a popular retail chain that focuses on selling a variety of items priced at $5 and below, utilizes Aetna as their healthcare provider. This partnership enables employees to access a range of health insurance plans and benefits that support their wellness needs.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As the healthcare landscape shifts, significant premium hikes are anticipated in 2026, particularly for those enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. With some states projecting increases exceeding 60%, the absence of enhanced federal premium subsidies will exacerbate this situation, potentially raising out-of-pocket premium costs by over 75% for most enrollees. This financial strain-coupled with ongoing medical cost inflation-could jeopardize access to affordable healthcare for millions of Americans, especially those with chronic conditions who rely on comprehensive coverage.
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'Many Five Below employees underestimate how caregiving responsibilities may influence their long-term planning. To prepare thoughtfully and involve the right professionals, it's important to start these conversations early.' — Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
'Many Five Below employees face unexpected pressure when aging parent responsibilities arise. I believe early planning and open family communication can help households navigate these challenges with greater clarity.' — Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article, we will discuss:
Key warning signs that aging parents may need additional support.
Essential legal and health care preparations to help families stay organized.
How to coordinate family involvement and emotional readiness during caregiving.
Many Five Below employees in their mid-50s to early 60s come to discover that their retirement planning may have to expand to include the needs of their aging parents. As America’s population grows older, adult children frequently take on caregiving responsibilities for parents facing health issues, financial weaknesses, and cognitive decline. These realities influence family dynamics, investments, estate planning, taxes, and emotional well-being.
“Your parents' financial vulnerabilities become your financial stress unless you plan ahead and take a proactive role,” explains Brent Wolf, CFP®, an advisor at Wealth Enhancement.
Below are key considerations for individuals ages 55 to 65 who are preparing to support elderly parents.
1. Recognize the Early Signs of Cognitive Decline
For many families, cognitive decline in an aging parent typically appears gradually. Early warning signs may include:
- Repeatedly forgetting conversations
- Missing or duplicating bill payments
- Confusion about routine transactions
- Financial decisions influenced by new “friends”
- Unusual wire transfers or unexpected spending changes
Your role is not to diagnose—your role is to observe and speak up early. By addressing concerns promptly, you, your family, and your advisory team can potentially help mitigate the risk of future financial or cognitive harm.
2. Put Durable Power of Attorney and a Trusted Contact in Place
If a parent becomes cognitively impaired without a durable power of attorney, families often face a costly, lengthy conservatorship process. Five Below employees can address this by planning ahead.
Consider getting the following key documents in place:
- A trusted contact authorization
- Durable Power of Attorney for finances
- HIPAA releases and health care power of attorney
- Updated beneficiary designations, wills, and trusts
These steps can help reduce uncertainty and lessen the risk of financial exploitation should a parent become more vulnerable.
3. Prepare for Health Care Shock: Medicare Has Gaps
Many households are surprised by how much Medicare does not cover. Common out-of-pocket costs include:
- Long-term custodial care (memory care, assisted living, in-home support)
- Prescription drugs
- Private caregivers and care managers
- Out-of-pocket deductibles and co-pays
To plan effectively, Five Below employees should understand:
- What your parents’ insurance covers
- Their likely care expenses
- Whether self-funding or long-term care strategies may fit
- Whether Medicaid planning (with its five-year look-back) should begin early
Health care decisions become more urgent if cognitive decline is a concern.
4. Guard Your Parents Against Financial Abuse
Financial abuse is a growing threat for older adults—including parents of Five Below employees. Common scams include:
- Romance schemes
- Fake IRS, FedEx, or government calls
- “Grandchild in trouble” scams
- Caregiver misconduct
- Pressure from acquaintances or distant relatives
- Fraudulent investment pitches
Adult children often hesitate to intervene, but silence can increase risk. Advisors can help monitor accounts, identify unusual activity, and place temporary holds when needed.
5. Organize the “Invisible” Parts of Their Financial Life
By age 80, even financially experienced parents may struggle to keep up with routine obligations such as:
- Required minimum distributions
- Quarterly tax payments
- Charitable documentation
- Insurance renewals
- Online passwords
- Property tax deadlines
- Portfolio withdrawal planning
Advisors can help reduce errors by automating tasks, consolidating accounts, and simplifying processes.
6. Bring the Entire Family Into the Conversation Early
The most challenging situations often arise when adult children learn of issues only after a crisis. Five Below employees may benefit from:
- Annual family meetings
- Clear conversations about parents’ wishes
- Defined caregiving and financial roles
- Discussions around independence and dignity
Proactive communication may helps mitigate conflict and avoid last-minute decisions during emergencies.
7. Prepare Yourself Emotionally and Financially
Caring for aging parents can influence:
- Retirement timing
- Your ability to continue working
- Your cash flow
- Your mental and emotional resilience
Advisors can help you develop:
- A dedicated “parent care fund”
- Tax-efficient withdrawal strategies
- Cash flow outlines that factor in elder care
- Estate plans that reflect multigenerational needs
With thoughtful planning, supporting your parents does not have to disrupt your retirement goals—even for Five Below employees navigating complex benefits.
8. Build a Team-Based Approach
Families caring for elderly parents often benefit from a coordinated team that may include:
- A financial advisor
- An attorney with experience working with seniors
- Tax specialist
- Geriatric care manager
- Estate planning attorney
- Health care advocates
Working together, these professionals can help manage risk for both parents and adult children through a unified strategy.
Conclusion
Aging is inevitable—but it does not have to create chaos. Early planning, while parents are still capable, can lessen emotional strain, help minimize family conflict, and ideally reduce the likelihood of financial harm.
“The best gift you can give your aging parents is structure, clarity, and a financial advocate who supports them when they can no longer support themselves,” says Brent Wolf.
For Five Below employees ages 55 to 65, now is the time to act.
Taking the Next Step
The Retirement Group can help you design a Parent Care Plan that includes financial oversight, health care review, legal preparation, and fraud monitoring.
To speak with a team member who can guide you through each stage of the process, call
(800) 900-5867
.
We are here to support you, your parents, and your family through every stage of life.
What type of retirement savings plan does Five Below offer to its employees?
Five Below offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.
Is participation in the 401(k) plan at Five Below mandatory?
No, participation in the 401(k) plan at Five Below is voluntary for employees.
Does Five Below provide any matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Five Below offers matching contributions to eligible employees who participate in the 401(k) plan.
At what age can employees at Five Below start contributing to the 401(k) plan?
Employees at Five Below can start contributing to the 401(k) plan as soon as they meet the eligibility requirements, typically at age 18.
How can employees at Five Below enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees at Five Below can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal.
What investment options are available in the Five Below 401(k) plan?
The Five Below 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Can employees at Five Below change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees at Five Below can change their contribution percentage at any time, subject to plan rules.
What is the vesting schedule for Five Below's 401(k) matching contributions?
Five Below has a vesting schedule that typically requires employees to work for a certain number of years before they fully own the matching contributions.
How often can Five Below employees review their 401(k) account statements?
Employees at Five Below can review their 401(k) account statements quarterly or online at any time through the plan’s website.
What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Five Below?
If an employee leaves Five Below, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the Five Below plan if allowed.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
For Five Below, the company offers a 401(k) plan but does not provide a traditional pension plan. The 401(k) plan at Five Below includes several key features:
Eligibility: Employees must be at least 21 years old to participate. Enrollment in the plan can occur after the first paycheck, with deferrals starting on January 1st or July 1st following the hire date. Employees become eligible for the employer match once they begin deferring contributions.
Contributions: Employees can contribute on a pre-tax or after-tax (Roth) basis, up to the IRS annual limits. For 2022, the maximum employee contribution was $20,500, and it increased to $22,500 in 2023. Employees aged 50 and older can make catch-up contributions, with limits of $6,500 in 2022 and $7,500 in 2023. The company offers a match of 100% on the first 4% of eligible contributions and 50% on the next 2%.
Vesting: Employees are immediately vested in all 401(k) contributions and any earnings from these contributions.
Restructuring Layoffs and Benefits Changes: Five Below has been focusing on optimizing its workforce as part of a broader strategy to maintain its competitive edge in the retail market. This has included targeted layoffs aimed at streamlining operations, particularly in underperforming locations. The company has also been reviewing its employee benefit structures, including adjustments to retirement plans to better align with current economic conditions. These changes are part of a proactive approach to manage costs while continuing to invest in growth areas like e-commerce.
Company Name: Five Below
Stock Options and RSUs Available: Five Below offers stock options and RSUs to eligible employees, including executives and senior management. The RSUs are granted based on performance and tenure.
Eligibility: Five Below typically awards stock options and RSUs to high-performing employees and those in key positions. Employees must meet certain performance metrics and tenure requirements to qualify.
Company Name: Five Below
Stock Options and RSUs for 2022: In 2022, Five Below granted stock options and RSUs to various employees, focusing on those who significantly contributed to the company's growth. The vesting schedule for RSUs is often tied to continued employment over a few years.
Source: [Five Below 2022 Annual Report, Page 58]
Company Name: Five Below
Stock Options and RSUs for 2023 and 2024: For 2023 and 2024, Five Below continued offering stock options and RSUs, with increased emphasis on aligning employee incentives with company performance. The specific terms of these grants were detailed in their annual filings and shareholder communications.
Source: [Five Below 2023 Proxy Statement, Page 42]; [Five Below 2024 Annual Report, Page 65]
Sources:
Five Below 2022 Annual Report, Page 58
Five Below 2023 Proxy Statement, Page 42
Five Below 2024 Annual Report, Page 65
Five Below offers a range of health benefits to its employees, tailored to different needs and employment statuses. Full-time employees can choose from multiple health plans, including High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans, each with varying levels of coverage and copays. For example, the EPO plan now features reduced copays, with visits to primary care doctors costing $20 and specialist visits $40. There is also an emphasis on preventive care, with certain plans covering preventive services at 100%.
Additionally, Five Below provides access to telemedicine services through CirrusMD, which allows employees to consult with physicians 24/7 via secure video chat or phone. This is part of their partnership with Cigna, which also includes pharmacy benefits. The company has introduced new wellness initiatives like Wellbeats, which offers on-demand workouts, mental health classes, and nutrition education.
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