Most AutoNation employees have already heard of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, if they or someone they know has plans to attend a college, career school, or university. Last year, around 70% of families submitted a FAFSA to the Department of Education to secure financial assistance. But what many prospective and current students may overlook are the various federal grants awarded to students in need each year.
Granted value
Most federal grants, unlike loans, function as sources of funding. There are some exceptions, though. For example, if a student is awarded a grant, but withdraws from the program in which they’re enrolled, they may be required to pay back all or a portion of that grant.
Know your grants
The Department of Education offers multiple aid packages as part of the Federal Student Grant Program and all AutoNation employees should be aware of them. The following four are granted most often, and each has different requirements for eligibility. The information below applies to the 2023-2024 academic year:
- Federal Pell Grants - With a maximum award of $6,895, Pell Grants are reserved for undergraduate students who have exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree yet.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEO) - FSEO Grants award a maximum of $4,000 to those who demonstrate exceptional need and have not yet earned a bachelor’s or graduate degree. FSEO Grants also give priority to Pell Grant recipients over other applicants.
- Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants - These grants award a maximum of $6,895, and they’re only for students whose parent or guardian served in a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and died while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11.
- Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants - TEACH Grants award a maximum of $4,000, and they’re reserved for students who are enrolled in teaching preparation programs and agree to teach for a minimum of 4 years at the elementary or secondary school level in a high-need field.
FAFSA Required
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No matter who you are or your financial situation, you may want to consider submitting a FAFSA. After all, the grants listed above do require recipients to have an application on file with the Department of Education. And who knows? The potential financial benefit that you as a AutoNation employee could secure may surprise you.
- Finder.com, 2019
- StudentAid.gov, 2020
What is the AutoNation 401(k) Savings Plan?
The AutoNation 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for their future by contributing a portion of their paycheck to a tax-advantaged account.
How can AutoNation employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
AutoNation employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the enrollment portal through the company’s employee benefits website or by contacting HR for assistance.
What is the employer match for the AutoNation 401(k) Savings Plan?
AutoNation offers a competitive employer match for contributions made to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
Can AutoNation employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, AutoNation employees can change their contribution percentage at any time by logging into their 401(k) account or by contacting HR.
What investment options are available in the AutoNation 401(k) Savings Plan?
The AutoNation 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
Is there a vesting schedule for AutoNation’s employer contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, AutoNation has a vesting schedule for employer contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own the employer match.
What is the minimum age to participate in the AutoNation 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees must be at least 21 years old to participate in the AutoNation 401(k) Savings Plan.
How often can AutoNation employees make changes to their investment allocations in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
AutoNation employees can typically make changes to their investment allocations as frequently as they wish, subject to the plan's specific trading policies.
Are there any fees associated with the AutoNation 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, the AutoNation 401(k) Savings Plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
What happens to my AutoNation 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?
If you leave AutoNation, you have several options for your 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling it over to an IRA, transferring it to a new employer’s plan, or cashing it out.
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