Benefits Questions for Self-employed Workers

Is 2015 the year you will finally take the leap into the wonderful world of self-employment? If you answered yes to this question, it is safe to assume that you are both excited and anxious about moving forward.

Before you leave your current job, here is a question you must address: how will your benefits be impacted?

If you have a full-time job at the present time, there is a good chance you receive many benefits, including but not limited to: health insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and retirement savings.

What will happen to all these benefits if you leave your job? If you have yet to answer this question, you should take a step back and reassess your situation.

You may not need to replace all of your benefits, but most of them will require your attention.

How are you going to obtain health insurance? Some people can be added to his or her spouse’s plan. Others, however, will need to purchase an individual policy.

Are you okay with handling all retirement savings on your own? Just because you are self-employed doesn’t mean you want to stop saving money for retirement. This is still extremely important.

Are you going to purchase life insurance and/or disability insurance? Many employers provide this type of coverage to employees. Once you move on, you will no longer have access to the group policy. Just the same as health insurance, it is now up to you to purchase an individual policy.

Just because you are receiving solid benefits through your employer doesn’t mean you should stick around. That being said, don’t make the jump to self-employment until you are comfortable with how you will obtain the benefits you require.