More Businesses Offering Free Financial Seminars For Employees
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- As the stock market continues its wild ride, many are left wondering what to do with their investments.
After all, it's not like most of us have learned this stuff in school.
But that doesn't mean you can't learn now.
3 On Your side consumer reporter Jim Donovan finds some employers are now offering a whole new kind of perk!
It was a seminar setting that helped Jonathan Pogact buy a house and create a comfortable future with his wife, all without leaving the office.
Jonathan's company is one of a growing number of businesses that offer free financial advice and insight for employees. His office calls these monthly lunchtime info sessions "Wisdom Wednesdays".
They're optional opportunities where different experts give advice on how employees can make the most of their money.
"Not everybody has taken a course in finance, not everyone has had their upbringing give them a great perspective on financial matters. Our job is to help fill in those gaps," said Steve Kessen with Fathom.
A recent survey showed 40 percent of employees say they're overwhelmed or intimidated by financial decisions such as figuring out 401k's, the stock market, planning for retirement and balancing a budget.
"When employees are less stressed by their financial realities day to day they're able to be more focused at work," said Winfield Evens with Aon Hewitt.
Employers are offering sessions on retirement planning, health care strategies, debt management, understanding your credit score, or financing a home or car.
Seminars like "Wisdom Wednesdays" hope to prepare employees for the financial long haul.
"It's helped me plan out my finances for the future," said Pogact.
Experts say if you're interested in having your company create a financial literacy program you may want to chat with your human resources department.
