Work Those OTHER Benefits: Reimbursements
Posted on October 22, 2007 by Melissa
Filed Under Budgeting, Household, Work
When looking for ways to cut back on your household spending don’t forget to think about how your employer can help. Many major employers offer more benefits than just health/life insurance, retirement plans, stock, and paid vacation. Have you checked into all the other ways you can get help with through your company?
We are able to get our cable modem reimbursed through Eric’s employer because he sometimes works at home after hours. That alone is saving us $46 a month. That’s not chump change, folks. He didn’t even know reimbursement for this existed until he asked about it. Sometimes you need to just ask. What kind of reimbursements could be available to you?
Regular Reimbursements
Could you get full or partial reimbursement on equipment or services that you use for your job? Do you take phone calls or have to respond to email at home? Are you “on-call” outside of the office? Ask if your employer offers reimbursement to help cover the costs associated with those after-hours duties (cell phone, computer equipment, internet access, etc). How about uniforms or special clothing you need for the job?
Education and Training
This is a very valuable benefit that can help your career even if you eventually change employers. Will your employer help you get the certifications or training you need to advance in your field? Will they cover the books and educational materials you will need? Will they help you get your degree with tuition reimbursement? Will they help you pay your current student loans? I know this may sound unlikely, but you might be surprised to find out that many large employers will help with these costs. That can save you a lot of money and help your career.
Relocation Assistance
Are you going to be moving for your job? Maybe your company will help with the costs of moving. Some companies will even help with selling your home and finding a new one.
Travel Expenses
Do you get paid a flat rate per diem when traveling for work? If so, you can eat cheap and pocket that excess. Are you submitting all your eligible expenses when you travel for business? Did you buy that coffee with cash when you were on the road? If it’s eligible, file it! Are you getting reimbursement for your mileage to the airport? How about parking? Make sure to file ALL those eligible expenses no matter how small - every little bit helps.
Keep in mind that the list of potential benefits is endless; every employer is different and some offer more perks than others. The point is that you should check with your employer to see what they do offer and take advantage of the benefits that help you save money.
Image Source: Mykl Roventine
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Good reminders, thanks! I’ve heard that guys are more diligent about this for some reason. Maybe because we women think “Well, I was going to have internet anyway” and we don’t want to take someone’s money. But more guys feel that the company owes them anyway, so they take advantage of this stuff.
My company reimburses tuition for approved job-related classes. My dad got a Master’s degree courtesy of his company. He did a long-distance program for a couple years.
Mine also has a pre-tax program for people who commute using public transit (like I do!). So the money is in a special pre-tax account…and thus it doesn’t cost as much overall.
Interesting perspective, Mrs. Micah! In our case, it was me pushing Eric to ask for the reimbursement for our cable modem. But in general, I suspect you may be right.
Having your company pay for your education is such a good benefit. It’s the benefit that keeps helping your career even if you leave that employer.
The pre-tax public transit account is good, too. Talk about an automatic discount!
[...] Penny Closer reminds you not to forget to pry every last reimbursable penny out of your employer. Common things employers reimburse: travel expenses, internet connection fees if you work from home [...]