Healthcare

Often full-time employees are offered benefits including health insurance, profit sharing, 401K retirement accounts, and paid time off
These are subsidized and/or organized by the employer
Independent workers need to arrange and manage these on your own
You have a few options for getting healthcare coverage:
- If you are under 26 go on your parents (even if you have to pay them for it)
- If you are fired your state may offer plans to extend your coverage for a certain time period (Cobra in New York State)
- If it’s November or December, or you’ve had a change in work you can purchase health insurance from your state’s exchange or directly with a provider
The cost may surprise you ($0 low to $1,000+ very expensive per month depending on your age, location, income, and desired coverage)
I use Oscar which is only available in certain states
Oscar has good graphic design (I’m a sucker) but is tied to the Kushner family, so, there’s that

Retirement & Savings

Setting up an IRA is a good option for retirement savings
It is important you do this early in your career (see: compound interest)
Solo 401Ks are new to me and, if you have an S-Corp, you may be able to profit share. I’m asking my accountant and his financial advisor about this. It’s on my to-do list for the year
Franklin Templeton is who I use for my IRA. Fidelity is popular. Search around to see what’s best for you. I use Franklin Templeton just because a former financial advisor set me up with them when I rolled over an old 401K. I’ve heard Vanguard is good for low fees
Do your research online or with financial advisors. You’re the only one that will ultimately look out for your own retirement savings
Savings accounts are important for unexpected dry spells
I use Ally.com for their high yield savings accounts and short term investing options
Over time you can learn more about these, especially with the advice of a financial advisor, or a savvy uncle, so don’t fret

Channing Ritter (Freelance Advisor)

Brendan Bergen (Copywriter & Social Media Advisor)

Hana Sato (Creative Recruiting Advisor)

Aliza Adam (Freelance Advisor)

Selwyn Rocha (Graphic Design Advisor)

Anna Lu (Professional Feedback)

Tero Honkala (Marketing & Creative Media Feedback)

Chrissy Raftery (Professional Feedback)