Vision Capital Management Financial Advisor Portland Oregon

Vision Capital Management has been providing clients financial planning and investment management services since 1999. Visit our site to find out more.

  • About
    • Our Story
    • The Team
      • Christopher Anissian
      • Katelyn Cummings, CFP®
      • Bryan Goss
      • Gina Jacobson, CFP®, CDFA
      • Marina Johnson, CFA
      • John LaBarca, CFA
      • Ellen Logan
      • Maria Malloy, CFP®
      • Sue McGrath
      • Sarah Quist, CFP®
      • Jeffrey Schmidt, CFA
      • Matthew Sheets, CFP®
      • Chris Sizemore, CPWA®, CMFC
      • Stacy Sizemore, IACCP®
      • Madison Steinbrenner, IACCP®
      • Liz Swagerty Olsen
      • Cliff Yount, IACCP®
    • Careers
  • How We Help
    • Financial Planning
      • What is Financial Planning?
    • Investment Management
      • Our Approach to Investing
      • Investment Update
      • Environmental Social Governance
  • Who We Help
    • Employees with Stock Compensation
    • Gen X
    • NIKE Employees
    • Nonprofits
    • People Experiencing Life Transitions
    • Professionals
    • Women Seeking Female Financial Advisors
  • Learn More
    • Blog
    • Events
    • VIDEOS
    • FAQ
    • Contact
  • Client Portal
  • Contact

Aug 29 2025

Maximizing Employee Benefits

Over time, the way humans work has evolved, and so have employee pay and benefits. The concept of employee benefits emerged during the Industrial Revolution in response to harsh working conditions when industrialists began offering housing, medical care, and educational opportunities to attract workers. As labor rights developed, benefits became a formal part of the employer structure. In the late 19th century, German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck introduced a formal health insurance system for workers. This watershed moment influenced organizations and governments worldwide and eventually evolved into the employee benefits we know today.

Today, it is estimated that 90% of U.S. companies with 50 or more employees offer healthcare and/or other benefits to their workers. According to one study, benefits account for roughly 30% of an average worker’s total compensation. However, while employers now provide more benefits than ever, employee usage has not kept pace. More than one-third of employees report that they do not fully understand the benefits offered to them, and nearly half (46%) do not take all their paid time off.1, 2

To make sure you are getting the most out of your employee benefits, consider the following best practices:

Understand Total Compensation and Review Annually

Go beyond your base salary to calculate the full value of your compensation package. This may include 401(k) or other retirement account contributions and matches, health insurance premiums, stock options, tuition or continuing education reimbursement, paid time off, and bonus pay or profit-sharing. It is also important to find out if you have left any funds behind with previous employers. As of 2023, there were 29.2 million accounts left behind with approximately $1.65 trillion in forgotten assets, but thanks to SECURE 2.0, the Department of Labor created a database for workers to find old plans.3

We recommend clients review their benefits annually and adjust contributions and expenses as needed.

Max Out Employer Contributions

If your employer offers a 401(k) or other retirement account match, contribute at least enough to receive the full match, otherwise, you are leaving free money on the table and missing out on the power of compound growth. Similarly, if you have access to a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), use it whenever possible to manage health and childcare expenses while lowering taxable income.

Leverage Equity Compensation Wisely

Stock options and equity-based pay can be a powerful part of your compensation package, but it is important to understand how they work. Do your research and find out your vesting schedules, your options for selling, and the potential tax implications. We recommend collaborating with your advisor at Vision Capital, as well as your tax and legal professionals, to plan for liquidity events such as an IPO or buyout, or personal shifts such as a career change or retirement.

Optimize Benefits Use

Take advantage of preventive care appointments and wellness programs through your insurance plan to reduce long-term healthcare costs. Explore additional benefits such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which may offer mental health counseling, legal guidance, financial education, and career coaching. And don’t forget to use all your paid time off (PTO); it’s a valuable part of your compensation, essential for career longevity, and critical for preventing burnout.

Sources:

  1. “Voya Survey Finds One-Third of American Workers Don’t Understand the Benefits They Selected During Open Enrollment,” Voya Financial website, January 29, 2021.
  2. Juliana Menasche Horowitz and Kim Parker, “How Americans View Their Jobs,” Pew Research Center, March 30, 2023.
  3. Jessica Kickler, “Forgotten 401(k) Fees Cost Workers Thousands in Lost Retirement Savings,” CNBC, June 7, 2025.

Department of Labor Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database:
https://lostandfound.dol.gov/ 

Written by Liz Swagerty Olsen · Categorized: 401K, FINANCIAL ADVISOR, FINANCIAL PLANNING, HEALTH INSURANCE, INSURANCE, INVESTMENTS, NIKE, OREGON, PARENTING, PERSONAL FINANCE, RETIREMENT PLANNING, WOMEN · Tagged: employee benefits

Aug 01 2024

How We Collaborate with your Professional Partners

As your financial and investment advisors, we know that understanding the whole picture of a client’s life is crucial to providing the best advice and plan. In this video, we share how we work with your accountants, attorneys and insurance professionals to address all the areas of your financial circumstances and plan for your future.

Want to find out more about working with Vision Capital?

CONTACT US

Written by Liz Swagerty Olsen · Categorized: ESTATE PLANNING, FINANCIAL PLANNING, INSURANCE, MEDICARE, RETIREMENT PLANNING · Tagged: FINANCIAL ADVISOR, FINANCIAL PLANNING, INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, PORTLAND OREGON FINANCIAL PLANNER, WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Sep 27 2021

A Financial Checklist for a Single Parent

Parenthood comes with a lot of responsibility and that weight is amplified if you’re among the 23% of single parent homes in the U.S. As a single parent, managing your finances and getting to a point where you feel comfortable are important as you take care of yourself and your family. Though your budget may be smaller than those in two-income households, there are many things you can do now and going forward to set yourself up for success and protect your family’s future. Checklist for a Single Parent [Read more…]

Written by Marina Johnson · Categorized: ESTATE PLANNING, FINANCIAL PLANNING, HOME OWNERSHIP, INSURANCE, PARENTING · Tagged: ESTATE PLANNING, FINANCIAL PLANNING, LIFE INSURANCE

May 26 2021

Understanding Renter and Homeowner Insurance

Like most insurance types, renter and homeowner insurance policies are often glossed over and/or unfamiliar until you’re dealing with an issue such as your kitchen flooding or someone breaking into your car. These policies are important to your financial well-being because they provide protection for both your home’s structural issues and the possessions inside your home. Depending on the landlord, carrying renter’s insurance may be required as a part of your lease. If you own your home and have a mortgage, your bank will very likely require you to have homeowner’s insurance. A 2016 survey by the Opinion Research Center determined that only 41% of renters carry insurance as compared to 95% of homeowners. Such a divide is surprising considering that accidents can happen at any moment, regardless of whether you own or rent, and they can be very expensive to cover out of pocket.

Homeowner insurance

Let’s explore the common benefits and limitations of these types of insurance. [Read more…]

Written by Marina Johnson · Categorized: HOME OWNERSHIP, INSURANCE · Tagged: FINANCIAL PLANNING, HOME INSURANCE, RENTER INSURANCE

Jan 26 2021

How to Protect Assets in a Divorce

Protecting Assets in a Divorce

It’s no secret that 2020 was a stressful year for many. With social outlets few and far between, relationships of all kinds were put to the test, especially for those living together. In some cases, the stress of social distancing, shut down measures, and financial concerns amongst the backdrop of a pandemic were simply too much to overcome. Divorce is on the rise around the world. While we hope that love lasts a lifetime, it’s important to consider how a divorce could affect your financial security and future as well as any dependents.

[Read more…]

Written by Marina Johnson · Categorized: DIVORCE, FINANCIAL PLANNING, HOME OWNERSHIP, INSURANCE, INVESTMENTS · Tagged: DIVORCE, FINANCIAL PLANNING

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • Next Page »

Certifications and Associations

Certified Women Owned Business
Certified
Private Wealth Advisor
Certified Financial Planner
CFA Institute
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst
Financial Planning Association Member
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • 4380 S. Macadam Avenue, Suite 350 Portland, OR 97239
  • (800) 707-5335
  • Directions
    • About
    • Individuals
    • Institutions
    • Resources
    • Contact

    © 2025 Vision Capital Management, Inc. | Privacy Policy | ADV Brochure | ADV Supplement | Form CRS