When financial stress hits, tapping your 401(k) can seem like an easy solution. But is it? Ryanne Harmann from Acropolis breaks down the hidden costs of hardship withdrawals, including taxes, penalties, and the long-term impact on your retirement savings. Using real-world examples, she explains why a withdrawal may leave you with far less than expected—and why the true cost can extend well beyond today.

You'll also learn:

• What qualifies as a hardship withdrawal
• How taxes and penalties can reduce the amount you receive
• When a 401(k) loan may be a better alternative
• Other resources and options to explore before dipping into retirement savings
• Why protecting your future self matters

Whether you're facing a financial challenge now or simply want to be prepared, this episode will help you make more informed decisions about your retirement dollars.

Additional Resources:

• PAS – Financial Coaching Services
• Budgeting 101 – Acropolis On-Demand Workshop

Disclaimer: This podcast script is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Listeners should consult a qualified financial advisor or tax professional for guidance specific to their situation. For more benefit tips and wellness info, follow essehealthbenefitsu on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube.

------ Music Credit: "Cheery Monday" - Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Taking a loan from your 401(k) might seem like a simple fix when cash is tight—but it could cost you more than you think. In this episode, we welcome back Ryanne Harmann, QKC, QKA, from Acropolis Investment Management to explore the hidden risks with borrowing from your retirement savings. From double taxation and surprise tax bills to the long-term impact on your retirement nest egg, Ryanne breaks down why borrowing from your future self is rarely a win. Whether you're considering a loan or just curious about smarter strategies, Ryanne's expert insights will equip you to make informed decisions. And remember - Acropolis is always there to help guide you when you have questions, simply call the participant services line and ask to speak to an Acropolis advisor. ☎️ 1-888-838-0767 . Arm yourself with the knowledge you need before tapping into your 401(k)! Disclaimer: This podcast script is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Listeners should consult a qualified financial advisor or tax professional for guidance specific to their situation. For more benefit tips and wellness info, follow essehealthbenefitsu on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.

------ Music Credit: "Cheery Monday" - Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this episode, Morgan O'Connor from Cigna joins us to walk you through four essential steps to help you make the most of your medical benefits. Whether you're new to Cigna or just need a refresher, we cover everything from registering on myCigna and accessing your digital ID card to exploring the Omada Health program and connecting with member services. Tune in and start your benefits journey off right! 00:00 - 01:47 Introduction 01:48 - 06:59 Registering on myCigna 07:00 - 16:53 Accessing and using your digital ID card 16:53 - 21:38 Omada Health Introduction 21:38 - 25:28 Getting help – Cigna member services Additional Resources: Videos:

• Introduction to digital ID cards (full video)
  • Finding your digital ID card for the first time
  • Sharing your digital ID card

Flyers

• How to log into myCigna & access your digital ID card
• Digital ID cards FAQs

For more benefit tips and wellness info, follow essehealthbenefitsu on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.

------ Music Credit: "Cheery Monday" - Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Feeling uneasy about recent market turbulence? You're not alone.

In this episode, Ryanne Harmann, QKA, QKC, from Acropolis Investment Management talks to us about how to stay calm and committed to your retirement goals - even when headlines are unsettling. We'll cover why sticking with your long-term plan is key and how to avoid making emotional decisions. Tune in for practical insights and peace of mind. As always, if you have questions or need extra support, call the participant services line and ask to speak to an Acropolis advisor. ☎️ 1-888-838-0767

For more benefit tips and wellness info, follow essehealthbenefitsu on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.

------ Music Credit: "Cheery Monday" - Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We know that many Esse Health employees are living our “We want you well” motto by making healthy choices and being more active.  The same goes for members of the Esse Health leadership team.  In this episode, get to know Esse Health’s President/CEO, Jim Snider.  From working in exercise goals incrementally throughout the day, to how he stays balanced despite a busy role, Jim shares some great wellness wisdom to help all of us start where we are and each do what we can do to improve our health and happiness. 

Additional Resources:

• CEO Challenge Tracking Log
• Activity to Step Converter

For more benefit tips and wellness info, follow essehealthbenefitsu on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.

------ Music Credit: "Cheery Monday" - Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Did you know that Personal Assistance Services (PAS) gives you free and confidential access to Financial Coaches and Counselors? In this episode, Linda Burris-Battle explains how PAS Financial Coaches can provide tools and guidance to address money matters such as budgeting, debt management, or planning for future events. PAS coaches can also help make sure you are on the right track to reaching your financial goals. Plus, learn more about the many online resources and financial tools that are available at www.mypaseap.com!

How to Connect with PAS:

• Contact PAS 24/7 via phone at (800) 356-0845
• Online: www.mypaseap.com | Company code: Esse - Live chat available M-F, 9am-5pm CST (button on bottom of screen).- Schedule a 30 min online, non-urgent consultation by clicking the 'Connect with PAS' link or the 'Schedule Online' icon on the Quick Connect dashboard.
• Email: [email protected]
• Text (314) 451-5727 to connect with a PAS Counselor M-F 9am-5pm CST

Get started with our Well Connected employee app at: https://essehealth.portal.ingaged.me/login

For more benefit tips and wellness info, follow @essehealthbenefitsu on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

------ Music Credit: "Cheery Monday" - Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

At Esse Health, our "We want you well" focus is what drives our team and all we do. Together, we are "Doing Well" in many different ways – whether it be caring for our patients, caring for our team, caring for ourselves, or caring for our broader community. Each March, a popular tradition at Esse Health is Caring for Our Community through our annual Sock & Underwear Drive for the St. Patrick Center. In our latest podcast episode, we're talking to Kevin Lashley from the St. Patrick Center about:

• Who the St. Patrick Center serves and why socks and underwear are highly needed items.
• Details of our March Sock & Underwear Drive and how you can get Wellness Reward points for participating!
• Other opportunities to get involved in helping those experiencing homelessness in our community – including volunteer opportunities at the St. Patrick Center.
• How community involvement can help improve your own well-being.
• What other Esse Health benefits are available to help support you in making a difference in the community – such as the Volunteer PTO and Giving Together programs!

Additional St. Patrick Center Resources:

• Volunteer Opportunities at St. Patrick Center
• Questions about volunteering: [email protected]
• Item Donation needs & instructions
• How to provide financial support
• Questions about monetary donations: [email protected]
• More than a Soup Kitchen Podcast
• Follow @StPatrickCenter: Facebook | IG | LinkedIn | YouTube | Twitter
• Person First Language

Additional Esse Health Resources:

• Gallup Article: Giving & Your Community Well-Being
• Visit the Human Resources>Benefit Information page of the Esse Health Intranet for more information about the Volunteer PTO, Giving Together, and Wellness Reward programs!

For more benefit tips and wellness info, follow @essehealthbenefitsu on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

------ Music Credit: "Cheery Monday" - Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

More than ever, pets play a huge role in our lives. We want to do everything to keep them safe and healthy, but visits to the vet can be unpredictable and expensive. MetLife Pet Insurance (for dogs and cats only) is a voluntary benefit that can help ease the financial impact of vet expenses and help protect the health and well-being of your four-legged family members. In this episode, MetLife representative Tim Bearint explains how this benefit works and answers many common questions to help you determine if Pet Insurance is right for you. Additional Resources:

• Plan Summary & FAQ
• For more information visit: https://www.metlifepetinsurance.com
• Sign up for a free live webinar with MetLife

Get a Quote or Sign Up:

• Call: 1-800-GET-MET8 (1-800-438-6388)
• Visit: metlife.com/getpetquote

Esse Health Pets

For more benefit tips and wellness info, follow essehealthbenefitsu on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

------ Music Credit: "Cheery Monday" - Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We know that many Esse Health employees are living our "We want you well" motto by making healthy choices and being more active. The same goes for members of the Esse Health leadership team. In this episode we're talking to Esse Health's CEO, Dave Kearney, whose well-being journey at Esse Health started in 2005 with a goal of achieving a healthier weight and activity level. Ultimately, he gained an interest in endurance sports, and since 2016 has competed in Ironman events across the country. From fitness beginner to Ironman – Dave shares some wisdom he's learned along the way that you can put into practice regardless of where you're at on your own well-being journey!

For more benefit tips and wellness info, follow essehealthbenefitsu on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn

------ Music Credit: "Cheery Monday" - Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/