Posted on March 10th, 2026

Employee turnover rarely shows up as just one line item on a balance sheet. Most businesses notice the obvious expenses first, like job ads, recruiter fees, onboarding time, and training costs. Often overlooked is the profound impact …

Every benefits advisor has seen it. An employer gets hit with a renewal increase they can't stomach, and the conversation immediately turns to cuts. Raise the deductible. Drop the HSA contribution. Eliminate dental. Shift more cost to employees.

It feels …

Every year, thousands of employers get hit with renewal increases they didn't see coming. And every year, the same conversation happens: "Should we look at level-funding?"

For some employers, the answer is yes. For others, it's not the right move — at least not …

Tax season brings a familiar set of obligations for employers — W-2s, payroll reconciliation, year-end compliance reporting. But if you sponsor a group health plan, there's another filing requirement that can't be overlooked: Forms 1094 and 1095.

These forms are …

When employers receive a renewal showing a 10–20% increase, the reaction is often immediate: frustration, confusion, and the belief that the carrier arbitrarily raised rates.

In reality, healthcare cost increases are rarely arbitrary. They are typically the …

When employers talk about renewals, the word “negotiation” comes up a lot.

But in employee benefits, most negotiations are already over by the time employers think they begin.

By the time renewal quotes arrive, leverage has largely disappeared.

The False …

Most employers treat health insurance renewals like the weather.

They hope for the best, brace for the worst, and act shocked when the forecast turns ugly.

But renewal increases aren’t random.
They’re the result of decisions — or non-decisions — made months earlier.

What Is GTL-1 Imputed Income?

GTL-1 refers to the taxable imputed income associated with employer-paid Group Term Life Insurance coverage above $50,000.

The IRS allows the first $50,000 of employer-paid group life insurance to be excluded from an employee’s …

Posted on January 7th, 2026

Renewal season has a way of sneaking up on even strong HR teams, and many employers realize too late that they’ve already lost leverage. The carrier has the timeline, the data, and the default offer, while the employer is often …

As 2026 approaches, small businesses across Maryland face a major challenge: retaining good people. Hiring has become unpredictable, salary expectations keep climbing, and employees now put a premium on stability, flexibility, and peace of mind above all else. …

Sound Insurance Brokerage Group is a Maryland-based benefits partner dedicated to helping small and mid-sized employers offer strong, sustainable health coverage without losing control of their budgets. Rather than dropping a renewal packet on your desk once a …

Posted on October 7th, 2025

Managing business expenses often feels like a high-wire balancing act, especially when it refers to healthcare spending. While overcoming this structure can be daunting, it's an opportunity to reconsider how you’re supporting your …

Posted on September 9th, 2025

As another open enrollment season looms on the horizon, your HR department is likely gearing up to show employees through their yearly benefits decisions. This yearly task often seems daunting, both for those administering and for …

Posted on September 9th, 2025

When contemplating the advantages of enhancing employee benefits, it’s pivotal to consider elements that speak directly to the well-being of each team member. While monetary compensation surely has its place, a broad benefits …

Posted on August 4th, 2025

As you're considering the healthcare benefits context for your business, it's necessary to keep your employees' well-being at the forefront. The choices you make today can have a ripple effect not only on your employees' health and …

Posted on July 3rd, 2025

Immersing yourself in the technical details of employee benefits can feel like dealing with a maze, especially when you’re aiming to balance quality with budgetary constraints. Yet, learning how cost-effective strategies can align with …

Sorting out employee benefits isn’t exactly anyone’s favorite part of the job.

But if you want people to stay, feel valued, and actually care about where they work, your benefit choices better mean something.

These days, it’s not just about offering “the basics.”

In today's economy, financial insecurity is a growing crisis that affects workers across industries. A recent survey from LendEDU revealed a sobering truth: more than half of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, and nearly 40% would struggle to cover a $1,000 …

Are you offering your employees benefits they truly value?

In a competitive job market where talent acquisition and retention have become increasingly difficult, the right mix of employee benefits can make all the difference. Health insurance may be the …

In today’s competitive job market, offering comprehensive employee benefits is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Businesses that prioritize employee benefits as a core part of their strategy not only attract top talent but also enhance employee satisfaction, …

Picture a workplace where every worker feels not just appreciated, but utterly indispensable. That's the allure of truly effective employee benefits. 

They're more than perks; they're a testament to appreciation, a nod to each employee's personal and …

Retirement is a significant milestone in life, one that requires careful planning to ensure financial security and peace of mind in your later years. While many people begin saving for retirement at some point in their careers, not everyone approaches it in the …

When it comes to securing the well-being of your loved ones, choosing the right health insurance plan is crucial. Navigating through the sea of health insurance options can be overwhelming, especially when you want to ensure that your family receives the best …

A healthy workforce is the backbone of any successful business. As companies increasingly recognize the link between employee well-being and productivity, wellness programs have become an essential part of workplace culture. By promoting health and well-being …

In today's evolving healthcare landscape, providing affordable and comprehensive health insurance for employees has become a top priority for businesses of all sizes. For small to mid-sized businesses, managing healthcare costs can be a significant challenge, …

Life is full of unexpected events that can impact our ability to work and earn a living. While many people are aware of the importance of life and health insurance, disability insurance often gets overlooked. Disability insurance is crucial in safeguarding your …

Life insurance is more than just a policy; it is a powerful tool that can provide a financial safety net for you and your loved ones. While no one likes to think about the unforeseen, planning ahead is crucial for ensuring that your family's financial needs are …

Retirement is a significant milestone that marks the transition from a life filled with work to a new chapter of freedom and relaxation. To ensure a comfortable and secure retirement, planning ahead is crucial. This blog post provides essential tips and …

Indexed Universal Life Insurance (IUL) is a unique financial product that combines life insurance with investment opportunities. It's a versatile tool that offers both protection and growth potential, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance …

Annuities are growing in popularity as Pre-Retirees’ look to add safety and income to their retirement portfolio. Research shows nearly 51% of people nearing retirement would consider converting at least a portion of their nest egg into a Lifetime-Guaranteed …

Remember the Inflation Reduction Act, IRA (no, not an Individual Retirement Account) how it was a historic investment in climate change, what?!, I mean it meant big changes to Medicare. Well, it does mean big changes to Medicare, especially Medicare Prescription …

In today's complex healthcare landscape, understanding Medicare is crucial for ensuring comprehensive coverage as you age. 

Whether you're nearing retirement or assisting a loved one in navigating healthcare options, grasping the fundamentals of Medicare can …

Planning for retirement is a crucial aspect of financial wellness, yet navigating the myriad of options can be overwhelming. 

Annuities are a cornerstone of retirement planning, providing a reliable source of income during your golden years. 

In this article, we'll …

The purchase of life insurance is an essential component of an all-encompassing financial plan because it offers your family an extraordinary level of safety for the future. It is necessary to acquire sufficient life insurance coverage in order to guarantee both …