Invest in your future

How it adds up

The retirement rule of thumb is to save at least 15% of your pre-tax income¹ each year, assuming you save for retirement from age 25 to age 67. And this comprehensive package makes it easier to do just that by helping you save in more ways than one.

Note that purchases through ESPP cannot be made in an IRA (traditional, Roth, SEP, Simple, etc.) or any custodial accounts (gift to minors, etc.).

¹Based on past years’ contributions and a compensation of $50,000. Based on most people needing between 55% and 80% of their preretirement income to maintain their lifestyle in retirement.

Enrollment and eligibility

Full-time eligible associates can participate in ESPP after completing 90 days of service, and part-time employees can participate if they are scheduled to work over 20 hours per week.

You must have a Raymond James brokerage or Capital Access account (individual or joint) to participate in the ESPP. Purchases cannot be made in an IRA (traditional, Roth, SEP, Simple, etc.) or any custodial accounts (gift to minors, etc.).

Participation

The deadline to participate in the ESPP is always the 25th of the month prior to the purchase date, which takes place quarterly (March, June, September and December). It’s your responsibility to ensure funds are available on the last business day of the month prior to purchase. There are two kinds of purchases you can make:

• Recurring purchase: Recurring purchase: You can elect to contribute up to 20% of your pay, or a flat dollar amount, toward your stock purchase each pay period.
• One-time purchase: Contribute a lump sum amount to make a one-time purchase by electing the dollar amount or number of shares you’d like to purchase.

Selling your shares

The ESPP restricts you from selling shares purchased through the ESPP during the first year following a purchase. If you decide to sell your shares during the second year of ownership, Raymond James is obligated to report the 15% discount you received on the purchase on your W-2. Remember that the 15% discount should always be reported as compensation income if you sell in subsequent years; however, it is your responsibility to report this if the shares are sold after year two.