How to Help Employees Solve Personal Finance Problems

Don't bring your problems to work with you. It may sound like your hope and dream for everyone who works for you--but it isn't realistic, especially if any of your employees have money troubles. That's why lots of small businesses are starting to offer free financial planning advice to their workers.

This MSNBC article explains how a Michigan-based plastics maker requires its 127 employees to get one-on-one advice from a financial advisor on company time. The experts aren't paid a commission based on the advice they offer, but they can answer detailed questions about company benefits, 401(k)s, college savings plans and other debt management tips.

A spokesperson for the small business says it's not only good for workers, it helps the company, too. Workers with financial problems are more likely to be distracted and unmotivated on the job.