Core Insights - A Reddit user experienced a significant salary increase of $20,000 but found that the actual increase in take-home pay was only $100 per paycheck due to unexpected costs associated with benefits [1][2] Group 1: Salary and Benefits - The new employer charged a substantial spousal fee for each benefit plan, which was not present at the previous employer, leading to a net loss in compensation [2] - The user also discovered that the promised contributions to a health savings account were not provided, further impacting overall compensation negatively [2] Group 2: Total Compensation Awareness - It is crucial for employees to compare total compensation rather than just salary, as non-cash benefits can significantly affect financial outcomes [3][5] - Spousal fees are becoming more common, and some employers only cover the employee, leaving dependents to bear full costs, which can lead to higher premiums than anticipated [4] - Employees should gather comprehensive information about all benefits, including dependent care flexible spending accounts and paid time off, to understand their total compensation better [5]