Leadership

T-Mobile’s total compensation is complicated. That complexity creates opportunity!

Below are resources for T-Mobile Directors and above.

The six weeks starting mid-February is important for many T-Mobile employees

Most of the variable compensation is paid or determined then:

• bonsues (short-term incentive plan) and annual merit increases (raises) are both announced and paid February
• some of the Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) vest in February
• additional RSUs are granted in February
• the larger of the two Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) purchases occurs in early April

What is T-Mobile’s After-Tax plan?

T-Mobile offers an After-Tax plan which isn’t Roth. This plan has much higher limits and can be a way for employees who’ve maxed out their other options to save even more.

For 2025, the defined contribution limit is $70,000. That cap includes all contributions from both employer and employee.

Example

• Jen contributes $23,500 to her 401(k)
• T-Mobile matches $10,000
• Jen could contribute $36,500 to her After-Tax (not Roth) account

For more, check out:
Contribute to Pre-Tax or After-Tax?

What are some Paid Time Off (PTO) considerations for leaders?

Each department has an annual work cycle. Financial Planning & Analysis is heaviest in the fall. It’s also best to take PTO mid-month.

The first quarter is a tough time for Accounting to take vacation.

Taking time off when coworkers do as well can make PTO feel less like “get behind days.” Many departments take time off during:

• mid-winter or spring break,
• summer, and
• holidays.

How does a T-Mobile employee fund their children’s education?

Very few people can pay up to $85,000 per child each year for college from their cash flow. It’s worth considering the all-in cost of each college before applying:

• in-state tuition,
• out-of-state discounts like the Western Undergraduate Exchange,
• community college,
• Advanced Placement® / International Baccalaureate®, and
• merit scholarships.

Few Director and above T-Mobile employees will qualify for need-based financial aid. Nonetheless, applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) may be required for merit aid.

Also, colleges provide Net Price Calculators to help families estimate their potential cost of attendance.

How might a T-Mobile leader handle variable compensation?

Variable income may require someone keep a larger emergency / opportunity fund.

For more, check out:
Is Your Cash Starving?

Relatively large paychecks could fund:

• debt payments,
• investments, or
• big ticket purchases.

Do estate taxes matter for T-Mobile Directors and above?

Estate tax thresholds are much lower than the federal limit in many states - especially those in the Pacific Northwest:

• Washington taxes estates over $2.193 million
• Oregon taxes estates over $1 million

It may be worth exploring options to reduce estate size so more money goes to intended beneficiaries and causes.

For more, check out:
Will You Owe Estate Tax?