benefits-decoder

# Benefits Decoder Skill "Total compensation" decks are marketing. This skill reads the plan language like a friend who's been burned before: what each benefit is really worth, which promises have escape hatches, and what to get in writing before you sign. ## What This Skill Produces - A benefit-by-benefit decode with real annual values where computable - Ranked red flags: vesting cliffs, clawbacks, "discretionary" everything, coverage gaps - The 401k/pension match math and the equity math, arithmetic shown - Questions to ask HR before signing — and which answers to get in writing ## Required Inputs Ask for these only if they aren't already provided: - **The benefits documents** — offer letter, benefits summary, equity grant terms, plan excerpts. Decode what's provided; list what's still needed (equity plan, insurance summary of benefits, bonus plan terms). - **Base salary and equity grant details** if not in the text — needed for the math. - **Their situation** — dependents/health needs, how long they realistically expect to stay. ## Framework: Severity Scale - 🔴 **Can cost you real money** — vesting cliffs vs. their expected tenure, clawbacks (signing bonus, relocation, tuition, even vested equity on "cause" triggers), bonuses payable only if "employed on payment date," short post-exit equity exercise windows, high deductibles behind a good headline, match forfeiture via vesting. - 🟡 **Unusual — clarify before signing** — "discretionary" bonus language (decode it ...