The last quarter is filled with holidays, open enrollment, and year-end deadlines. It's also the time when financial stress tends to increase. Taking care of your health means paying attention to your financial wellbeing as well. Venbrook put together a few steps you can take before December 31 to protect your budget, reduce your financial stress, and set you up for a stronger 2027.

1. Check your retirement contributions: The 2026 401(k) limit is $24,500, with extra catch-up room if you're 50 or older. Be sure to contribute enough to your 401(k) to take advantage of your full employer match, if available.
   
   
2. Use your FSA dollars: Health FSA funds are  generally "use it or lose it." Check your remaining balance and confirm whether your plan offers a carryover (up to $680 into 2027) or a grace period. If you still have funds available, book remaining vision, dental, or prescription services before the year ends.
   
   
3. Boost your HSA: HSA dollars never expire, and you can contribute until April 15, 2027. The 2026 limits are $4,400 for self-only and $8,750 for family coverage, plus $1,000 if you're 55 or older.

Make every dollar count

Your FSA and HSA are two of the most valuable tools in your benefits package, but they behave very differently at year-end. Understanding how each account works can help you make the most of your funds and avoid missing important deadlines.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) - Use it or lose it:

• Check your balance and deadline now: Most plans follow the calendar year, and any unused money rolls back into the plan.
  
  
• Know your plan's safety net: Your plan may offer a carryover (up to $680 into 2027) or a grace period of up to 2.5 extra months to spend. Not both, and some plans offer neither. Ask HR which one you have.
  
  
• Submit claims on time: Be sure to file receipts for this year’s expenses within the run-out period after year-end.
  
  
• Understand what purchases qualify: Glasses, contacts, dental work, prescriptions, copays, and many over-the-counter items (pain relievers, first aid, SPF 15+ sunscreen, menstrual products) are eligible.
  
  
• Dependent Care FSA? It works the same way. The limit rose to $7,500 per household in 2026, and unused funds usually don't carry over.

Health Savings Account (HSA) - It’s yours to keep:

• Your money never expires: The balance rolls over every year and goes with you if you change jobs.
  
  
• Top it off: You can contribute for 2026 until the tax deadline, April 15, 2027.
  
  
• Save every receipt: You can reimburse yourself later for qualified expenses incurred after your HSA was opened.
  
  
• Put idle cash to work: Once you have a cushion for near-term costs, consider investing the rest for long-term growth.
  
  
• New in 2026: Telehealth no longer affects HSA eligibility, and direct primary care fees (up to $150/month for single coverage, $300 for family coverage) are HSA-eligible.

Your year-end checklist

Take a few minutes to work through this checklist before December 31. If you have questions or need help along the way, we're here to help.

• Log in to your FSA or HSA account and check your balance.
  
  
• Book any remaining vision, dental, and preventive care appointments before December 31.
  
  
• Refill prescriptions and restock eligible health supplies.
  
  
• Gather receipts and submit outstanding claims before the deadline.
  
  
• Look ahead to 2027: estimate your anticipated healthcare costs before open enrollment so you elect the right contribution amount.

Not sure what’s eligible? Check before you spend. The Venbrook team is available to help you understand your plan’s rules and make the most of your benefits. Contact us at everyonebenefits@venbrook.com.

Financial habits to carry into the new year

You don't need a complete financial overhaul. Small, consistent habits help build financial wellness.

• Set a holiday spending plan. Set a budget before you shop and stick to it. Using cash or debit can help you avoid unexpected credit card balances in January.
  
  
• Start (or grow) an emergency fund. Even setting aside $25 per paycheck can add up. Automating transfers helps savings become part of your routine.
  
  
• Tackle high-interest debt first. Paying down the highest-rate balance saves the most money over time.
  
  
• Schedule a money check-in. Pick one day a month to review your accounts, just like you'd book a preventive checkup.

Resources

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Many EAPs include free, confidential financial counseling and budgeting tools. Check your benefit materials or reach out to the Venbrook team to learn more.
  
  
• Retirement plan providers: Take advantage of free retirement-planning calculators, educational resources, and one-on-one guidance from financial advisors. Resources can vary amongst providers.
  
  
• FSA and HSA administrators: Log in to see your balance, check eligible expenses, and confirm contributions and claim deadlines.
  
  
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): Explore free, unbiased tools for budgeting, managing credit, and reducing debt.

Jennifer Carter Green, Vice President of Wellbeing & Engagement at Venbrook, specializes in workplace wellness, employee health and wellbeing, financial wellness, and benefits strategy. As a Certified Worksite Wellness Program Manager (CWWPM) and Financial Wellness Certified professional, Jennifer brings a human-centered, customer-focused perspective to helping employers build healthier, more engaged, and supported workforces.