Welcome back to another edition of "Rolling in Dough" Newsletter, where we serve up the simplest ways to save more, spend less, and build wealth with regular insights, behavioral science hacks, and tiny tips to do today. I hope to make your financial journey a little fun, simple, and totally doable, where ever you are on your wealth journey.

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💸 WHAT FINANCIAL MOVES TO MAKE RIGHT NOW?

NEW SERIES ALERT: BEFORE THE BALL DROPS

The last few weeks of the year are when certain important money moves matter, the ones that save you stress in January, protect your money, and set you up to start the new year already ahead.

So in this series, called “Before the Ball Drops,”, in each edition I’m giving you one specific, high-impact mini money move to knock out before December 31, without taking a ton of time or effort.

Under 20 minutes. Quick steps. Real results.

By the time the year ends, you’ll feel more in control, more organized, and way more prepared for everything coming next.

You can check out Mini Money Move number 1 and number 2.

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BEFORE THE BALL DROPS (BBD) - MINI MONEY MOVE TO MAKE BEFORE THE NEW YEAR #3

 💸 Mini Money Move #3: Check your Insurance Deductibles before Dec 31 (So you don’t overpay for care)

What’s a deductible?

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket each year before your health insurance starts covering costs.
Most plans reset on Jan 1, so knowing whether you’ve already met your deductible (or how close you are) directly affects how much you’ll pay for care at the end of the year.

What to do:
Before December 31, flip your insurance card over and call the number on the back, or go to the website and log in, to check:

• How much of your medical deductible you’ve met

• How close you are to hitting it

• Whether your out-of-pocket max is already met

• Where your dental and vision benefits stand

• Any big procedures or treatments you’ve been delaying

• Whether your plan resets on Jan 1 or has a different schedule

• If you have preventive care you can still take advantage of at no out-of-pocket cost

Then Decide:

• If your deductible is already met → schedule anything you’ve been putting off before Dec 31. This will save you money, because you’ll avoid having to pay the deductible again for the same care starting Jan 1.

• If your deductible is NOT close to being met & resets Jan 1 → it may be cheaper to wait until after the new year.

This also applies to: physical therapy, dermatology, dental work, glasses/contacts, MRIs, specialist visits, prescriptions, and more.

ALSO:

Many insurance companies allow for one preventive visit per year, like your annual physical and similar things.

These are usually little or no out of pocket expense for you, so if you have not yet had these and your insurance covers it, it could be a smart idea to consider scheduling those for December to take advantage of it in the calendar year.

Note that some insurance companies may use a rolling 12 months instead of calendar year, but you can check that when you call or login.

Reason #1. Once you’ve met your deductible, many services become cheaper.

If you already hit your deductible, you could be paying a fraction of the normal cost, sometimes only a small copay amount, for the rest of the year.

This is the best time to knock out things you’ve delayed.

Reason #2. If you have NOT used much of your deductible, it’s often cheaper to wait.

If you’re nowhere close to meeting your deductible, doing something in January instead of December could save you money because your new policy year, and new deductible, begins.

This way, the payment can go towards paying down the new deductible instead, which could make it easier to reach your deductible in 2026 and start to save money.

Reason #3. Dental and Vision benefits can be use it or lose it by Dec 31.

Most dental and vision plans have use-it-or-lose-it annual benefits. Cleanings, exams, glasses, contacts, and fillings often reset on Jan 1, which means unused benefits are gone forever.

Reason #4. Preventive visits can be use it or lose it by Dec 31.

Most insurance allows for one preventive visit a year. Things like annual physicals fall within this category.

Sometimes, it can be a rolling 12 months instead of a calendar year. But if it is a calendar year, scheduling a visit in December frees up your preventive visit for all of 2026.

Reason #5. It can be a fast money-saving move without having to actually touch your budget

No cutting. No sacrificing. Just checking your numbers and choosing the cheapest window for your care.

🤔 Things to Consider

1. Every health plan resets on its own schedule.

Most reset on Jan 1, but some follow academic or employer timelines. Check your exact dates.

2. Copays and coinsurance still apply, even if your deductible is met.

But the total cost out of your pocket is often much lower.

What’s a copay?
A copay is a fixed dollar amount you pay for certain services, like $20 for a doctor visit or $10 for a prescription. It’s predictable and usually under $100.

What’s coinsurance?
Coinsurance is when you pay a percentage of a service’s cost (like 20% or 30%) after your deductible is met. So instead of paying 100% of the bill, you pay your share and insurance pays the rest.

3. Some specialists book out weeks in advance.

If you need to get something done before year-end, schedule quickly.

4. Dental maximums are separate from medical deductibles.

You may have used none, some, or all of it, and it does not roll over.

5. Year-end pharmacy refills may count differently.

Check whether refills fall into this year’s or next year’s deductible period.

6. If you signed up for a different healthcare plan during Annual Enrollment, it may be different.

Either way, you should still check the current and new deductibles.

👋  TO GO BITES: The Wrap Up

A quick deductible check helps you time your medical, dental, and vision care in the smartest, most cost-effective way.

If you’ve already met your deductible, it’s the perfect moment to get things done before prices reset. If not, waiting until after Jan 1 often saves you more.

This one simple step can save you real money, without changing anything about your lifestyle, and you can easily check it today in just 10 minutes.

NEED HELP / GUIDANCE ON WHAT TO DO FIRST OR NEXT?

If you have questions about the money moves you should be making next, here’s how I can help. You can also reply to any email.

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