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; number 2; and number 3.

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BEFORE THE BALL DROPS (BBD) - MINI MONEY MOVE TO MAKE BEFORE THE NEW YEAR #4

 💸 Mini Money Move #4: Do a Quick Check for Unused Money

Before we get started, lets cover a couple of basics:
What’s an FSA?

A Flexible Spending Account is a workplace benefit that lets you set aside pre-tax money for medical, dental, vision, or dependent-care costs.

Why it matters: You save money by using pre-tax dollars, but most FSA funds expire at the end of the year, so anything you don’t use by Dec 31, you lose.

What’s an HSA?

A Health Savings Account is paired with a high-deductible health insurance plan and lets you save pre-tax money for medical expenses, but the money rolls over forever and can even be invested.

Why it matters: It has a rare triple benefit: tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for eligible expenses. It’s one of the most powerful long-term wealth tools available.

What to do:
Before the year ends, check every benefit or account where money expires, resets, or needs action before December 31:

• Your FSA balance (use-it-or-lose-it, unless your employer offers a rollover)

• Whether you have an HSA and if you’ve contributed this year

• Any employer wellness credits you haven’t used

• Covered/paid for glasses, contacts, dental work, prescriptions, or therapy you’ve been putting off

• Your dependent care FSA if you have one

• Any reimbursements you haven’t submitted yet

• Unused commuter benefits

• Tuition assistance or learning stipends that expire

• Any employer perks that reset (gym reimbursements, fitness funds, equipment credits)

This is the money people forget about most, even though it’s their money.

Reason #1. FSA money disappears if you don’t use it.

Unless your employer specifically offers a rollover or grace period, your FSA balance resets at midnight on Dec 31. If you don’t use it, it’s gone. This one check can save people $300-$1,000 instantly.

Reason #2. HSAs are one of the most powerful wealth builders, and most people underfund them.

If you have an HSA, contributing before year-end gives you:

• A tax deduction in the upcoming tax period

• Money grows tax-free

• Withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free 

It’s the only account with all three benefits, and it rolls over forever.

Reason #3. Employer benefits are part of your total compensation, so you need to actually use them.

Unused wellness credits, reimbursements, commuter benefits, and education stipends are “hidden money.” Most people forget to cash them in, and leave real dollars on the table.

Reason #4. Submitting old receipts gives you quick, unexpected refunds.

If you have eligible expenses you never uploaded, like therapy copays, dental receipts, contact lenses, etc., those can turn into instant FSA/HSA reimbursements.

Reason #5. These checks take less than 15 minutes, and could return hundreds.

This is one of the few year-end tasks where the payoff is fast, easy, and real.

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🤔 Things to Consider

1. Every employers’s FSA rules are different.

Some offer a grace period, some offer a rollover, some don’t. Check your plan’s exact rules so you don’t lose money.

2. HSA contributions must match your plan type.

Only people with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) can contribute to an HSA. If you’re eligible, you still have time to contribute for the tax year.

3. Wellness benefits often reset without reminders.

If your job offers reimbursements for things like therapy, gym memberships, meditation apps, or glasses, they usually reset on Jan 1 with no warning.

4. Dependent Care FSAs almost always expire.

DCFSAs are very strict. Most have no rollover. Check your balance early to avoid losing a large amount.

5. Keep your receipts for FSA/HSA validation.

If they request proof later, you’ll want records handy.

👋  TO GO BITES: The Wrap Up

Doing an “unused money check” before December 31 helps you keep the money you already earned.

FSAs, HSAs, wellness credits, and employer benefits are some of the most overlooked parts of your compensation, and a quick check now can save you hundreds before the year resets.

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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