Finish the year strong with these financial wellness resources

The new year is right around the corner — while you get ready to ring in 2026, how about raising your financial IQ a notch or two, too?

An end-of-year check-in on your benefits can help you take full advantage of potential money-saving perks. Some benefits, like certain FSAs and 401(k)s, have time-sensitive spending and contribution deadlines. Others, like an HSA, could help you finish out the year with more savings than you expected. 

So pour yourself something sparkly, and toast to these financial wellness resources before you switch your calendar. 

Take a look at tax-advantaged accounts

Want to save money and put that money to work making more money? Say hello to tax-advantaged accounts. Depending on the account or accounts you get, your contributions might be tax-free, tax-deductible, tax-deferred, or a combination of the three. No matter what, that means more savings for you. 

Some common tax-advantaged accounts include HSAs and FSAs, 401(k)s, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), 403(b)s and 457(b)s, and 529s. Each comes with its own unique tax perks — and unique end-of-year maintenance, in some cases. 

Here are a few tips for taking care of your tax-advantaged accounts before you head into 2026.

1. Review your contributions. Some accounts, like 401(k)s, have contribution deadlines at the end of the year. Make sure you’ve put as much into your accounts as you’d like, and evaluate if you should increase or decrease your contributions in the next year.
2. Check on your investments. Accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs, and 529s allow you to invest your funds into stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and more. Take a minute to look over where your money’s going and if those investments still work for your needs.
3. Make any beneficiary updates. Significant life changes might constitute changes to your account’s beneficiaries. Now’s a great time to make sure all of that information is updated and reflected in your account.

Want to learn more about your tax-advantaged options and how to get the most out of them? Check out some helpful information on each type of account and its benefits.

Run maintenance on Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) & Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

HSAs and FSAs are pre-tax accounts that let you set aside money for qualified medical expenses. Not everyone has these accounts, but if you do, you might have an HSA, an FSA, or a combination of both. 

While HSAs allow you to carry funds into the next year, FSAs are typically use-it-or-lose-it accounts — meaning funds usually won’t carry over into the new plan year. 

Before the year ends, it’s a good idea to check your FSA account balance. If your account offers rollover options, you could bring some or all of your remaining balance into the following year.  If not, then you should check out some qualified expenses that can help you use your funds before then. 

If you have an HSA, then the end of the year is the perfect time to evaluate your use over the past 12 months. 

• Did you need to spend more money than you expected? 
• Did you reach a $1,000 balance and start investing? 
• Do you need to adjust how much you contribute each month? 

Remember, the more you contribute, the more you can benefit from your HSA’s tax advantages. 

Want to learn more about how your HSA and/or FSA works? Head to our guide for a breakdown of each account type and its benefits, examples of qualified expenses, and a few FAQs.

Discover more ways to save on medical care

One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to save money — and your benefits can help you do just that. Aside from taking advantage of accounts like HSAs, FSAs, and 401(k)s, you may also be able to use your benefits to save on things like prescriptions, preventive care, mental health treatment, and more.

Invest in your financial wellness 

The end of the year is the perfect time to take stock of your finances, and your benefits can play a big part in helping you save more money, more often. Keep these financial wellness tips handy year-round, and enjoy a year full of Frugal Pebbles.