Benefit better from your benefits

In most cases, you have to spend the money you put aside in an FSA account in the time frame given to you and the deadline is often the end of the calendar year. If you still have unspent money by then, those dollars may go back to your employer, depending on whether or not you have a deadline extension or rollover of up to $640 (for plan years starting in 2024).

Employer rules vary, but the IRS limit on FSA contributions for 2024 is $3,200, $150 more than the limit for 2023.

If you're approaching your annual FSA deadline, and have funds left over, FSAstore.com has thousands (YUP, we counted) of guaranteed FSA-eligible products so you can make sure you're not losing out on the opportunity to spend wisely.

If you're not sure where to start to zero out that FSA account before the deadline, here are a few out-of-the-box ideas:

• If you use any medical devices with replaceable parts, make sure you have all your required supplies. For example, blood glucose test strips or breast milk storage pouches.
• Why not get a spare pair of reading glasses?
• Need some help with family planning? Fertility testing kits and condoms are both FSA-eligible.

The key takeaway is to remember that FSA funds are yours -- and there are a ton of uses you might not have even considered. If you're at risk of losing your FSA funds by December 31, browse through our growing list of more than 2,500+ eligible items for the health and wellness needs for every lifestyle.

In the end, make sure that zero balance in your account at the end of the year is because you spent every penny you contributed, and not because you missed out on a fantastic opportunity to save on your everyday health needs.