In last month’s blog post, we discussed the “why” behind the reason time seems to pass increasingly quickly over the years. However, that phenomenon feels especially accelerated at this time of year…with good reason. Let’s be honest, once back-to-school preparations begin in earnest, it’s just a quick downhill slide right into the New Year!
Think about it. Once the kiddos head back to school, it becomes a frenzied flurry of one holiday right after another. Weekly football games consume families across Texas, which slides right into Homecoming festivities. Then, we’ve got Halloween right smack dab in the middle of this pigskin obsession, which then typically culminates in the Thanksgiving holidays. Of course, the turkey is barely cold before the earnest preparations begin for Christmas…kicked-off by “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday.”
See, there we are – watching the ball drop in Times Square (which just isn’t quite the same without Dick Clark), as we welcome a shiny New Year! As the temperatures continue to soar, we’re just a hop, skip and jump away from the end of 2022. So, what better time to get a head start on all of those “end of year” tasks, and tie up any loose ends…RIGHT?
Unfortunately, a LOT of those “to-dos” involve a lot of organization and taking care of specific financial matters. And we understand that may NOT be something you either enjoy or look forward to handling. After all, who actually LIKES filing and recording receipts?!? However, this preparation can include several opportunities to actually spend…and reap some year-end rewards!
You have a chance to follow your heart – and personal interests – by designating one or more charitable contributions. Sowing some good karma also yields you a tidy tax deduction…or two! Additionally, you have an opportunity to maximize your 401K, Roth IRA and other retirement account deposits, while also taking advantage of any matching percentages offered by employers. Another financial win-win, as you plan for your eventual “bucket list.”
Nobody likes throwing away “free” money; you work hard for every red cent…so why SHOULDN’T you get every single cent available to you now? AND, get to feel good about it! Right about now, you might begin to wonder why we’re talking all about this in a dental healthcare blog. Here’s where we tie all of this together!
Along with all of this other financial mish-mash, you will probably also start to see emails, postcards, social media posts and other advertising talking about those “use it or lose it” end-of-year benefits. Yep…more stuff you either pay for or receive as an added benefit perk, and every penny you leave unused when the clock strikes midnight on January 1, 2023, is YOUR money that you’re failing to claim. Or even worse, simply throwing away!
Whether it’s some wellness benefits – such as vision or dental coverage, or perhaps inclusive gym memberships or bulk pharmacy discounts – or funds in your FSA/HSA – that may or may not have additional matching dollars – it really IS just a quick downhill slide to that end-of-year deadline. So with all of the OTHER stuff right around the corner, why wait until the very last minute to take advantage of all that money just waiting to be spent!
Don’t forget, doctors and healthcare facilities ALSO like to take time off for holidays and special occasions…which means “last-minute” appointment availability will be increasingly limited. Do it now. BEAT THE RUSH! PLUS, once you start checking all of these end-of-year things off your list, that leaves you more time (with less stress) to actually ENJOY the ride toward to the New Year – instead of feeling like you’re on an uncontrollable downhill skid!