Are You Leaving Money on the Table During Open Enrollment?

Open enrollment is more than just checking a box

Between work, family commitments, and everything else on your calendar, it’s tempting to just select last year’s benefits and move on—but your benefits are part of your compensation, and making the most of them should be an important part of your financial plan.  

A little attention during open enrollment can help you keep more of what you earn and better support your family and your goals. 

Here are ten items you can review to ensure you’re not leaving money on the table during open enrollment: 

Capture your full retirement match 

Check how much you need to contribute to receive your employer’s full match. For example, a dollar-for-dollar match turns $100 of your contributions into $200, effectively a 100% return on that money before investment gains or losses. That’s a valuable boost toward your future! Automatic enrollment doesn’t necessarily mean you’re contributing enough to receive the full match, so take a moment to check your contribution rate. 

Revisit Roth versus pre-tax contributions  

Pre-tax contributions can reduce taxable income today, while Roth contributions offer tax-free qualified withdrawals later. A raise or change in household income makes this decision worth revisiting every year. 

Know what’s yours to keep 

Your own retirement contributions belong to you, but employer contributions may follow a vesting schedule. Before changing jobs, check whether leaving before your next milestone would mean giving up part of that money. 

Compare the full cost of health insurance  

Look at premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket limits, and your family’s expected care. If both spouses have employer coverage available, compare the options together, including provider networks and any spousal surcharges. 

Give your HSA some attention 

If you’re eligible for a health savings account, check for employer contributions. Unused money rolls forward each year, and some HSAs let you invest money you don’t need for near-term healthcare costs. Investment earnings grow free of federal income tax, and withdrawals are also tax-free when used for qualified medical expenses, even in retirement. That can make your HSA a valuable way to save for future healthcare needs. 

Use an FSA for predictable healthcare expenses  

A healthcare flexible spending account lets you pay eligible expenses with pre-tax dollars. Estimate carefully and check spending deadlines and carryover rules. If you contribute to an HSA, make sure any healthcare FSA coverage is compatible.  

Look for tax savings on childcare  

A Dependent Care FSA lets you use pre-tax dollars for eligible daycare, preschool, and summer day camp expenses that allow you to work. In 2027, eligible households can set aside up to $7,500 annually ($3,750 per person if married filing separately), depending on your employer’s plan. 

Understand your paycheck (income) protection 

Review how much income disability insurance would replace, when payments begin, and whether benefits would be taxable. Then consider whether that amount would cover your family’s essential expenses. 

Review life insurance as your family grows  

Employer coverage can be a helpful starting point. Compare it with what your family would need for income replacement, childcare, and housing. Before buying additional workplace coverage, compare individual options and check what happens if you leave your job. 

Read the perks you usually skip  

Look for benefits such as tuition assistance, student loan support, fertility benefits, backup childcare, legal services, or wellness reimbursements. Check eligibility and claim deadlines for anything that could help with expenses you already expect. 

Start with your family’s needs for the coming year, then review which benefits can help meet them. You don’t have to enroll in everything to make thoughtful choices.

At Commas, we help you connect those choices to your cash flow, savings goals, and overall financial plan so your benefits work alongside everything else you’re building.