September 2026
As fall approaches, it's a good time to start thinking about something that comes around every year: open enrollment.
It's easy to treat those HR emails and benefit forms as just another item on the to-do list. Check the same boxes, hit submit, and move on.
But your life may have changed since last year—and your benefits and insurance should keep up with those changes.
A new job, a change in income, a growing family, a new mortgage, or simply getting closer to retirement can all be good reasons to take another look.
Planning Insights
Take Another Look at Your Insurance - Insurance isn't something most of us enjoy thinking about, but it's an important part of protecting the financial plan you've worked hard to build.
Too little coverage can leave your family vulnerable. Too much can mean you're spending money on protection you may no longer need.
Recommended Action:
Take a quick look at your life, disability, and other important coverage. Ask yourself: Has anything changed that might affect how much protection you need?
If you're not sure, let's take a look together.
Don't Automatically Choose the Same Health Plan - Open enrollment can be confusing. There are premiums, deductibles, networks, prescription coverage, and plenty of fine print.
It's tempting to simply choose the same plan you had last year. But if your health needs or circumstances have changed, another option might make more sense.
Recommended Action:
When your open enrollment information arrives, take a few minutes to compare your choices. If you're on Medicare, this is also a good time to ask whether your current coverage is still the right fit.
You don't have to figure it all out on your own. We're happy to help you think through the financial side of the decision.
Make Sure You're Using Your Employee Benefits - Your benefits package can be easy to overlook, especially when you're busy with work and everything else life throws at you.
Employer retirement matches, RSUs, stock options, ESPPs, HSAs, and other benefits can add up to significant value over time.
Recommended Action:
Take a few minutes to review your benefits and ask:
Are you getting the full employer match?
Are your company stock benefits working well with your overall financial plan?
Are there benefits you're paying for that you no longer need?
Sometimes the biggest opportunity is simply knowing what's already available to you.
Closing Encouragement
Financial planning isn't just about investments and retirement. It's also about making sure the pieces around your financial life continue to fit together.
Open enrollment is a great annual reminder to pause, take a fresh look, and make sure your choices still make sense for where you are today.
So when that HR email arrives, don't automatically click "same as last year."
If you'd like another set of eyes on your benefits or insurance, send them our way. We'd be happy to take a look with you.
As always, if something has changed in your life—or you simply want to make sure you're still on the right track—we're here to help.
Have a wonderful fall,