Your FSA Could Be Expiring—Here’s What to Spend It On Before It’s Gone

The first time I lost money in my Flexible Spending Account, I didn’t even realize it happened. A few months after the plan year ended, I was combing through old emails and came across a reminder that my FSA deadline had passed. Just like that, a few hundred dollars I’d set aside for “smart” medical purchases went poof. No rollover. No refund. Just a quiet expiration into the financial void.

After that, I made it a point to understand how FSAs work—really understand. Not just the HR-handbook version, but how to actually use them in a way that fits with real life: headaches, surprise dentist bills, and those deceptively pricey over-the-counter meds I always forget to budget for. The good news is, an FSA is one of the more generous financial tools out there. But the catch? You need to use the money before the deadline, or it disappears.

If you’ve been contributing to a Flexible Spending Account this year, and you haven’t tapped into it much, it’s time to take action. Here’s how to spend those pre-tax dollars smartly, strategically, and maybe even a little enjoyably—before the clock runs out.

Savings Spark! Set a calendar alert a month before your FSA deadline (many plans end on December 31, but check yours). That gives you time to order eligible items or book appointments before your money vanishes.

1. Stock Up on Over-the-Counter Medications

Let’s start with the low-hanging fruit. Thanks to the CARES Act, over-the-counter meds no longer require a prescription to be FSA-eligible. That means your allergy pills, ibuprofen, antacids, and cold-and-flu meds are all fair game.

This is a solid strategy because you know you’ll use these at some point—maybe not this week, but definitely during the year. Think of it as building your at-home pharmacy now to avoid that 9 p.m. drugstore run later.

Consider:

• Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc.)
• Allergy medications (like Zyrtec or Claritin)
• Cough syrups, lozenges, and decongestants
• Antacids or heartburn meds
• Sleep aids and motion sickness remedies

2. Replenish Your First Aid Kit

This one’s often overlooked, but it’s an easy win. Bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, cold packs—these are all FSA-eligible, and you don’t have to wait until someone gets hurt to buy them.

It’s also a good time to upgrade to higher-quality items you’d normally skip, like flexible fabric bandages, waterproof tape, or burn gel. If you’ve got kids, double this list. If you travel, grab a compact first aid kit for your bag or car.

Savings Spark! Build a “grab-and-go” kit with FSA-approved essentials for your car, gym bag, or travel carry-on. It’ll save you money and hassle when life throws you a curveball.

3. Treat Yourself to Vision Care (Yes, It’s Covered)

If you wear glasses or contacts, FSA funds can go a long way—and they’re eligible even if you don’t have vision insurance.

Here’s what you can use FSA dollars on:

• Prescription glasses (frames and lenses)
• Prescription sunglasses
• Contact lenses and solution
• LASIK or corrective eye surgery
• Eye exams

If your prescription is still valid, you can order extra pairs of glasses or contacts online. Many retailers are FSA-approved and even accept your card directly.

4. Book a Last-Minute Dentist Appointment

Dental expenses are FSA-approved—as long as they’re for preventive or medically necessary care. That includes cleanings, exams, fillings, crowns, and even mouth guards for grinding (a big one for stressed-out remote workers, by the way).

Cosmetic procedures like whitening usually don’t qualify, but if you’ve been meaning to book that overdue checkup or finally get that small cavity filled, now’s the time. Dental offices get busy near year-end, so don’t wait too long.

5. Upgrade Your Cold and Allergy Supplies

If your bathroom cabinet looks like it’s still stocked from 2019, you might want to refresh your supplies. FSA dollars can be used for saline sprays, humidifiers, allergy eye drops, and nasal strips—anything to make seasonal changes or ongoing symptoms more bearable.

Some therapeutic devices, like steam inhalers or sinus rinses, are also eligible. Even some air purifiers or HEPA filters might qualify with a letter of medical necessity.

You’re not just stocking up here—you’re making your environment more livable. That’s a win.

6. Buy Menstrual Products and Reproductive Health Items

Menstrual products are finally eligible for FSA use, which was a long-overdue policy change. You can now spend those pre-tax dollars on pads, tampons, liners, menstrual cups, and pain relief products designed for period symptoms.

Fertility trackers, pregnancy tests, ovulation kits, and sperm tests also count, which can be especially helpful if you’re planning or preventing pregnancy. Some condoms and lubricants are eligible too, depending on brand and purpose.

This is one of those categories that feels like a small, personal win. It’s your health—own it.

7. Pick Up Baby or Parenting Essentials

If you’re a parent (or about to be one), FSA funds can be stretched in smart, useful ways.

Eligible products include:

• Thermometers (digital or smart)
• Nasal aspirators
• Baby monitors (sometimes)
• Diaper cream (if medically necessary)
• Breast pumps and accessories

While diapers themselves usually aren’t covered, many of the supportive items around newborn and postpartum care are. If you’ve got a flexible spending account and a new human in your life, don’t overlook this.

8. Try Out Mental Health Tools or Therapy Support

Therapy itself can be covered by FSA funds if it’s deemed medically necessary and not just personal coaching. You may need documentation for reimbursement, depending on your provider.

Even without in-person sessions, you can use FSA dollars for therapy-supportive items like weighted blankets, light therapy lamps (for seasonal affective disorder), and relaxation tools if prescribed.

Mental health is part of health. Don’t be afraid to use your benefits to support your emotional well-being.

Savings Spark! If you’ve been curious about therapy, consider using FSA funds for a session or consultation. Some platforms accept FSA payments directly—check for digital providers that offer flexibility.

9. Invest in Orthopedic and Physical Support Products

Dealing with back pain, sore feet, or a neck that feels like it belongs to someone twice your age? You’re not alone—and you’re not out of luck.

FSA funds can be used for:

• Orthotic shoe inserts
• Compression socks
• Posture correctors
• Joint braces or wraps
• Ergonomic chairs or cushions (with documentation)

Even over-the-counter solutions that support recovery from physical strain are often eligible. If your work-from-home setup could use an ergonomic refresh, check with your FSA provider to see what qualifies.

10. Consider Diagnostic Tools and At-Home Tests

Home health monitoring is bigger than ever—and FSA funds can make it more affordable. You can use your dollars to buy thermometers, blood pressure monitors, pulse oximeters, and even COVID-19 test kits.

Many FSA-eligible stores now offer FDA-authorized home test kits for cholesterol, food sensitivities, vitamin D levels, or thyroid function. If you’re into data-driven health or managing a condition, this is a good place to invest.

Just remember: diagnostic kits must usually be FDA-approved to qualify, so don’t assume any random at-home gadget will work.

11. Schedule Appointments You’ve Been Putting Off

Last but not least: use your FSA funds to schedule healthcare appointments you’ve been avoiding. This includes:

• Annual physicals
• Dermatologist checkups
• Mental health consults
• Specialist visits for chronic conditions

As long as it’s a qualified medical expense and not purely cosmetic, you can likely use your FSA dollars to cover it. Just make sure the appointment date falls within your coverage year or grace period.

Before You Swipe: Tips for Spending Smart

• Use the FSA Store. It filters out ineligible products and accepts your FSA card. Easy, no receipts needed.
• Know your deadline. Some plans end on Dec 31, others offer a 2.5-month grace period, or allow a $610 rollover (in 2024). Ask HR if you're unsure.
• Save your receipts. Even if the provider accepts your FSA card, some reimbursements require documentation later.

Don’t Let Your FSA Dollars Disappear

Your FSA isn’t just some boring HR checkbox—it’s a tool for keeping yourself healthy and financially savvy. Using it well means fewer unexpected out-of-pocket expenses, smarter healthcare choices, and yes, a little less dread when flu season rolls around.

The key is to treat it like real money—because it is. You earned it, you set it aside, and you deserve to benefit from it. So take ten minutes, check your balance, and make a plan. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.