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As the end of the year approaches, schedule time to review your medical needs. You may want to seek treatment that improves your health and allows you to meet your deductible.

Your health insurance deductible is the amount of money you pay before your insurance begins to share medical costs. Depending on your plan, a deductible may apply to all medical services or only to certain types of care. Call your insurance company or read your benefits paperwork to verify the deductible you owe; it is also listed on your Explanation of Benefits (EOB).

If you want more details about different deductible structures, see Aggregate Deductible Programs.

Why meet your annual deductible

Try to meet your deductible early in the year when possible, but meeting it in November or December still provides several advantages.

First, after you meet your deductible your insurance will cover more of your medical expenses, which helps you get the treatment you need without paying the full cost out of pocket.

Second, postponing important medical or preventive care can increase pain, suffering, and long‑term costs if conditions worsen and require more extensive treatment.

Finally, your deductible amount or plan structure may change if you switch coverage at the start of a new plan year; before a change takes effect, consider using remaining benefits or consult Large Deductible and Self Insured Retention (SIR) Placements for more information on high-deductible arrangements.

How to meet your deductible

1. Order a 90‑day supply of prescription medicine.

   Filling a longer prescription now can help you reach your deductible and ensure you have enough medication heading into the new year.

2. See an out‑of‑network doctor.

   A second opinion or specialist visit outside your network is usually paid out‑of‑pocket but often counts toward your deductible and can lead to covered next steps in treatment.

3. Pursue alternative treatment.

   Visits to chiropractors, acupuncturists, or other licensed providers may be eligible and help you reach your deductible while addressing health concerns.

4. Get an eye exam if covered by your plan.

   If vision exams are included, schedule an appointment and replace glasses or contacts if needed.

You can save money and protect your health by using available benefits before December 31. For personalized help, talk to an agent about your options and timing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What expenses typically count toward my deductible?

Most plans count payments for medical services such as doctor visits, procedures, and prescriptions toward the deductible, but specifics vary by plan.

Do vision or dental care count toward my medical deductible?

Not always; vision and dental are often separate benefits, so check your plan documents or member services to confirm.

Will an out‑of‑network visit count toward my deductible?

Out‑of‑network costs often count toward your deductible, but coverage levels and counting rules differ by insurer and plan.

Can I fill a prescription early to help meet my deductible?

Filling a 90‑day supply or requesting early refills may count toward your deductible, but verify pharmacy rules and plan policies first.

When you start your very first job, you probably don't think about retirement. You owe it to your future self to begin planning now so your savings have time to grow.

Be serious about saving for retirement now.

By saving early, you take advantage of compound interest and give your nest egg the chance to grow over time. For example, invest $25,000 before your 25th birthday in an account that earns a 12 percent rate of return and you could have about $2 million by age 65.

Save as much or as little as you can.

Ideally, save as much as possible, but even small amounts add up. Invest $23 per week in an account earning a 12 percent return and you can accumulate over $1 million by retirement.

Be thoughtful about your spending.

It’s easier to spend on a nicer car or entertainment than to save. Prioritize needs, avoid high-interest debt when possible, and make deliberate spending choices that support long‑term goals.

Take advantage of matching funds.

If your employer offers to match contributions to your retirement plan, contribute enough to get the full match. That matching money is essentially free and helps your nest egg grow faster.

Diversify your investments.

The retirement account you open at work is a smart start; consider supplementing it with other investments like a traditional or Roth IRA. Learn more about 401(k) and 403(b) retirement plans and related insurance to understand options and balance risk and return.

Automate your savings

Automatic transfers make saving consistent and reduce the temptation to spend. Set up payroll deductions or automatic transfers to your retirement fund and increase them when you get raises.

Save an emergency fund.

Resist borrowing from retirement accounts to cover short-term needs, since withdrawals can trigger taxes and penalties and reduce long-term savings. Keep an emergency fund that covers three to six months of living expenses instead.

With these seven tips, planning for retirement becomes more manageable. If you want personalized help, consider Retirement Planning Services, or talk to an agent to review your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start saving for retirement?

Start as early as possible; time in the market significantly increases the impact of compound growth.

How much should I save for retirement?

Target saving at least 10–15% of income if you can, but any consistent saving is better than none and you can increase contributions over time.

Can I borrow from my retirement account?

Some plans allow loans or withdrawals, but they often carry taxes, penalties, or lost growth, so use them only as a last resort.

What if my employer doesn't offer matching contributions?

Focus on contributing to your retirement account and consider supplementing with an IRA or other tax-advantaged accounts.

Overview

Many millennials expect long, healthy lives and may not prioritize life insurance. Yet buying coverage while you are young and healthy can lock in lower rates and provide financial protection for co-signers, spouses, children, or other dependents.

Life insurance policies vary in type and purpose. For a concise primer on basic policy options, see Life Insurance: Overview.

Key takeaways

• Buying earlier often means lower premiums and simpler underwriting.
• Life insurance can protect co-signers and pay off debts such as private student loans or a mortgage.
• Policies can replace income for dependents and help cover final expenses.

How it works

Term life insurance provides coverage for a set period and typically offers higher death benefits per dollar of premium, while permanent (whole) life keeps coverage for life and often includes a cash value component. Choosing between them depends on needs, budget, and long-term goals.

Insurers base rates on age, health, occupation, and lifestyle. Younger applicants usually qualify for the best rates because they are statistically less likely to have serious health issues. To learn more about the basic mechanics and policy features that matter when shopping, see What is Life Insurance?.

What it may cover (and what it may not)

Most life insurance policies pay a death benefit to named beneficiaries when the insured person dies. Beneficiaries can use proceeds to replace lost income, pay debts, cover mortgage or rent obligations, and handle funeral costs.

Life insurance generally does not cover losses from risky behaviors excluded in the policy or certain narrowly defined causes of death specified by the insurer. It also does not replace emergency health coverage or disability income protection, so consider other products if you need short-term income replacement due to illness or injury.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting too long and letting health conditions raise your cost or limit eligibility.
• Buying the wrong type or amount of coverage for your actual needs.
• Forgetting to update beneficiaries after life changes such as marriage or divorce.
• Assuming employer-provided coverage is sufficient—group policies often end when you leave the job.

Questions to ask an agent

Ask how term and permanent policies differ in cost and flexibility, and whether riders (additional options) are available for your situation. Clarify how premiums may change, what underwriting requires, and whether conversion options exist from term to permanent coverage.

If you have student loans, a mortgage, or dependents, ask how a death benefit would be distributed and whether it can be structured to cover those specific obligations. When you are ready to get formal quotes, consider using the phrase talk to an agent to start the process.

Next steps

Inventory your financial obligations and the people who rely on your income. Estimate how much coverage would allow them to maintain living standards, pay debts, and cover one-time expenses.

Compare term and permanent options, get multiple quotes, and check policy exclusions and rider costs before deciding. If you want professional assistance, prepare documents and questions so conversations with an agent are efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much life insurance should a young adult buy?

Coverage should reflect your debts, future income needs for dependents, and final expenses; a common starting point is 5–10 times annual income, adjusted for personal circumstances.

Will my premiums stay the same over time?

Term policies usually lock in a level premium for the term, while some permanent policies have fixed premiums; other products may have variable costs, so check the policy details.

Can life insurance cover student loan debt?

A death benefit can be used by beneficiaries to repay private student loans or other debts, preventing co-signers from being solely responsible.

Do I need life insurance if I rent and have no dependents?

If you have debts with co-signers or people who would face financial hardship from your death, coverage can still be valuable; otherwise you may choose minimal coverage until circumstances change.

Every fall, your doctor or pharmacist probably asks you if you want a flu shot. This important vaccination can prevent you from getting the flu and reduce the chance of spreading it to others. Read on to learn who should get a flu shot and how it can help you stay healthy during flu season.

What is the Flu Vaccine?

The flu vaccine is an injection that contains inactivated flu virus or viral components designed to stimulate an immune response without causing illness. After vaccination it takes about two weeks to build antibodies that help protect you during the fall and winter flu season.

What Does the Flu Shot Protect Against?

Influenza is a respiratory infection that can cause serious complications, including hospitalization or death in high-risk people. Each seasonal vaccine is formulated to protect against several flu strains that experts expect will circulate, including strains related to H1N1.

Why do you Need an Annual Vaccination?

Flu viruses change frequently, so last year’s vaccine may not protect against this year’s strains. In addition, flu antibodies decrease over time, so an annual vaccination helps restore protection for the coming season.

Where is the Flu Vaccine Available?

You can get a flu shot from your physician, pharmacy, community health clinic, urgent care center, or a college health center, and many workplaces offer on-site vaccination clinics. In many cases, the vaccine is covered by health insurance; for related insurance topics see Fluid Milk Insurance.

Check your plan or workplace benefits before you go, and if you need assistance with an insurance-related question, you can ask your agent.

Who Should get a Flu Shot?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the flu vaccine for everyone aged six months and older. Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of severe flu complications.

• Asthma
• Cancer
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Diabetes
• HIV/AIDS
• Liver or kidney disease
• Obesity

Pregnant women, older adults, and young children are also among groups that benefit most from vaccination. When you protect yourself, you also reduce the chance of passing flu to family, coworkers, and people who are medically vulnerable.

Should Anyone not get a Flu Shot?

Most people can safely receive the flu vaccine, but discuss it with your doctor if you have a history of a severe allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine or a severe egg allergy. Your clinician can recommend the appropriate vaccine type or provide alternatives when needed.

Now that you know more about who should get a flu vaccine and where to get one, you can make an informed decision when offered a shot this season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should skip the flu vaccine?

People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a prior flu vaccine or who have certain severe allergies should consult their physician before getting vaccinated.

When is the best time to get a flu shot?

Getting vaccinated in early fall, before flu activity increases, is recommended so you have protection throughout the season; however, vaccination later in the season can still be beneficial.

Can pregnant women get the flu vaccine?

Yes, pregnant people are recommended to get the flu shot as it protects both the parent and the baby and reduces the risk of severe illness.

What are common side effects of the flu shot?

Common side effects include mild soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or muscle aches that usually resolve in a day or two.