You bought new glasses, squeaked in a dental interview and filled up with over-the-counter medicine. But if there is still money in your flexible consumption account (FSA), you better use these pre-tax dollars quickly before they disappear.
That is why we have compiled a quick and easy list of products available in FSA store, which offers more than 4,000 items that are guaranteed FSA-qualified or your money back.
If you are not sure exactly what an FSA is and why it is important that you spend your pre-tax dollars, we have covered you with a quick guide.
ONE flexible consumption account (FSA) offered through many employer benefit schemes and allows you to set aside pre-tax money for eligible health-related expenses for you, your spouse and relatives.
For each payslip you receive, a certain amount is set aside before tax. This pre-tax money is for FSA expenses and is intended to be spent on eligible health expenses during the year. Although the specific amount varies depending on your tax bracket, there is calculators available to help you estimate your savings amount.
Most FSA participants are part of one “use it or lose it” plan, which states that all the money left in your account at the end of the year must be forfeited. The unused amount left in your account can not be paid to you in any other way and you can not transfer money to any other financial supervisor. So it is important to keep in mind the annual cut-off date of December 31st.
The good news is that many employers are giving a grace period of up to two and a half months into the new year so you can spend the money, giving you until March 15 to spend it all. But you should check with your employer because grace periods can be shorter.
Regular purchases include daily health products such as bandages, thermometers and goggles. Everything from medical expenses that are not covered by a health scheme (such as deductible and deductible for dependent day care) to over-the-counter medication may also be justified.
The downside is that Details of what you can spend your FSA dollars on depend on the plan your employer has in place. The advantage? You can skip the extensive research by shopping at FSA store.
So instead of seeing hard earned money simply go bankrupt, we’ve put together more than 30 ways to spend your dollars in the FSA Store.
Train these cracks, whether from hours spent behind the computer, an extra hard workout or just everyday wear and tear, with this heated pain reliever that comes with several attachments to really target your pain points.
Fan of tapestries? It’s time for a weighted heating pad. This 4-pound model offers heat therapy and a massage function and comes in either six settings (three heat, three massage) or 12 settings (three heat, nine massage).
Fight acne even during the day with this invisible, non-drying patch for the daytime that protects for faster healing.
Be prepared for minor damage with this set from the American Red Cross, which is filled with more than 100 items, including everything from gauze bandages to rubbing alcohol to an emergency blanket to tweezers for gloves.
Stock up on N95 masks with this box of 20 NIOSH-certified foldable breathing masks that filter out at least 95% of airborne particles and have a padded nose piece for comfort.
Bandages with Neosporin antibiotic ointment, various sizes, 20s ($ 4.99; fsastore.com)
Everyone needs a patch once in a while and these help speed up the healing process as they already have Neosporin on the pillow.
This non-greasy and soothing ointment from Aquaphor helps to treat and protect against dry skin.
There are many people who cut teeth at night. But with many mouth protectors so expensive, this one allows you to help protect your teeth for less than $ 25.
Renew your daily facial routine with this dermatologist-recommended acne wash from Neutrogena.
Put this in the freezer or microwave to help reduce stuffy nose and relieve soreness.
Keep this handy set in your car or hiking / camping package to treat everything from wounds and blisters to insect bites and headaches. Packed in a BPA-free water bottle, it comes with a whistle, napkins, bandages, gauze, mole skin, pain medication and more.
This transparent sunscreen powder is portable enough to throw in your purse and comes with a brush for easy application. In addition, it is free of parabens, PABA and phthalate.
TheraBand Pain Relieving Foot Roller ($ 9.99; fsastore.com)
Treat yourself to a nightly foot massage with this small roller designed to stretch the plantar fascia and relieve tired, sore feet. Do you want extra relief? Place it in the freezer to relieve the pain.
This set holds as many as 35 items, including bandages, an ice pack, safety pins, small scissors and more.
Check your temperature quickly and accurately with this infrared non-contact thermometer. With readings of just three seconds and the ability to store up to 10 previous readings, this thermometer is convenient to have by your side.
This device uses electrical muscle stimulation to relax stiff muscles, help increase blood circulation and help reduce swollen feet and ankles.
Welly Bravery Badges Colorwash Assorted Flex Fabric Bandages, 48-Count ($ 9.99; fsastore.com)
These premium, flexible bandages protect your small cuts and scratches, plus they come in cool tie-dye patterns and colors.
Supergoop! Hand screen, SPF 40 ($ 38; fsastore.com)
Protect and moisturize dry hands with this SPF 40 moisturizing cream.
When the cold and flu season hits, it hits hard. So be prepared with this handy nasal inhaler to help relieve congestion, dryness and other symptoms.
For little ones with runny or stuffy noses, these gentle saline wipes are the perfect solution for quick and effective cleansing. The hypoallergenic wipes have natural saline and moisturizing vitamin E and aloe to prevent dry noses.
Freeze this go-to gadget for two hours for an ice-cold roller massage of any sore muscle group.
New shoes? No problem! Whether you break in a pair of new crosstrainers or stilettos, these synthetic strips help keep blisters and gnaws at bay.
Battle Creek Back Pain Kit with Moisture Heat and Cold Therapy ($ 115.49; fsastore.com)
This back pain kit includes two inserts: one that can be heated in the microwave for heat therapy, and another that can be thrown in the refrigerator for cold treatment. A soft fleece lining and a wide elastic strap ensure that it is easy and comfortable to wear.
This adorable teddy bear can be put in the microwave to create a warm compress or put in the freezer to help relieve your baby’s recent bumps or scratches.
This handheld device, developed by the Stanford BioDesign program, is safe from 3 years and up and gently cleanses the ears, eliminating the need for cotton swabs.
Help relieve back pain and discomfort with this gadget that uses a dual inflation mechanism to lift, stretch and separate joints in your spine.
This wireless vapor inhaler can help relieve cold symptoms, including congestion, sinusitis and more. The handheld device spreads steam straight to your nose, throat and mouth for instant relief, plus a medical-grade HEPA filter ensures the vapor is germ-free, allergen-free and free of contaminants.
This instant thermometer provides a stable, heat-interference-free reading in just one second. It has a wide measuring range from 32 degrees to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, and a beep, color-coded warning makes sure you know when the temperature is higher than 99.5 degrees.
Get subtle color with sun protection when you apply this moisturizing, water-repellent, paraben-free tinted lip balm.
Treat any acne flare-up with this non-invasive battery and USB-powered device. Choose from six medical-grade LED lights to help prevent or soothe acne. Bonus: It’s portable, so add it to your suitcase for treatment on the go.
Who does not love an all-in-one beauty product? This provides not only sunscreen, but a light matte shade and ProVention-R antioxidants (think green tea, cranberries and pomegranate extracts plus vitamin C).
Bausch and Lomb Biotrue Multipurpose Solution ($ 23.09; fsastore.com)
Contact Lens Users: Grab this lubrication solution that keeps your eyes moist and healthy.
Whether you are often on long flights or spending hours on your feet, these top-rated socks ensure healthy blood flow and less swelling.