If the Thanksgiving holiday is any indication, it is likely we'll need to be more creative and put forth more effort to partake in the holiday spirit at Christmas-time this year.

Sometimes, when all other efforts fail, we are left with memories of bygone Christmases, and the warmth of past yuletide joy. If making new memories is beyond reach this year, feel free to revel in your own Christmas history. Or, if you find any inspiration from something in this newsletter, be my guest.

Sincerely,

Ron Dutton

678-464-8602

If you've already met your deductible for 2020, or are close to it, medical care rendered before the end of the year may be covered at a lower out-of-pocket cost. Conversely, if you expect to have a lot of health care expenses in 2021, you may want to schedule non-emergency medical care for early next year so you can fulfill your deductible as soon as possible.

In most cases, dental coverage works differently from regular health insurance. This benefit is often capped at $1,000 to $3,000 annually, according to the American Dental Association. If you have unused benefits remaining, now may be the time to schedule a last-minute appointment, especially if you might need serious dental work soon. That way, you can spread the cost over both years and pay less out of pocket for dental care.

If you set up a flexible spending account, or FSA, through your employer as a supplemental benefit to your health insurance, you were able to contribute pre-tax dollars to it each year and use that money for qualifying health expenses. Now's the time to check your balance.

If you have funds left in your FSA, or you are over your rollover limit, it's time to spend the money. The good news is that a lot of expenses qualify, starting with purchases you've already made. If you can prove it, you can reimburse yourself for health costs you paid earlier in the year. Check to see if there are any out-of-pocket health care expenses you haven't submitted for reimbursement. It's easy to forget co-pays, prescription drug expenses, or certain medical supplies.

Whatever you do, don't confuse your Health Savings Account, or HSA, with an FSA and hurry to spend it. FSAs have 'use-it-or-lose-it' rules that apply each year, but HSAs do not. Any funds in your HSA are yours to keep indefinitely, even if you change jobs.

Some even look at HSAs as a retirement savings vehicle since the funds can be used to pay for Medicare premiums and medical costs in retirement. That's a big deal: Fidelity Investments estimates that the average couple retiring this year will face $220,000 in medical costs in retirement. You may even want to add funds to your HSA now. Maximize on your tax saving by funding the HSA fully before year's end.

A - Navidad

B - Noel

C - Natale

D - Natal

I want to thank Ron Dutton for a very

quick response to me in helping me

get affordable health insurance.

I needed assistance after my daughter

recommended him and I am very

pleased that he was there for me.

Again, thank you Mr. Dutton

“Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about,” said Linus. [Linus walks to center stage]