As summer slows and fall approaches, many employers begin sharing updates about their health and benefits plans. Before the forms arrive and deadlines sneak up, August is the ideal time to start preparing for the open enrollment season. Whether you’re reviewing insurance coverage, evaluating savings options, or revisiting your family’s needs, making thoughtful choices now may lead to better outcomes in the year ahead.
Reviewing Health Insurance Options
Employer health plans often change annually. Premiums may rise, deductibles may shift, and networks may be updated. Don’t assume your existing plan is still the best fit.
Use this time to:
- Compare plan types (PPO vs. HMO vs. HDHP)
- Look at total annual cost, not just premiums
- Confirm that your doctors and prescriptions remain in-network
If you’ve experienced a life change—like marriage, childbirth, or a new diagnosis—it’s even more important to reevaluate coverage options.
HSA and FSA Strategies
If your employer offers a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), you may be eligible for a Health Savings Account (HSA), one of the most tax-efficient tools available. Contributions are tax-deductible, grow tax-deferred, and can be withdrawn tax-free for qualified medical expenses.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can also help you set aside pre-tax dollars for healthcare or dependent care costs, but they have use-it-or-lose-it restrictions. Review how much you spent last year and adjust accordingly for 2025.
Disability and Life Insurance Coverage
Employer-provided disability and life insurance may not be enough to fully protect your family’s financial future.
This time of year, is great to review the following:
- The coverage your employer offers
- If the coverage would be sufficient if you could no longer work
- If supplemental policies, such as individual life or long-term disability insurance, may be needed
Don’t overlook these crucial protections, as they’re often easier to adjust with minimal underwriting during open enrollment.
Maximizing Other Employer Benefits
Beyond health coverage, open enrollment is your chance to take advantage of additional offers like:
- Legal or identity theft protection
- Commuter benefits
- Wellness incentives
- Employer stock purchase plans (ESPPs)
It’s also a good time to check your retirement contributions. If you receive a raise or bonus this year, consider increasing your 401(k) deferrals heading into the final quarter.
What To Do Next
We’ll help you evaluate the options and ensure your selections align with your larger financial strategy.
If you have any questions, give us a call!
Golf Tip of the Week
10 Golf Equipment Myths You Should Stop Believing
Golf is full of clichés—but when it comes to equipment, many “truths” are simply outdated. Here are 10 common myths that experts say you should forget:
1. Only Good Players Should Get Fit
Clubfitting isn’t just for low handicaps. In fact, higher-handicap players benefit the most because properly fit clubs prevent bad habits caused by compensating for ill-fitting equipment.
2. Stronger Lofts Always Mean More Distance
Less loft doesn’t always equal more yardage. For most golfers, adding loft improves launch and carry, especially for players with slower swing speeds.
3. A 3-Wood Is Always Straighter Off the Tee
While some players hit more fairways with a 3-wood, the tradeoff is losing distance. A properly fit driver often provides more accuracy—and more yards.
4. Mallet Putters Are Only for Straight Strokes
Modern mallets come in different designs for both straight and arcing strokes. The best putter is the one that matches your setup, aim, and stroke tendencies.
5. The Shaft Is the “Engine” of the Club
The golfer is the engine. The clubhead has the greatest impact on launch and ball flight, while the shaft acts more like a transmission that fine-tunes performance.
6. All Your Wedges Should Have the Same Bounce
Different turf conditions and shot types call for different bounce angles. A well-fit wedge setup is tailored to your swing and the courses you play.
7. The Sweet Spot Is Dead Center on the Driver
Many drivers actually perform best slightly above center, producing lower spin and better launch for more distance.
8. You Need 14 Clubs in the Bag
Some golfers play better with fewer clubs. The right number depends on your swing speed, shot gaps, and how often you use each club.
9. Forged Clubs Feel Better Than Cast Clubs
Today’s technology has blurred the line. Both forged and cast clubs can deliver excellent feel and forgiveness—it all comes down to design, not just the manufacturing process.
10. Once You’re Fit, You’re Set for Life
Your swing changes, and so does equipment. Even if you know your specs, periodic checkups ensure you’re playing with the best setup for your current game.
Bottom line: The only real rule in clubfitting is that there’s an exception to every rule. Get fit, test your options, and let data—not myths—guide you.
Golf Tip adapted from Golf Digest. Read the full article here: 10 myths about golf clubs you should forget right now
Recipe Tip of the Week
Butter Cake
This St. Louis–style classic is rich, sweet, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, it’s a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
Crust:
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Nonstick cooking spray (for the pan)
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1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
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½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 large eggs
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1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Filling:
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1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
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½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste
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2 large eggs
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
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3 cups confectioners’ sugar
Directions
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Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
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Make the crust:
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In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine cake mix, nutmeg, vanilla, and eggs.
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Beat on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute.
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Add melted butter and mix just until combined.
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Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
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Prepare the filling:
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In a clean mixer bowl, beat cream cheese on medium speed until light and smooth (1–2 minutes).
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Add vanilla bean paste and eggs, and beat until smooth.
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Add melted butter and beat until combined.
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Add confectioners’ sugar, mixing on low to incorporate, then increase to medium speed and beat until light and smooth (about 1 minute).
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Pour filling over the crust and smooth the top.
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Bake: Bake 35–40 minutes, until the edges are puffed and golden brown and the center is just set.
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Cool & serve: Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Recipe Tip adapted from Food Network. Read the full article here: Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Travel Tip of the Week
Shangri-La The Shard, London
According to a recent Travel + Leisure readers’ poll, Shangri-La the Shard has been named the best hotel in London—and it’s easy to see why.
Perched high above the city, the hotel occupies floors 34 to 52 of The Shard, Renzo Piano’s striking glass skyscraper and the tallest building in Western Europe. Its 202 rooms offer panoramic views of London’s most iconic landmarks, including Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the River Thames.
Guests rave about the hotel’s “welcoming” and “professional” staff, as well as its prime location near top attractions like Borough Market. And with the highest hotel pool in Western Europe, it’s the perfect place to take in the city from a whole new perspective.
With its extraordinary views, exceptional service, and unbeatable location, it’s no surprise that Travel + Leisure readers crowned Shangri-La the Shard the best hotel in London.
Travel Tip adapted from Travel & Leisure. Read the full article here: Travel + Leisure Readers’ 10 Favorite Hotels in London of 2025
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