Dr. Rachel Kim stared at her inbox on December 18th. Subject line: “Reminder: CME funds expire 12/31.” She’d forgotten about $2,500. Again. Last year, she’d lost $1,800 in unused CME money. The year before that? Her entire $600 FSA balance down the drain because she didn’t schedule that dental appointment in time. She did the math. Over three years, she’d essentially donated $4,900 to her employer’s bottom line.
Never again. If you’re reading this in December, you have roughly two weeks to capture money that’s already yours. Here’s what’s at stake:
Your CME Allowance: How to Use Continuing Education Funds Before They Expire
Most employers provide $1,000-$3,000 annually for Continuing Medical Education. The deadline to spend and submit a receipt for this money is usually December 31st. Some extend to March 31st.
How to use it NOW:
- Online courses: UpToDate CME, Medscape courses can be completed this week
- Conference registrations: Register for 2026 conferences now
- Books and subscriptions: Medical textbooks, UpToDate subscription, journal subscriptions
- Equipment: Stethoscope, ultrasound courses, simulation equipment
- Memberships: Medical Professional Society Dues, Board License and DEA, Local Professional Societies
Your FSA Balance
Flexible Spending Accounts are pre-tax money deducted from your paycheck and set aside for medical expenses. December 31st is the deadline for spending for most plans. Some offer 2.5 month grace period or $640 rollover. The 2025 FSA limit: $3,300.
How to spend it NOW:
Medical:
- Schedule that postponed dental work
- Get new glasses or contact lenses (even backup pairs)
- Stock up on prescription medications (90-day supplies)
- Physical therapy sessions
- Mental health counseling sessions
Over-the-counter items can qualify. Examples: First aid supplies, Pain relievers (Tylenol, Advil), Allergy medications, Cold and flu medicine, Menstrual products, Sunscreen (SPF 15+), Thermometers, Blood pressure monitors
Dependent Care FSA
Dependent Care FSA is pre-tax money deducted from your paycheck and used for childcare or elder care. The 2025 limit: $5,000 per household although this can be lower based on employer limitations. Use the funds to reimburse yourself for care you’ve already paid for in prior months. If you still have funds leftover, see if you can pre-pay Jan 2026.
The Five-Minute Action Plan
Grab your calendar and phone. Right now:
- Find your CME balance: Email HR or check your employee portal (2 minutes)
- Check your FSA balance: Log into your FSA account or call the number on your card (2 minutes)
- Schedule appointments: Dental cleaning, eye exam, physical therapy (5 minutes)
- Order online: FSA Store or Amazon for remaining balance (10 minutes)
- Register for a 2026 conference: Use CME funds before they vanish (5 minutes)
These accounts are your money. Here’s the bigger picture: That $2,500 in CME money? It’s part of your compensation package. When you negotiated your contract, that number was included in your “total compensation.” Not using it is like working for free.
The same logic applies to your FSA. You set aside $3,200 in pre-tax money. That’s $3,200 of your salary. If you don’t use it, you’ve voluntarily donated money you earned to your employer.
Dr. Kim learned this lesson the hard way. This year, she set a November 15th calendar reminder: “Review CME/FSA Funds.” By Thanksgiving, she had already:
- Registered for next year’s conference ($850 CME)
- Ordered a new stethoscope and ultrasound course ($650 CME)
- Renewed her UpToDate subscription ($495 CME)
- Scheduled dental work and ordered new glasses ($1,200 FSA)
- Stocked up on OTC medications ($400 FSA)
Total captured: $3,595
She sleeps better knowing she’s not leaving money on the table anymore. Now go set a calendar reminder for November 15, 2026 right now. Future you will be grateful.
