Life just seems to move so fast. So fast that we sometimes miss or forget about the fine details. I’m referring to things that involve saving money or losing out on benefits. Did you know that your health insurance may have a program where they will give you credit to spend on medical expenses? Mine did. How about that 401K matching that your employer offers? Are you putting anything in it so you can at least get the matching? If not, you’re missing out on benefits that’s right in front of your face. Don’t leave money on the table.

401K Matching

Many employers will offer a percentage matching in your company retirement account. The word matching means they will match what you put in up to a certain percentage. That means you have to put money into the account first and then they will match. I’ve had employers who matched 4% to 5%. The maximum amount you can contribute to a 401K in 2026 is $24,500 under age 50. Let’s say your 4% equals $2,400 and that’s how much you are contributing to your 401K. Your employer will match that so you will now have $4,800. It’s like BOGO!

Health Insurance Incentives

Before I early retired, my employer health insurance had an incentive program where I would take a health questionnaire and they would give me a debit card with money on it to spend on medical expenses. I can also set healthy goals such as reducing stress and exercising, check in on those goals daily, and meet my reporting goal. Then I can get more money on my debit card for it. If I didn’t do either of these, I’m leaving money on the table.

Credit Card Bonuses

Credit cards offer pretty good bonuses if you meet certain spending criteria. If you don’t meet those spending requirements you don’t get the bonus. My credit cards have special offers at certain vendors, travel credits, lounge access, TSA Precheck or Global Entry credit, and possibly others. By not taking advantage of these benefits you’re leaving money on the table.

Finding the best offer

Everyone wants the best deal especially me. Sometimes you have to work for it though. For example, let’s say you received your car insurance bill and you think it’s too high. What would you do? You have to call around and see if you can get a better price elsewhere. If that is too much of a hassle, you won’t do it and you could possibly be leaving money on the table.

Keeping money in your pockets takes time and energy. A lot goes into saving money, making money, finding the best deals, and so on. The more ways you can find to keep money in your pockets the faster you’ll reach financial independence. Remember, don’t leave money on the table. You may have to work for it but in the long run it’s worth it. I retired early at 50. It was worth it! Find your financial independence goal and start the journey. If you are interested in following my journey, email subscribe here to get alerts of latest posts or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.