Open enrollment is right around the corner.

Michael Hart | August 23, 2025

Here’s the thing: advisors love to say they do “comprehensive financial planning”... but if they aren’t reviewing your company benefits with you, they’re skipping over roughly a third of your compensation.

It pays to actually look through your options and select the right ones. A few examples:

401(k) match → Don’t leave free money on the table. Also check investment options, allocation, and fees.

HDHP vs PPO → For many high earners, the HDHP comes out ahead at most spending levels, plus it unlocks the HSA (which can be invested).

Disability insurance → If you pay the premium, the benefit isn’t taxable. Huge difference.

ESPP → Especially valuable if there’s a 15% discount with a lookback provision.

Dependent Care FSA → Covers some of your qualified childcare costs.

Life insurance → Take what’s free, but for more coverage it’s usually better (and cheaper) to buy your own policy.

Legal assistance → Sometimes a low-cost way to get wills, trusts, or other legal help.

Gym memberships, student loan help, charitable giving match → Small perks that add up.

If your advisor isn’t walking you through these choices, you’re not getting comprehensive planning—you’re just getting investment management with a new label.

The right open enrollment decisions can be just as impactful as your portfolio. Here is a calendar schedule for all the topics I cover at least once a year with my ongoing clients.