Still Have FSA Dollars? Here’s Exactly What to Spend Them On Before They Disappear

There’s a very particular kind of financial regret that comes from watching your hard-earned FSA dollars vanish into the end-of-year void. It's not quite like overspending on takeout or missing a sale—it’s subtler. Sneakier. You had that money set aside for something useful, maybe even necessary. And then life got busy, the year sped up, and suddenly it’s December 28th and you're frantically Googling, "what can I still buy with FSA dollars?"

Take a breath. You’re not alone. And you’re also not out of luck—yet.

This guide is your smart, slightly witty, very practical companion to spending your FSA funds with intention. Not in a panic. Not on a box of bandages just because they’re eligible (though hey, they still count). Instead, let’s look at creative, thoughtful ways to use those dollars in ways that genuinely support your health, well-being, and maybe even your 2026 self.

You’ve already done the hard part—setting the money aside. Let’s make sure you get every dollar’s worth.

What Is an FSA?

If you're already familiar, feel free to skip ahead. But if you’re someone who nodded through your HR orientation and then quietly forgot what “FSA” stands for, here’s a refresh.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are employer-sponsored accounts that let you set aside pre-tax dollars for qualifying medical expenses. The big appeal? You’re using untaxed income, which can mean meaningful savings.

But here’s the catch: FSAs are use-it-or-lose-it—meaning most of the money you don’t spend by the end of your plan year disappears. Some employers offer a grace period of a couple of months, and others allow you to roll over a limited amount (up to $640 in 2024, per IRS rules), but not all plans do. So that “free” money can quietly expire while you're busy just trying to get through the holidays.

According to FSAStore.com, over $3 billion in FSA funds are forfeited each year due to missed deadlines or lack of awareness. That’s a lot of abandoned self-care and unbought sunscreen.

Now, let’s talk about what you can do with that money—while there’s still time.

Beyond Bandaids: What You Can Actually Buy With Your FSA

Most people know about the basics: pain relievers, cold meds, allergy pills. But if that’s all you think your FSA can buy, you’re missing out on a world of eligible purchases that may genuinely improve your day-to-day life.

Here are some less obvious—but fully FSA-eligible—ways to use up those funds before they expire:

1. Therapeutic Must-Haves That Feel Like Self-Care

A few years ago, I used leftover FSA dollars to buy a high-quality heating pad—one of those plush, oversized ones that wraps around your shoulders and makes you question why you ever bought the flimsy drugstore kind. It felt like a treat, but it was completely covered.

You might not think of these items as “medical,” but they’re often FSA-approved:

• Acupressure mats for muscle tension or stress relief
• Posture-correcting braces or ergonomic cushions for back support
• Cold therapy wraps (great if you’ve ever tried to ice your knee with a bag of peas)
• Compression socks (especially helpful for travel, workouts, or standing all day)
• Light therapy lamps for seasonal affective disorder or low-energy mornings

Each of these serves a medical purpose, but feels more like a lifestyle upgrade. That’s the sweet spot.

2. Overlooked Essentials That Save You Later

FSAs can be a smart way to stock up on everyday health supplies that your future self will thank you for—especially the ones you forget until you need them.

Some useful, but often-overlooked FSA-eligible items include:

• Digital thermometers (yes, again—because somehow they always disappear)
• Blood pressure monitors (especially helpful for family members managing health)
• First-aid kits for home, car, or travel
• Contact lens solution and cases
• Sunblock—yes, sunscreen! (as long as it’s broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher)
• Reading glasses or blue-light glasses (non-prescription options included)

Pro tip: Think about your travel bag, gym locker, or glove compartment. These make great homes for backup supplies that your FSA can cover.

3. Period and Sexual Health Products

If you feel like these items should have always been eligible... well, we agree. And now they are.

Thanks to a permanent change in the law (via the CARES Act), FSAs now cover:

• Menstrual products (pads, tampons, cups, period underwear)
• Fertility and ovulation tests
• Condoms, pregnancy tests, and personal lubricants
• UTI treatments and yeast infection relief products

This change has made a huge difference for people whose healthcare needs were previously treated like an afterthought. And if you’ve ever paid out of pocket for these basics, you know how fast the costs add up.

4. Mental Health Support—That’s Eligible Too

Here’s a surprise: supporting your mental health can be FSA-eligible too.

Therapy appointments and co-pays are often covered if they’re medically necessary and not reimbursed by insurance. But it doesn’t stop there.

Depending on your plan, FSA dollars may also be used for:

• Mental health apps or digital therapy programs (with a letter of medical necessity)
• Sleep aids and white noise machines
• Stress-reducing tools like meditation cushions or acupressure rings
• Books or courses recommended by a medical provider (again, may require documentation)

It’s worth checking with your provider for a full list, because some of the most meaningful wellness tools fly under the radar unless you ask.

5. Future-Proofing Your Health (Think Preventive)

You don’t have to wait for a cold or an injury to put your FSA to good use. Some of the smartest uses are preventive.

A few ideas worth considering:

• At-home diagnostic kits (cholesterol, food sensitivity, A1C tests)
• Skin screenings or mole mapping services
• CPR or first aid certification courses
• Vaccines not covered by insurance (like travel vaccines or shingles)
• Dental night guards or retainers

Many people don’t realize dental and vision expenses are often FSA-eligible—even things like LASIK, orthodontia, or prescription sunglasses.

According to the National Association of Dental Plans, Americans spend more than $135 billion annually on dental care. Using FSA dollars on dental visits or supplies may stretch your budget a little further in this area.

The Deadline Dilemma: What If You're Really Down to the Wire?

If you're just days away from the deadline and still have a surprising chunk of money left in your account, first—take a breath. Then get practical.

Instead of panic-buying duplicates of things you already own (five thermometers, anyone?), consider these options:

• Build a “health stash” for future needs. Think ahead to travel, kids’ sports seasons, allergy spikes, or cold and flu season.
• Support your community. Some items—like first-aid kits or menstrual products—can be purchased and donated (as long as you don’t request reimbursement for items you give away).
• Book services instead of buying stuff. You can use FSA funds on appointments scheduled before the deadline, even if they happen afterward.

When I was in this position last year, I used my remaining dollars to pre-pay for a therapy appointment and stock up on quality SPF. No regrets.

The FSA Shopping Experience: Some Handy Shortcuts

To make things easier, there are online shops entirely built around FSA-eligible products. These platforms only list approved items, so you don’t have to second-guess what qualifies:

• FSAstore.com — an all-in-one shop where everything is FSA-approved
• HSAstore.com — similar, and sometimes cross-listed if you have both account types
• Major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walgreens now label FSA-eligible items (look for the tag, and double-check your receipt)

Keep in mind, you’ll need to pay with your FSA card or submit a receipt for reimbursement, depending on how your plan is structured.

What Doesn’t Count (Because Some Things Are Surprisingly Off Limits)

It’s just as important to know what your FSA can’t buy—no matter how logical it may seem. These expenses are typically not covered unless you get specific documentation:

• Vitamins or supplements (unless prescribed for a medical condition)
• Gym memberships or fitness classes (except with a letter of medical necessity)
• Cosmetic procedures (sorry, Botox is still a no)
• General skincare or haircare (unless related to a medical diagnosis)
• Non-prescription sunglasses or blue-light glasses without vision needs

That said, things shift. What wasn’t eligible a few years ago might be now (see: period care, sunscreen). So if you’re unsure—ask. HR reps, plan providers, and FSA marketplaces can often clarify.

Smart Send-Off: Don't Let Your Dollars Disappear Silently

At its best, an FSA is a hidden budget booster—money you already earned, just waiting to be used in a way that supports your well-being. But it only works if you remember it exists, and take action before the expiration date turns those dollars to dust.

So instead of letting those funds quietly vanish, treat them as a chance to care for yourself a little more intentionally. Not in a dramatic, over-the-top way—but in the calm, practical, deeply adult sense of “I’m setting myself up to feel better later.”

That could mean finally buying the good heating pad. Or refreshing your first-aid kit. Or getting a skin check you’ve been putting off. No guilt, no waste—just smart use of a resource that's designed to take care of you.

And honestly? That’s what financial wellness looks like, too.