Open enrollment usually only lasts for a few weeks each fall. During this limited time, you can add, remove, or change your employee benefits for the coming year. Your benefits could include a health care plan, life insurance, financial advice, and more.

That's a lot to think about all at once! Maybe that’s why 90% of Americans stick with their elections from the previous year during open enrollment, just to ensure their benefits continue. But it's important to review your options, since open enrollment¹, can be the perfect time to prepare for a new year of possibilities.

With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you feel ready to choose the employee benefits that make the most sense for you.

Make it an opportunity. Remember, most employers require you to reenroll in your benefits every year to keep them active. And things may have changed in your life since last year. So open enrollment can be your once-a-year opportunity to make the most of the benefits your employer offers.

Choose with confidence. It may help to replay this past year in your mind and try to imagine the next. Maybe you’re no longer covered by your parents’ insurance, or you’re adding a new family member. Or maybe, if nothing has really changed, you just want to choose your benefits confidently, efficiently, and with less stress.

Know your open enrollment dates. Open enrollment generally starts November 1 and ends December 15. But check with your employer—they might have chosen different dates.

Be aware of any changes your employer is making. Your employer should let you know about any changes they’ve made to your benefits. For instance, they might be replacing a benefit with a new option, for example.

Consider the changes in your life. We can’t predict the future. But things like planned medical procedures or childcare costs can inform your choices.

Keep an eye on your take-home pay. The costs of your benefits are usually taken out of your pay before taxes, so they can lower your taxable income for the year. If you or your employer make changes to your benefits, make sure you’re aware of how they’ll affect your take-home pay, so you can plan accordingly.

Remember your financial goals. Unexpected life or financial market events could get in the way of your progress toward those goals. Take advantage of the financial benefits offered by your employer to give yourself the best chance for long-term financial success.

While you’re thinking about your health care and other benefits, remember that your financial health can also affect your overall wellness. A great first step toward improving your financial health is updating your Vanguard Digital Advisor® profile. When you do, you’ll receive financial advice and money management that’s more closely personalized to you and your unique needs. Plus, Digital Advisor can help you save for other goals, like buying a home or car.

You’ll also unlock access to powerful financial planning tools that can make a real difference in your financial health. Our Rainy Day Tool can help you save for a financial emergency. Our Debt Payoff Calculator can help you tackle stressful debt payments. And our Social Security Optimizer can help you decide when it’s best to start claiming your Social Security benefits.

So invest a little time in your future today. Start by figuring out which benefits are right for you. Then update your Digital Advisor profile. Once you do, you’ll head into the next year knowing you did your best to prepare for life’s opportunities and challenges.