For most companies, the October and November timeframe is when employees can select their benefit options for the next year. It can be a complicated and cumbersome process, but the most frustrating part is often evaluating the medical plans. They are by design complicated. The rest are simpler than they seem.Here are the common types of benefits programs:Medical, prescription, dental, eyecareAdditional medical such as critical-care of hospital insuranceHealth Savings Accounts/Flex Savings Accounts/Dependent Care Flexible Spending AccountsLife InsuranceRetirement and Savings PlansDCPEmployee stock discount programsDiscount programs (mattresses, life insurance, etc.) - I have a strong POV here!We review each of the above types of options and consideration at a high level, and reference past episodes where we cover these topics in more detail.   Top 3 Takeaways:Benefits season is exciting!! Leveraging the right benefits can be lucrative and valuable, so spend the time researching the right decisions for you.Taking advantage of these benefits is important, but don’t beat yourself up too much trying to squeeze every dollar of value.For benefits where you contribute money like savings plans, try to max those programs out!Show References:Friends on FIRE episode #016 -  401ks are your BFF!Friends on FIRE episode #059 - The amazing tax benefits of FSAs, HSAs, and DCAsFriends on FIRE episode #062 - How to choose the right medical insurance at workFriends on FIRE episode #081 - Everything you need to know about life insurance.Friends on FIRE episode #114 - What’s a roth IRA and do I need one?---Follow friends on FIRETwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedInLeave us a voicemail or text us: 404-981-3370eMail us at:  friendsonfiremm@gmail.comVisit our website: www.friendsonfire.orgfriends on FIRE etsy store---Other LinksMaggie’s Blog: Mostly Minimal LifeMike’s Book: Your New Relationship with Money