Save thousands THIS YEAR

As many as 84% of Americans are kicking off 2026 with a resolution to save more. If you're one of them, you're in luck-our experts share easy ways to cut costs on two major budget drains: healthcare and utilities

- —by GABRIELLE LICHTERMAN

Review Medicare Advantage

A new year often brings changes to your healthcare plan. And if you're enrolled in Medicare Advantage (Part C), your costs could rise in 2026. The good news: From January 1 to March 31, you can switch to a different Part C plan or return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Here, Matt Feret, author of Prepare for Medicare, shares how to tap this savings window:

• Check what's new in 2026
Back in September, you received an Annual Notice of Change explaining how your provider would be altering your Medicare Advantage plan this year, but if you missed it, call your insurer or visit their website to get up to speed. And be sure to examine every aspect. “Some plans quietly added or raised drug deductibles this year, while others increased specialist copays,” says Feret. “Many plans also trimmed dental, vision or over-the-counter benefits.” And in some areas, insurers like Aetna (CVS Health), Humana and UnitedHealth have dropped Medicare Advantage coverage altogether, meaning your doctor could suddenly be out of network.

• Compare your options
Head to Medicare.gov/plan-compare, enter your ZIP code and select Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) to explore your choices. Just keep in mind this tool isn't perfect, cautions Feret. “Details like provider networks or real-time drug costs may be missing.” For in-depth help, visit ShipHelp.org to get free one-on-one counseling from a Medicare adviser. Or search online for an independent Medicare insurance agent who works with many carriers, he advises. Since their commissions come from the insurance companies, you'll get their advice at no cost.

YOU'LL SAVE $127 THIS YEAR BY CANCELLING JUST ONE UNUSED SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE LIKE HULU OR GRUBHUB!