First Command Urges Consumers to Carefully Monitor Flex Spending Accounts.

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Do you pay for health or dependent care expenses through a flexible spending account? With the end of the year fast approaching, First Command Financial Services, Inc., is urging consumers to check their balances now to avoid forfeiting unused funds after December 31 or the end of the plan's grace period.

Many employers offer flexible spending accounts to help their employees cope with rising health-care costs and dependent care expenses. These accounts allow consumers to have money deducted from their paychecks before taxes, leaving them more cash to pay for the services they need. Eligible expenses typically include items such as health insurance deductibles and co-pays, prescriptions, eye care and dental costs. Some employers also offer separate flex accounts for dependent care expenses.

The tax savings opportunity is popular with many consumers; however, account holders must keep an eye on their balances as the year winds down because leftover funds do not roll over to the new year. Here are some ways to draw down your account while you still have time.

* Make doctors appointments

* Have your teeth cleaned

* Have your eyes checked

* Buy glasses, contacts, or prescription sunglasses 

* Refill your prescriptions

Check with your plan administrator to find out what types of over-the-counter products you can pay for with flex account- money. And finally, if you do have money left in your account this year, you may want to revise your contribution level next year.

First Command Financial Services and its subsidiaries, including First Command Bank and First Command Financial Planning, assist American families in their efforts to build wealth, reduce debt and pursue their lifetime financial goals and dreams--focusing on consumer behavior as the first and most powerful determinant of results. Through personalized financial plans that emphasize investments, insurance and full-service banking, First Command Financial Advisors have established lasting relationships with hundreds of thousands of client families since 1958.

For more information about First Command, visit www.firstcommand.com.

First Command Financial Services, Inc. is the parent company of First Command Financial Planning, Inc. (Member SIPC) and First Command Bank (Member FDIC). Insurance products and services are offered by First Command Financial Services, Inc. Financial planning services and securities products are offered by First Command Financial Planning, Inc. Banking products and services are offered by First Command Bank. Securities products are not FDIC insured, have no bank guarantee and may lose value. In certain states, First Command Financial Services, Inc. is a separately registered domestic corporation and does business in California as "First Command Insurance Services."