Perhaps you've heard the good news about flexible spending plans, which let you set aside pre-tax dollars for health-care or child-care bills. Under new rules that recently took effect, the plans can now let employees tap the accounts as late as March 15 of the year following sign-up, rather than the usual Dec. 31 date.

But here's the catch: According to Jennifer Calhoun of Mercer Human Resource Consulting, many companies have kept the old deadline because of complexities in implementing the new policy.

So check with your HR department to see when your deadline is and what expenses are eligible. If you're on the old clock, race to the drugstore and start stocking up. (Pain relievers: yes! Herbal supplements: not likely.)