Author: Chris Johnson

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JANUARY 2026

Get free tax filing, gym discounts and more

Is one of your resolutions to make the most of your money? If so, your benefits can help. Learn ways to grow your money with the help of free resources available to all Costco employees.

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Ways to get started

One tool to help you reach your financial goals faster is SmartDollar®. It’s an online, self-paced personal finance program to help you get out of debt, save and invest for the future. You’ll get budgeting tools, helpful videos and free financial coaching. You can also:

  • Create a legally binding will online for free with Mama Bear Legal Forms
  • Map out a budget and build your emergency fund with the EveryDollar budgeting app
  • Get answers to money questions with SmartDollar AI
File your taxes online for free with Ramsey SmartTax® from SmartDollar
SmartTax makes it easier to file your federal and state taxes online — and it’s now available to you through SmartDollar at no cost to you. Get your taxes done early so you can get your refund as fast as possible.

Save on gym memberships, childcare and support for the day-to-day

Find discounts and savings where possible. Your benefits also include LifeMart, an online employee discount center that offers savings on gym memberships, virtual fitness programs and childcare to all Costco employees. Childcare discounts aren’t available in Puerto Rico.

Need support for daily life? Resources for Living® (RFL®) Worklife can guide you to vetted local community services. They can research childcare, elder care and pet care options. They can also identify or locate community resources, including those for rent, transportation, water and electricity, food and more.


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JANUARY 2026

What’s WITT all about?

WITT means “We’re in This Together.” When it comes to your health and well-being, we all have a role to play. At Costco, we’re committed to taking care of employees. That’s why we offer benefits to help you get the support and care you need at the right time. Your role is to get to know your benefits and use them wisely — WITT can help.

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Here’s how WITT works

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Take the WITT pledge at WITTpledge.com — It only takes a minute to sign up! Include your spouse or domestic partner so they can stay informed too.
Reminder:
After you pledge, take the 2026 Benefits Survey to share what you value most about your benefits. The deadline to complete it is January 31.

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Watch for monthly WITT emails — You’ll get articles, videos and podcasts sent straight to your inbox. (Check other folders if they’re not in your main inbox.) See a sneak peek of this year’s WITT topics below.
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Bookmark and explore WITTpledge.com — It’s your home for benefits resources that support your health and well-being. Browse anytime to see all that’s available to you and your family. See what you’ll find below.
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Hear how other employees used their benefits — Check out past podcasts for personal stories on how employees overcame health challenges with the support of their benefits.

Why should I take the WITT pledge?

The WITT pledge connects you to your benefits so you can learn what’s available and use them to feel and be your best. It’s the best way to stay informed on all the benefits Costco offers to support your:

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Physical well-being — Find preventive care and support for gut health, sleep, nutrition, exercise and more.
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Emotional well-being — Manage your mental health, stress, anxiety and all of life’s challenges, including 8 free counseling sessions per issue, per year.
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Financial well-being — Budget and save, reduce debt and plan for retirement.
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Social well-being — Build healthy relationships at home, school, work and in the community.

Find what you need at WITTpledge.com

Your benefits are designed to support the health and physical, emotional, financial and social well-being of you and your family. Whether you want quick tips or a deep dive, there are plenty of ways to explore what’s available.

Bookmark the Benefits & resources page to browse benefits info anytime. You might be surprised by what you find that’s just right for you!

Sneak peek of WITT topics for 2026

January

Pledge to make the most of your benefits

February

Preventive care and heart health

March

Nutrition, gut and weight health

April

Financial and legal benefits

May

Mental health and sleep support

June

Women’s and men’s health

July

Alcohol, nicotine and prescription medication support

August

Maternity, family and leave benefits

September

Suicide prevention and joint and muscle health

October

Dental and vision checkups

November

Annual Enrollment

December

Virtual care


Get familiar with these helpful resources:

Monthly benefits
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Stay informed with texts and emails linking to new articles, videos and podcasts each month.

2026 Benefits
Guide

Get to know all that’s available in one place.

Women’s and Men’s
Health Guides

Find tips and resources for every age and stage.

Quick Reference
Guide

View a one-page list of all your Costco benefits and resources.
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Month Topic

December 2025: Grateful for you 

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DECEMBER 2025

Thanks for all you do for Costco — read a message from Ron

As the year wraps up, we want to say thank you. Your hard work, heart and commitment continue to drive Costco’s success — and we couldn’t do it without you. 

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In 2025, more than 96,000 of you took the We’re in This Together (WITT) pledge to learn more about your benefits. You stayed informed through monthly texts and emails with helpful articles, podcasts and videos on topics such as:

  • Improving your nutrition and gut health through WeightWatchers and Cylinder
  • Supporting your mental health with free counseling sessions through Resources for Living®
  • Growing your money habits through SmartDollar® financial coaching and your T. Rowe Price retirement plan
  • Preparing for a new addition to your family with Unum’s bonding leave
  • And so much more

This is a powerful reminder of how much you care — not just about your work, but about your health and your future.

You also told us in the WITT pledge survey how much you loved hearing from each other. So, we increased our WITT podcasts from quarterly to monthly — 13 episodes this year! Each one featured real voices, real stories and real support from Costco employees.

Thanks for showing up, lifting each other up and continuing to grow. We’re in this together — and we’re grateful for every one of you.

Get ready to pledge next month

Explore your 2026 Benefits Guide now to make the most of your benefits in 2026! Every year brings new opportunities and new ways your Costco benefits can support you. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve pledged before, start fresh in January 2026. Include your spouse or domestic partner so you can both stay informed. It’s a simple way to stay connected to your benefits and make the most of what’s available.

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DECEMBER 2025

3 ways to build community and reduce stress

Feeling connected to others can help lower stress and improve your well-being. When you’re stressed, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. Too much cortisol can make you feel worse over time. But spending time with people you trust can help your body release oxytocin, a hormone which helps lowers cortisol and helps you feel better.

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Here are 3 ways to build more community:


  • Find common bonds. Look for groups or people you relate to — whether you’re into classic cars, Dungeons & Dragons, or bird watching. When you feel like you belong, it’s easier to make connections, open up and feel supported.
  • Choose what feels right for you. Some people feel most supported by a few close friends. Others enjoy connecting with lots of people. What matters most is finding what’s comforting and authentic to you. Try not to compare the size of your circle to anyone else’s. The most important thing is feeling safe, supported and cared for in the friendships you have.
  • Connect in whatever way works. You don’t have to meet in person to feel close, especially around the holidays. Try a phone call while walking or a virtual catch-up with a loved one who’s far away. Or meet new people through online fitness communities, virtual book clubs or even gaming platforms. Digital connections still count.
Looking for a supportive space to connect, reduce stress and work on your health goals? WeightWatchers offers in-person workshops and 24/7 chat — plus exclusive discounts for Costco employees and your families.

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DECEMBER 2025

Loneliness: It’s not just you 

Feeling lonely? You’re not alone. In fact, 3 out of 4 Americans say they feel lonely1 — even if they don’t talk about it.

Loneliness isn’t just about being alone. It’s about feeling disconnected, even when others are around. And it can take a toll on your health.

People who feel connected tend to feel better, both mentally and physically. Those who don’t are more likely to feel sick, stressed or down.

That’s why your social well-being — feeling supported, understood and part of something — matters just as much as your physical, emotional and financial health.

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Ways to feel more connected

Stepping away from screens and spending time with people face-to-face can help reduce feelings of loneliness. Social media often highlights only the best moments — the fun, the exciting, the new — not the full story. That can make it easy to feel left out. Here are some small steps to help build connections:

  • Call or text a friend just to check in.
  • Say yes to a walk, coffee or lunch with someone.
  • Volunteer for a cause you care about.
  • Spend time with coworkers outside of work.
  • Share how you’re feeling with someone you trust.
  • Limit time on social media and focus on real conversations.
  • Set a goal to talk to one new person each week.
If reaching out feels hard right now, try Supportiv. It’s anonymous, peer-to-peer chat support with trained moderators, and it’s available 24/7/365.

Feeling worse in winter? It could be seasonal depression

Some people feel more tired, sad or withdrawn when the days get shorter. This could be seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. It’s a type of depression linked to changes in daylight, and it can last for several months.2

You can take steps at home to support your mental health, like:

  • Spending time outside during the day even if it’s cloudy
  • Getting better sleep
  • Eating well-balanced meals
  • Exercising
  • Staying connected with loved ones through phone or video calls, especially if you’re not able to spend time with them over the holidays
  • Taking a trip somewhere sunny

If those don’t help, talk to a doctor. They may recommend using a SAD sunlight therapy lamp to help ease your symptoms. Counseling, vitamin D, and medication can also help.

Need a little extra support? Resources for Living® is here for you. This free, confidential service offers help with anxiety, depression, relationship issues and other challenges.

Source(s):

1 Loneliness: It’s not just you

2 Seasonal affective disorder awareness

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DECEMBER 2025

Beat the cold & flu season with your benefits

The holidays are a time for celebrations. But winter can also bring sniffles, stress and seasonal illnesses. Colds, the flu and other viruses spread more easily this time of year — especially indoors and in close gatherings.

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Here are some ways to protect your health and enjoy the season:

  • Drink water — Aim for 8 cups a day to stay hydrated and support your immune system.
  • Wash your hands often — Especially before eating or touching your face.
  • Stick to your sleep routine — Rest helps your body fight off germs.
  • Take breaks from stress — Quiet time with loved ones can boost your mood and well-being.
  • Get your flu shot — It’s your best defense and can reduce symptoms if you get sick.
  • Open a window — Fresh air helps reduce the spread of airborne viruses.

Your Costco benefits are here to support you — so you can focus on what matters most this season.

If you or a family member feels sick, use the 98point6® app to talk to a doctor in minutes — no appointment needed, no copay required. You can get care, prescriptions and advice without leaving home.

Need a primary care provider? Visit Costcobenefits.com and choose “Find a Doctor” under Health & Wellness.

If you need care while you’re away from home, Assist America can connect you with help for travel emergencies 24/7 when you’re 100 miles or more from home, anywhere in the world. Download the Assist America app and sign up before you leave home for quick access to help if you need it. Use reference number 01-AA-UN-762490 to enroll on the app.

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DECEMBER 2025

Chickpea pasta shells and cheese

Your boxed favorite gets a makeover with bean-based pasta. Chickpea pasta has more protein and fiber compared to traditional pasta. It’s also lower in calories.1 Cook frozen broccoli or spinach with the pasta to add even more fiber.

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Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 5 min | Total Time: 20 min
Serves: 4
Ingredients:

8 oz. uncooked chickpea pasta 

3/4 cup low-fat 2% evaporated milk

2 tsp. cornstarch

1/2 tsp. kosher salt 

1/4 tsp. ground turmeric 

3/4 cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded 

 

Directions:
Step 1

Cook pasta according to the package directions. Drain well and return to the pot. 

Step 2

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the milk, cornstarch, salt and turmeric. 

Step 3

Add the milk mixture to the pot of pasta. 

Step 4

Cook over medium-low heat until the sauce is thickened, 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often.

Step 5

Remove from heat. Gradually add the cheese and stir until melted.  

Serving size: 3/4 cup
Nutrition

Serving size: 3/4 cup  | Calories: 319 | Total fat: 8 g | Saturated fat: 3 g | Sodium: 439 mg | Total carbohydrates: 42 g | Sugar: 7 g | Fiber: 8 g | Protein: 22 g

Source: WeightWatchers 

1Healthline. Is chickpea pasta healthy? Here’s what a dietitian says.

With WeightWatchers, you can lose weight, eat healthier, move more and develop a more positive mindset. Costco employees can join now for as low as $9 per month, and spouses/domestic partners and dependents can join for as low as $14.50 each per month. Participants must be age 18 or older to join. Sign up at WW.com/Costco or call 866-204-2885.

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