The 4 Forgotten Paychecks That Can Change Your Family’s Finances in 2026

It’s exhausting to feel like your paycheck is spent before it even hits your account, leaving you stressed about summer camps or holiday shopping months in advance. But in 2026, the calendar is handing you a rare "cheat code": four specific months where you receive five paychecks instead of four. By identifying these "forgotten" paychecks now, you can stop the cycle of reactionary spending and transform those extra funds into a strategic shield. Learn how to claim that "unassigned" income to crush debt, fund a stress-free summer, and finally get—and stay—ahead of the curve.