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Refresh my memory on HSAs and I why I need one

Posted on 11/7/17 at 1:09 am
Posted by GREENHEAD22
Member since Nov 2009
19575 posts
Posted on 11/7/17 at 1:09 am
I am apparently eligible for one this year, I want to say the money can be used for investments? Can I get a quick run down on them. Trying to decide if I should open one.
Posted by AUtigerNOLA
New Orleans, LA
Member since Apr 2011
17107 posts
Posted on 11/7/17 at 6:05 am to
Can be used to invest(typically Vanguard funds).
Can be used for qualified medical expenses now with no penalty.
Tax deductible.
Past, I want to say 59 1/2 or 65, you can withdrawal for any expenses and don’t have to pay tax on the gains. Basically acts like another Roth at this point.
Posted by Dock Holiday
Member since Sep 2015
1630 posts
Posted on 11/7/17 at 6:06 am to
It's an additional savings vehicle that has really good tax advantages and you can grow the account tax free and eventually withdraw it tax free if spent on health care.
Posted by jimbeam
University of LSU
Member since Oct 2011
75703 posts
Posted on 11/7/17 at 6:44 am to
It's a a Roth on steroids. Do it.
Posted by ell_13
Member since Apr 2013
84937 posts
Posted on 11/7/17 at 8:12 am to
Triple tax savings:

Tax free in
Tax free growth
Tax free out (now on healthcare; later on anything)
Posted by SLafourche07
Member since Feb 2008
9928 posts
Posted on 11/7/17 at 8:57 am to
Also, it's Pre-FICA, unlike 401k's and traditional IRA's.
Posted by YipSkiddlyDooo
Member since Apr 2013
3631 posts
Posted on 11/7/17 at 9:21 am to
Depending on the cost savings you get from the HSA plan vs a more traditional HMO/PPO, it can be worth it for all of the tax reasons everyone has mentioned. But an HSA definitely isn't for everyone.
Posted by YipSkiddlyDooo
Member since Apr 2013
3631 posts
Posted on 11/7/17 at 9:24 am to
quote:

Tax free out (now on healthcare; later on anything)


I'm pretty sure this is wrong...

It's only tax free out if spent on healthcare through the life of the account. Once you hit a certain age you can withdraw the money without penalty, but if it's not spent on healthcare it's still taxed as income in retirement (like your 401k). It's still good in that contributions and growth weren't taxed, but the triple tax advantage only ever applies if the money is being spent on healthcare. Which you're likely going to have plenty of in retirement.

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong. Wouldn't be the first time.
Posted by PhiTiger1764
Lurker since Aug 2003
Member since Oct 2009
13846 posts
Posted on 11/7/17 at 10:40 am to
I believe you are incorrect. At some point, maybe like age 65, you can withdraw any funds tax free for any reason.

ETA: actually, reading the Wikipedia page, you seem to be right... income taxes will always be incurred if not used on medical expenses. I didn’t realize that...
This post was edited on 11/7/17 at 10:47 am
Posted by jimbeam
University of LSU
Member since Oct 2011
75703 posts
Posted on 11/7/17 at 10:47 am to
I've seen it both ways?
Posted by ell_13
Member since Apr 2013
84937 posts
Posted on 11/7/17 at 11:31 am to
He's right. It's "penalty free" for any expense, but if not used for health expense, is treated as income and is taxed at that rate. So much more like a Roth IRA.
Posted by Big Saint
Houston
Member since May 2009
1453 posts
Posted on 11/7/17 at 12:15 pm to
Not a Roth IRA but a traditional IRA. Provided you're taking money out post 65 for non medical expenses.
Posted by JetFuelTyga
Born in desert,raised in lion's den
Member since Feb 2016
1785 posts
Posted on 11/7/17 at 12:23 pm to
quote:

why I need one


Contribute funds that are not subject to tax.

Use HSA to purchase beer from CSV.

Profit.
Posted by Titan
Member since Apr 2008
2471 posts
Posted on 11/7/17 at 1:13 pm to
Its great if you are younger and in good health, no kids and dont go to the doctor alot
Posted by GREENHEAD22
Member since Nov 2009
19575 posts
Posted on 11/7/17 at 11:38 pm to
Thanks for all the info, looks like I will be setting one up.
Posted by Dayman
Member since Sep 2015
713 posts
Posted on 11/8/17 at 4:55 am to
quote:

Can be used to invest(typically Vanguard funds).


How does one invest their HSA funds?
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