The Millennial Money Woman
The Millennial Money Woman

@The_MMW

18 Tweets 1 reads Jul 17, 2024
The HSA is the ONLY triple tax-advantaged account.
But only 9.3% of Americans own one.
Here's everything you need to know about the HSA:
(and why you should have one)
What are HSAs?
HSAs are Health Savings Accounts.
You save money in HSAs for future medical expenses.
And they are the ONLY triple tax-advantaged account.
But before you just “get” an HSA, you need to qualify for one.
Here’s how you qualify for an HSA:
To open an HSA, you need to have an HDHP.
An HDHP is a High Deductible Health Plan.
HDHPs:
- Have higher minimum deductibles
- Have higher out-of-pocket maximums
- Are best for people with LESS health issues
So if you rarely see a doctor, then HDHPs could be a good fit.
Why should you get an HSA?
- You can save $$$ on taxes
- You can grow your retirement nest egg
- You can save $$$ on health insurance premiums
Where do you get an HSA?
If you’re self-employed:
- Check out the health insurance marketplace
If you’re an employee:
- Ask your employer if they offer HSAs (not all jobs offer HSAs)
HSAs are the ONLY savings account with a TRIPLE tax advantage.
Here’s what this means:
- Contributions are tax-deductible
- You can invest your contributions
- Any investment growth is tax-deferred
- Any withdrawals for qualified MEDICAL expenses are tax-free
Qualified Medical Expenses include (but are not limited to):
- Flu shots
- Ambulance
- Physical therapy
- Drug prescriptions
- Eyeglasses (Rx & reading)
- Doctor’s office visits & co-pays
What if you withdraw $$$ for expenses that are NOT qualified?
You’ll owe:
- Income taxes
- 20% tax penalty on your withdrawals
Here’s the LOOPHOLE:
The 20% penalty applies only until you’re 65.
After 65, the 20% penalty drops.
So you can spend your HSA money on a Lamborghini WITHOUT the 20% penalty.
You'll still owe income taxes on withdrawals that are NOT used for qualified medical expenses.
So how much $$$ can you ACTUALLY put into an HSA?
If you’re UNDER age 55 then in 2024, your contribution limits are:
- Single: $4,150
- Family: $8,300
If you’re age 55+ then in 2024, your contribution limits will be increased by $1,000:
- Single: $5,150
- Family: $9,300
Want to be a millionaire?
Then follow this HSA trick:
Contribute to your HSA and then… INVEST your contributions.
Use your HSA like a retirement account.
Let your contributions GROW in the stock market over time.
Here’s how to INVEST in an HSA:
MOST HSAs will typically have your first $1,000 stay in cash.
Any contribution ABOVE that can be invested.
Your HSA will provide you with a list of funds.
You choose how you want to invest your money.
And each year, invest more.
The key to using an HSA like a retirement account is to KEEP your contributions invested.
If you invest the maximum annual amount, with a 7% return in 40 years, you could have:
- Single: $880,048.51
- Family: $1,771,526.21
Here’s ANOTHER HSA trick:
Save receipts for qualified medical expenses.
Reimburse yourself (tax-free) later.
There’s no deadline when you have to submit your medical receipts.
Here’s how to take advantage of HSAs:
1. Pay for qualified medical expenses using a credit card
2. Collect credit card points
3. Save receipts for qualified medical expenses
4. Reimburse yourself (tax-free) at a later point
HSAs were introduced in late 2003 and are one of the best-kept secrets to building wealth.
Now you know how to use an HSA to YOUR advantage.
Start building wealth today.
Thanks for reading!
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