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☆ IRS boosts health savings account contribution limits for 2025
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The IRS has unveiled the 2025 contribution limits for health savings accounts, which are triple-tax advantaged for medical expenses. The new HSA contribution limit for 2025 will be $4,300 for self-only health coverage, up from $4,150 in 2024, based on inflation adjustments, the IRS announced Thursday. The contribution limit will also increase for savers with family coverage. The IRS will release the 2025 catch-up contribution for savers age 55 and older later this year. The IRS defines "high-deductible" as at least $1,650 for self-only plans or $3,300 for family coverage for 2025.

Persons: Roth, HSAs Organizations: IRS, Finance, of America Locations: HSAs

☆ The average tax refund is $3,109. Here's where to save and invest your return right now.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

"The goal is usually to be as close to zero as possible: either a minimal return refund or a minimal tax payment. Where to save your money right now: high-yield or money market accountsOnce you've received your refund, a good initial step is to send that money from your checking account to a savings account. A few key differences: Your cash will be more accessible in a money market account, as you can write checks and use a debit card linked directly to the account. Note that money market accounts usually have a higher minimum balance requirement, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Interest rates are expected to drop in 2024, but you'll still earn more in these accounts than in traditional savings accounts, which typically offer rates under 0.5%.

Persons: Grant Nieland, you've, you'll, You'll, Roth, Nieland, we're Organizations: Business, Carson Wealth, IRS, Wealth, Roth IRA

☆ I opened an account that the wealthy like to save and invest in, thanks to its major tax benefits. It was a smart money move, but I made 2 mistakes
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-16 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

But I let my money sit in the non-bearing cash account for two years. The author started investing her HSA money in 2024. That number looks very different if I chose to leave the money in the cash account for those 26 years: It would amount to about $112,000. Touching the HSA money also cost me. Now that I've spoken with Weiss, I'm building my cash balance up to the one-year deductible amount before I invest more.

Persons: —, they're maxing, Brent Weiss, That's, Weiss, Kathleen Elkins , me Organizations: Service, Business, Vanguard

☆ I finally invested my HSA money after writing about millionaires who take advantage of a 'triple tax threat strategy.' I could pocket an extra $233,000 by the time I retire.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-09 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

After 65, you can use your HSA money to cover any expense without incurring a penalty, but the funds are subject to income tax. I happily used my HSA money to cover the $1,075 bill. An even smarter move would have been to invest my HSA funds (which I eventually did) and not touch them until age 65. I was relieved when Weiss told me that he also invests his HSA money in a retirement date fund. I asked about how often I should be transferring money from my cash account, where my HSA funds land automatically, to my investment account.

Persons: I've, Brent Weiss, Roth IRAs, HSAs, It's, Weiss, Max, don't, Kathleen Elkins, —, I'm Organizations: Business, Vanguard, IRS Locations: That's, Epsom

☆ Millennial millionaires are maxing out an investment account that offers a triple tax benefit. Here's how it works and who's allowed to open one.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

BI verified the Schlagbaums' net worth by looking at account screenshots and a copy of their personal balance sheet. The Schlagbaums max out their HSA but don't touch the money so it can grow and compound over time. After 65, you can use your HSA money to cover any expense without incurring a penalty, but the funds are subject to income tax. While they technically can use their HSA funds for medical costs, they opt not to touch that money so it can grow. Like the Schlagbaums, the Keyses could use their HSA funds for their medical costs, but they prefer to pay out of pocket with their cash flow so their HSA funds can remain untouched.

Persons: —, Brennan Schlagbaum, Erin, Brennan, Erin Schlagbaum, HSAs, It's, Schlagbaum, Lauren, Steven Keys, I'm Organizations: Service, Business, Medicare

☆ A couple in their 30s who hit a net worth of over $1 million and retired early explains how they invest their money — and why they didn't max out their retirement accounts
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

About six months later, after doing their own research, they discovered low-cost index fund investing , a relatively low-risk and hands-off strategy that aims to match the returns of a specific market index. Putting their money to work in stock market index funds helped them reach their current net worth of just above $1 million — but it’s not their only investment. BI verified their net worth by looking at investment account screenshots and property appraisal documents. Bond market index funds“While stocks and rental real estate can generate high returns, they’re also volatile,” they write. “To smooth out the ride, we hold bonds.”Specifically, they hold the Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund ( BND ).

Persons: Lauren, Steven Keys, “, ” Steven, Steven, we've, it’s, ”, they’re, Keys, “ It's, Roth IRAs, Roth Organizations: Business, Vanguard, Market Index, Index, ” Employees, HSAs Locations: Gainesville , Florida, We're

☆ A couple in their 30s hit a $1 million net worth by saving and investing most of their 5-figure incomes. They share the strategies that helped them live on $26,000 a year without feeling deprived.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-07 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Read previewWhen Lauren and Steven Keys landed their first full-time jobs, they were earning well below the national average. Courtesy of Lauren and Steven KeysBetween 2013 and 2015, the Keys say they saved over $100,000 . Courtesy of Lauren and Steven Keys"It's not just gas," said Steven, who biked to work so Lauren could use the car for her commute. "You don't have to pay for insurance on the second car, you don't have to pay for maintenance or repairs or tires. While they don't work traditional 9-to-5 jobs, they have a variety of revenue streams that more than sustain their lifestyle.

Persons: —, Lauren, Steven Keys, Steven, Lauren didn't, Keys, It's, They've, They're, they've, we're, we've, there's Organizations: Service, Business, BI, University of Florida, Walmart, Costco, Aldi, Sam's, paychecks Locations: Gainesville, Orlando, San Francisco, Publix, Gainesville , Florida, Hawaii

Filing your taxes early means you have more time to make last-minute retirement account contributions. Finishing your taxes early also gives you time to plan ahead for next year. But as a financial planner, I always recommend getting them done as early as possible. Even if you're not a freelancer, filing early can ensure you get your return early or have more time to pay your bill. Plus, evaluating my latest tax return early gives me a game plan for next year's liability.

Persons: —, I've, Uncle Sam, You'll, That's Organizations: Service, IRS

You don't have to be wealthy to start investing — $100 is a perfectly fine amount to tuck away. We asked five financial planners how best to invest that $100 and they suggested Roth IRAs and more. To prove this, Insider spoke with five certified financial planners, each offering advice for how they'd invest a simple $100. Fill your health savings accountFrank McLaughlin, a financial planner with Merriman, agrees with Botto that a Roth IRA is the best place to invest $100. "If you're looking to invest in your future, what future do you want to invest in?"

Persons: Roth IRAs, —, you've, Wesley Botto, Botto, Roth, Cynthia Meyer, Meyer, Frank McLaughlin, Merriman, McLaughlin, Get, Tania Brown, Brown, it's, Laurie Nardone, Shira Organizations: Service, Films, Cornerstone Financial, IRS, Invest, Real, SEC, SaverLife, Wealth Management

☆ HSAs are a 'powerful, yet underutilized' financial tool, says CFP—how to take advantage during open enrollment
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-20 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

But as you're considering your options, financial advisors would like to make sure that you're taking one crucial financial tool into account. If your employer offers a high-deductible health plan (those with deductibles of at least $1,500 for individuals or $3,000 for families), those who enroll in it gain access to a health savings account. Some 81% of accountholders keep HSA money in cash, according to a recent survey from the Plan Sponsor Council of America. "This feature positions HSAs not just as a tool for current medical expenses, but as a strategic component in long-term financial planning." Under this convention, you'd pay for medical expenses out of pocket in the short-term in order to reap the benefits of long-term compounding growth.

Persons: Sean Lovison, HSAs, whatever's, Michelle Fait, you've Organizations: of America, Investments, Fidelity, Satori Financial Locations: Moorestown , New Jersey, Seattle , Washington

☆ Tax-advantaged accounts can help you save on health-care costs—here's how HSAs and FSAs differ
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-14 | by ( Kamaron Mcnair | In Kamaronmcnair | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts are both tax-advantaged financial tools that can help you save money on your medical expenses. Some FSA funds may roll over into the new year, but it depends on your plan sponsor, according to FSAStore. If you invest your HSA funds, the earnings are also tax-free, giving HSAs a triple tax advantage. "Your HSA custodian doesn't micromanage your HSA expenses like they will your FSA," Rhinehart says. She says it's a good idea to keep receipts when you use your HSA funds just in case you're ever audited.

Persons: FSAs, Charlene Rhinehart, Rhinehart, HSAs, they'll, doesn't Organizations: CNBC, Fidelity, Internal Revenue Service Locations: FSAStore

☆ Three tips to maximize benefits during open enrollment
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-08 | by ( Chris Taylor | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

More than two out of three employees (67%) spend less than 30 minutes reviewing benefits options during open enrollment season, while almost half spend less than 20 minutes, a new Voya Financial survey shows. To get enrollment over with quickly, more than 90% of employees click the same options as last year, a new report by insurer Aflac shows. Compound that figure from enrollment every November, and you can see how your options can create a solid financial future or a shaky one. "Open enrollment isn't just a formality. After all, things might have changed since the previous open enrollment.

Persons: Eric Thayer, Sean Lovison, Jack Heintzelman, Spenser Liszt, Liszt, Nate Black, Black, it's, Chris Taylor, Lauren Young, Richard Chang Organizations: Macy's, of Labor Statistics, Employers, Employees, Thomson Locations: New York, Moorestown , New Jersey, Needham Heights , Massachusetts, Dallas

☆ Here are some key open enrollment tips and strategies for employees
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( Annie Nova | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

Jimvallee | Istock | Getty ImagesOpen-enrollment workplace checklist ✔ Health insurance ✔ Savings and spending accounts ✔ Dental and vision plans ✔ Life insurance ✔ Disability insurance ✔ Retirement savings ✔ Beneficiary selection1. If your spouse has their own health insurance option at work, you'll want to both sit down and compare the different offerings. Many employees will notice that the health insurance plans offered by their company don't include dental and vision coverage. Consider life, disability insuranceDuring open enrollment, employees will typically also be presented with different disability and life insurance options. Short-term disability coverage is very limited, she said: "Everyone needs long-term disability coverage unless they have enough savings that they could basically retire if they can't work anymore."

Persons: Caitlin Donovan, Gruber, Jean Abraham, Warby Parker, Pat Greenhouse, Abraham, Donovan, you'll, Jonathan Gruber, Louise Norris, Norris, Carolyn McClanahan, McClanahan, Ryan Viktorin, Viktorin Organizations: Istock, Getty, Savings, Patient Advocate, University of Minnesota, Harvard, Boston Globe, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, IRS, Healthinsurance.org, Planning Partners, CNBC's, Pew Research Center, Partners, Fidelity Investments Locations: Cambridge , Massachusetts, Jacksonville , Florida

☆ Here are 4 ways health savings accounts can be used to pay insurance premiums
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

COBRA coverage typically allows consumers to keep the same health-care providers, but the coverage is often pricey. With COBRA coverage, however, individuals may have to cover the full premium, up to 102% of the cost to the plan. Premiums while on unemploymentHealth premiums paid by someone receiving unemployment compensation under federal or state law are also eligible. These might be premiums for COBRA or a health plan purchased over an Affordable Care Act marketplace, for example. Medicare beneficiaries don't have to pay their premiums directly with an HSA to get the benefit.

Persons: they'd, Carolyn McClanahan, it's, —, — aren't, McClanahan, There's, isn't Organizations: IRS, Affordable, Bank, Getty, Social Security Locations: Jacksonville , Florida

Our experts answer readers' investing questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess investing products). Then, know why you're investing, and understand the risk involved in any investment you make. As a certified financial planner, I speak with countless people who are new to investing. Whether you're a beginner or you've been investing for some time, watch out for these common investing mistakes. Before you dive in, be sure to cover the basics, understand the risk, and most importantly, have a plan.

Persons: —, you've, Roth, Roth IRAs, doesn't Organizations: Service

Doreen and Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez had a zero-dollar net worth in 2017. In 2017, Doreen and Lawrence had a net worth of zero dollars. Four years later, the couple had built a net worth of around $500,000, according to records viewed by Insider. "I think the first step is to use a tool like Personal Capital to pull up your net worth and acknowledge where you are," Lawrence said. "People should work on their soft skills because that's going to position them to interview better, so they can make more money," Lawrence said.

Persons: Doreen, Lawrence Delva, Gonzalez, —, Lawrence, They've, Gonzalezes, Read, Roth IRAs, lef, Lawrence's, Lawrence siad Organizations: Service Locations: Upper Marlboro , Maryland, Haiti, Marlboro , Maryland, Tallahassee , Florida

☆ This account is like an ‘extra strength’ Roth IRA, advisor says. Here's when to use it
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-19 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

That means a saver would generally rarely if ever pay tax on their HSA money, unlike retirement accounts such as a pre-tax or Roth IRA. Because health-care costs are "inevitable" in old age, the HSA functions like "an off-label account for retirement preparation," Vargas said. Anyone who can afford to do so should try to pay out of pocket for current health costs and allow HSA investments to grow, advisors say. The IRS counts qualified medical expenses as those generally eligible for the medical and dental expenses tax deduction. For example, if a saver has credit-card debt, paying that down would take priority over funding an HSA, McClanahan said.

Persons: Carolyn McClanahan, Vargas, Roth, HSAs, they'd, Luis Alvarez, McClanahan, Sabino Vargas Organizations: Maskot, Getty, Roth IRA, IRS, Digitalvision, Workers, Planning Partners, IRA, Vanguard Locations: Jacksonville , Florida

☆ Employee benefits season is coming. Prepare these tax-advantaged accounts for growth
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

An opportunity to maximize tax-favored growth in your investment account is around the corner: employee benefits season. But it's also prime time to check in on contributions to and the underlying investments in 401(k) plans, individual retirement accounts and health savings accounts, which can offer a bevy of tax benefits. Enter asset location, which involves positioning the assets with the highest growth prospects and yield for growth and tax efficiency. "And too many people in my opinion are unlikely to touch their retirement accounts for more than a decade, and yet a lot of it is in cash or cash-like investments." In contrast, tax-deferred retirement accounts could be split 80/20 for workers who are early to mid-career, McLoughlin said.

Persons: it's, Barry Glassman, Glassman, Sam, Roth, Roth IRAs, Brenna McLoughlin, McLoughlin Organizations: Wealth Services, CNBC's, Wealthstream Advisors

Learn about the best real estate investing apps »Get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in business, from Wall Street to Silicon Valley — delivered daily. Let's break down some of the myths around real estate as an investment that can mislead you — and in the process, show why real estate isn't a prerequisite for building assets. Real estate isn't always a good investment (or an investment at all)"Always" and "never" don't have a place in a savvy investor's vocabulary. You can invest in REITs, or real estate investment trusts. Start investing in realestate with a real estate investing platform »

Persons: We're, isn't Organizations: Service Locations: Wall, Silicon, Boston

☆ IRS reveals 2024 health savings account limits. What to know about the 'significant increase,' says advisor
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-19 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

The annual contribution limit for health savings accounts, or HSAs, will soon get a sizable boost due to inflation, the IRS announced this week. For 2024, the yearly limit for self-only HSA plans is rising to $4,150 from $3,850 in 2023, and the cap for family plans is jumping to $8,300 from $7,750. The catch-up contribution for savers age 55 and older remains at $1,000 each, bumping the total deposit limit for older savers to $10,300. It's a "significant increase" when compared to historic HSA inflation adjustments, according to Ashton Lawrence, a certified financial planner and director at Mariner Wealth Advisors in Greenville, South Carolina.

☆ A CFA says you could cost yourself six figures by investing in the wrong type of retirement fund — and explains how to maximize your returns
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( Laila Maidan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

While most investors focus on finding the right asset allocation for their retirement fund, Baker believes that asset location, or the type of fund you're using, is just as important. Fund fees can eat into your retirement savingsAnother key detail many investors miss is the fees associated with certain retirement funds. "Unless you want to read a 60-page prospectus, it's very difficult to find out what all of these mutual funds cost," Baker said. While you're still too young to adjust how you're allocating to your retirement fund, you may need to consider where you're allocating. If you needed to withdraw your income from your retirement fund last year, you took a loss on those withdrawals, Baker noted.

A health savings account is a savings vehicle that lets you put aside money for health costs. Retirees over age 65 can use HSA money for non-health costs. What is a health savings account? An HSA can be another way to invest for your futureAn HSA can also be an investment account. You'll also want to check for potential fees related to an HSA account.

☆ Jefferies says this under-the-radar health stock can rally nearly 30%
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-23 | by ( Pia Singh | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Jefferies reiterated HealthEquity as a buy on Wednesday, noting the company's favorable position in the health savings account market. Analyst Glen Santangelo placed a price target of $84 on the stock, suggesting shares stand to gain nearly 29% from Wednesday's close. HealthEquity shares gained 39% in 2022, but the stock is only up about 6% year to date. Although the stock has "seemingly fallen off investor's radar screens," Santangelo noted that the company is highly favored in the HSA market. "Most importantly, we believe that current consensus estimates underappreciate the impact of higher rates in [fiscal 2025 (calendar year 2024)].

☆ A couple in their 30s that paid off their $234,000 mortgage in 5 years and hit a net worth of over $1 million explain how they invest their money and why they only keep $10,000 in their checking accou
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-10 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Brennan and Erin Schlagbaum went from being deep in debt to a net worth of over $1 million. They also have two health savings accounts (HSAs), which let them contribute pre-tax dollars for health costs but can also be investment accounts and used to supplement their retirement accounts. Note that these accounts are called "taxable" because your investment income is subject to capital gains taxes. Accounts for their daughterBrennan and Erin have opened three investment accounts for their 16-month-old daughter: a Roth IRA, a brokerage account, and a 529 plan. The Schlagbaums have opened various investment accounts for their daughter.

☆ This savings account offers a 'triple tax benefit'—but 88% of users are missing out
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Traditional retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts, come with an upfront tax break. But a third type of account comes with tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth in your investments and tax-free withdrawals on certain expenses in retirement: health savings accounts. How health savings accounts workHealth savings accounts are only available to people enrolled in high-deductible health plans. But the HSA comes with some extra benefits. You're also allowed to invest your HSA money in stocks, bonds, exchange-traded funds and mutual funds.

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