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Where to buy glasses online using insurance FAQsWhat is FSA/HSA? A FSA, or flexible spending account, is an account provided by your employer in order to save on taxes and pay for qualified expenses. An HSA, or health savings account, is a type of flexible spending account geared towards qualified medical expenses. By enrolling in a High Deductible Health Plan and opening an HSA, your monthly insurance premium is usually lower, while tax exempt dollars from your HSA pay for higher deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other health-related costs. When ordering glasses online, you'll be prompted for your PD, or pupillary distance.

Persons: Read, you'll Organizations: IRS

☆ Gen Zers can't always afford to have fun. Here's how I budget my $80,000 salary to save for a house and still enjoy my 20s.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-19 | by ( Charissa Cheong | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

It's not necessarily that I'm spending less money, but I'm way more intentional about how I spend it. But my generation has to choose between these things; having fun in your 20s is harder now. Sandke said she wants to enjoy her 20s and she builds fun activities into her budget. My savings also go toward fun things I'm looking forward to in the near future. I want to look back on my 20s and feel I was responsible with my money and had fun.

Persons: —, Emma Sandke, I've, It's, Sandke, Roth, I'm Organizations: Service, Business, Boston Locations: Boston

☆ How climate change is beginning to be built into employee pay and benefits
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-13 | by ( Trevor Laurence Jockims | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

There are some companies all-in, as a brand, in fighting climate change , such as Patagonia. So-called green perks, also referred to as climate change benefits, could help to bridge that gap. A rising, though still marginal trend in the job market, employee enticement and compensation packages tied to climate change can help to make these abstractions clearer and more actionable in the workplace. "There's a nascent but growing interest in climate change benefits," Schneider said, pointing out that Google searches for commuter benefits, as an example, are trending up. Green perks are a benefits arena where the demand would seem to outstrip supply, and green commuter benefits may be the first indication of a wider adoption wave.

Persons: enticement, WTW, Caroline Mangiardi, Mangiardi, Lauren Schneider, it's, Schneider, Mercer, Lizzy Kolar, Kolar, Kolar's Organizations: Walmart, Apple, Bank of America, Compt, CSR, employee's CSA, Fortune Locations: Bentonville , Arkansas, Patagonia, Bentonville —, Bentonville, employee's

☆ Don't overlook these 3 tax moves that could save you thousands, experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

It could also mean taking a few minutes to click around the deductions page on your tax software to make sure you're not leaving money on the table. Here are three tax moves that experts say people tend to overlook. If you didn't hit your maximum contribution for 2023, you can retroactively direct funds to those accounts for the 2023 tax year. If you have children or other dependents, for instance, your tax prep software will likely guide you to the Child Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Credit. "You're not going to enter something in wrong and the program's not going to give you the Child Tax Credit.

Persons: Mark Jaeger, Hunt, Jaeger, Ed deHaan, deHaan, de Haan Organizations: Child Tax, Care, American Opportunity, Tax, Stanford Graduate School of Business, Research Locations: TaxAct

☆ 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

Estate planning may not be a topic you want to think about, but it's essential for small-business owners. Estate planning is a very sensitive, emotional topic, but as a financial planner, I believe it's essential to discuss. Estate planning should be a top priority — especially for Black business owners seeking to build generational wealth and preserve their legacies. Digital estate planning documentA common blind spot in estate planning is the digital asset space. Digital estate planning will make it easier for your heirs to access your digital assets as needed.

Persons: —, doesn't Organizations: Service

☆ 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

☆ You'll soon be able to get birth control without a prescription. Here's what you need to know.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

It is the first hormonal birth control available for retail and will expand access. Prescription-free birth control will expand accessThe introduction of Opill to family planning aisles will lower barriers to birth control. Since Opill is available without a prescription, people will no longer have to pay a doctor or pharmacist to access hormonal birth control. She urged policymakers to make sure non-prescription birth control is covered by insurance and assistance programs. AdvertisementProgestin-only birth control also carries a risk of ectopic pregnancy and can increase a person's risk for breast cancer, regardless of medical history.

Persons: —, Opill, Victoria Nichols, Nichols, Dr, Tania Serna Organizations: Amazon, Walgreens, CVS, Target, Walmart, Service, US Food and Drug Administration, Guttmacher, Guttmacher Institute, Affordable Care, Kaiser Family Foundation, The American College of Obstetricians, OB, University of California Locations: San Francisco

☆ I'm a certified financial planner and tax reporter at CNBC. How I tackle my own retirement tax planning
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Now, as a tax reporter for CNBC, I focus on tax strategy all year, including how retirement contribution decisions may affect long-term plans. Pretax vs. Roth retirement contributionsOne of the biggest questions from investors is whether to save money into a pretax or after-tax Roth account. Early in my career, I focused on Roth savings, which made sense with lower income and decades until retirement. I've prioritized my employer match with pretax and Roth 401(k) deferrals, while also making Roth individual retirement account contributions. There's also a small nest egg in my health savings account, which I added to during my years of self-employment.

Persons: Seksan, I've, Ashton Lawrence, Roth, you'll, pretax, There's, JoAnn May Organizations: CNBC, CFP, Mariner Wealth Advisors, Asset Management Locations: Greenville , South Carolina, Berwyn , Illinois

☆ You can now file your taxes directly to the IRS for free — if you live in 1 of these 12 states
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Dominick Reuter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The IRS' much-anticipated free tax filing software is now online. Direct File is in a pilot phase and available for "simple" tax returns for 2023. For now, the tool is limited to taxpayers who lived in one of 12 states last year. The much-anticipated Internal Revenue Service software — aptly named Direct File — opened as of Wednesday in a pilot phase ahead of its wider public launch in mid-March. While it's free to sign up, there is a catch: to file using the tool, taxpayers must have been a resident of one of 12 states for all of 2023 and not have income from any other state.

Persons: —, Taylor Swift, aren't Organizations: IRS, Service, Revenue Service, Arizona California Florida Massachusetts Nevada New Hampshire New, Account Locations: Arizona California Florida Massachusetts Nevada New Hampshire, Arizona California Florida Massachusetts Nevada New Hampshire New York South Dakota Tennessee Texas Washington Wyoming, Arizona , California , Massachusetts, New York

☆ Fidji Simo, Instacart
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Cnbc.Com Staff | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Starting last year, profitability became a more consistent story for the largest online grocery marketplace in North America, with millions of monthly active orderers and Instacart+ members. The company says it has now delivered over one billion orders across its 85,000-store network encompassing 1,500 retail partners. "There were a lot of questions about whether Instacart would be just another pandemic fad," CEO Fidji Simo told CNBC . Simo, who took the top role at the company in 2021 and launched the Instacart Health delivery service in 2022, has made health care a personal passion. "Patients often go through years-long diagnostic odysseys, bouncing around from specialist to specialist with no one looking at the whole picture," Simo wrote on her LinkedIn.

Persons: Fidji Simo, Instacart, NBCUniversal's Peacock, Simo Organizations: Google, CNBC, Kroger, Costco, Amazon Prime, Paramount, Metrodora Institute Locations: North America

☆ A former US surgeon general says he went to the ER for dehydration and ended up with a $5,000 bill. He called the healthcare system 'broken.'
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-27 | by ( ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A former US surgeon general just got a taste of what frustrates countless Americans: a massive medical bill. AdvertisementAdams said his experience highlighted the exorbitant cost of medical care in the US and the lack of price transparency. AdvertisementIt's unclear why Adams' bill was so high since he said he hadn't received a breakdown of the charges. High-deductible plans have become more common as employers have shifted the cost of medical care to their workers. AdvertisementThe ER visit isn't Adams' first brush with an unexpected bill, and he fears it won't be the last.

Persons: Jerome Adams, Adams, Mayo Clinic didn't, Joe doesn't, hadn't, isn't Adams, That's, I've Organizations: Service, Mayo Clinic, Business, Kaiser Family Foundation, Peterson, Healthcare, Research, Mayo Locations: Scottsdale , Arizona

You get tax forms such as W-2s and 1099s from employers and financial institutions each year. "It's the [IRS] matching software that's the biggest, most consistent problem for taxpayers," said Bill Smith, national director of tax technical services at financial services firm CBIZ MHM. Since the IRS already has a copy of your tax forms, its software can easily flag missing forms, Smith explained. When to expect tax formsWhile many tax forms must be sent by Jan. 31, others won't arrive until mid-February or beyond. While most taxpayers will receive forms from their employers or financial institutions, some may not, especially for small amounts.

Persons: Bill Smith, CBIZ, Smith, Henry Grzes, Tom O'Saben, Jan, " Smith, O'Saben Organizations: IRS, American Institute of CPAs, National Association of Tax, NEC, SA

Many parents do try to anticipate and plan for the expected costs that come with raising a family like food and clothing, but other costs can come out of nowhere. Here are 4 unexpected expenses you should be aware of if you have a family or are planning on starting one:Advertisement1. Accidents and medical careFrom bicycle accidents as kids to car accidents when they start driving, children come with the potential for accidents. Raising a family may include broken bones, tonsil surgery, and appendectomies, kids can result in big medical bills. It's also best to start saving for college as early as possible, using a 529 plan or another savings account.

Persons: babysit, It’s, It's Organizations: Service, Brookings Institution, Business, IRS Locations: United States

☆ 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

☆ This startup is opening a mental health clinic that offers ketamine therapy. We got an exclusive look at the pitch deck it used to raise $5.4 million.
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Rebecca Torrence | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewVenture investment in mental health startups exploded in 2021. Being Health, an integrated mental healthcare company, is opening its first location, located in Manhattan's Financial District. Services like ketamine infusions and acupuncture will have to be administered in person, but others, like nutrition counseling, will have a virtual option, Sharma said. "When it comes to this novel approach to addressing mental health, you can't do that with telehealth." See the 17-slide pitch deck mental health startup Being Health used to raise $5.4 million in seed funding.

Persons: —, Allie Sharma's, Sharma, Janssen, Haim Dabah, Dabah Organizations: Service, Business, Financial, HDS, FDA, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Being Health, Services, HDS Capital Locations: New York, New York City

☆ I finally got smarter about my money in my 30s. Here's how I've avoided lifestyle creep.
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-22 | by ( Jules Rogers | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Jules Rogers started earning more money in her 20s when she combined full-time work and freelancing. Although she was making more money, she also bought her first house and had to keep expenses low. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementAs a 31-year-old, I'm approaching how I spend my money differently than I did in my 20s. AdvertisementHere's how my budget differs in my 30s compared to my 20s and the strategies I use to avoid lifestyle creep.

Persons: Jules Rogers, —, we're, We're, resealing grout, I've, creamer, it's, It's Organizations: Service Locations: Portland , Oregon

☆ There is still time to reduce your tax bill or boost your refund before year-end. Here are some moves to consider, experts say
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-03 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Vesna Andjic | E+ | Getty ImagesWith roughly one month left in 2023, there's still time to reduce your tax bill or boost your refund, experts say. In 2018, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act nearly doubled the standard deduction, slashing the number of filers who itemized. Make the most of your tax bracketBefore completing a year-end strategy that adds to your income, you should see if you can afford to "run up the income tax brackets," Dietz said. Pretax IRA contributions : You can still make up to $6,500 in pretax IRA contributions ($7,500 for age 50 and older) for 2023, which may offer a deduction. However, you need to check IRA tax break eligibility first.

Persons: Vesna Andjic, there's, Akeiva Ellis, deferrals, Ellis, Robert Dietz, Dietz, It's, Louise Cochrane Organizations: Vanguard, Taxpayers, Bernstein Private Wealth Management, — Locations: Boston, Minneapolis, Alameda , California

☆ Here are some last-minute options to spend down your flexible savings account ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ funds
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-01 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

It's common for workers to not know what their employer's FSA rules are. Stock up on over-the-counter medications The CARES Act of March 2020 removed prescription requirements to use FSA funds for many over-the-counter medicines. Buy certain skin care products You can use your FSA savings for eczema-approved creams and lotions. Plan ahead for a new baby New and expectant parents can use their FSA funds for baby products such as diaper rash cream, baby breathing monitors and baby sunscreen. How to use FSA funds wisely

Persons: Tom Werner, Digitalvision, Carolyn McClanahan, Jake Spiegel, you've Organizations: Getty, Planning Partners, CNBC's, Research, CNBC, Invest, Garmin, IRS Locations: Jacksonville , Florida

With his rental earnings and increased salary, Vij was able to buy more rental properties in southern Ontario. Investing in rental propertiesVij's first rental property was a two-story detached home with seven rentable rooms, two miles away from McMaster's main campus. Otherwise, whatever money Vij made from his job and rental property went straight into savings for more rental properties. "I want to own as many assets as possible that generate cash flow and use any extra cash to buy more assets." In 2023, Vij broke even on his rental properties.

Persons: Karun Vij, Vij, —, I'd, Karun, Jeremy Applebaum, I'm, Seema, Vij Vij, He's Organizations: CNBC, aha, McMaster University, McMaster, Fortune, Fiverr Savings, Spotify, Amazon Prime, Google, Walt Disney Locations: Hamilton , Ontario, Canada, McMaster's, Cambridge, Ontario, Chicago, Brampton , Ontario, Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, Milton , Ontario, Windsor , Ontario

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

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