HSAs Shine Brightly in the Retirement Savings Universe

What’s so great about an HSA? Think, flexibility. HSAs are the heavyweights of tax-advantaged* accounts, enabling account holders to nimbly balance their need for immediate access to funds for qualified health expenses with long-term savings goals. They also effortlessly lift heavy tax burdens with tax-free contributions, interest and investment earnings. Even withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free!*

Savings Is My Middle Name

With savings built right into the health savings account’s name, it’s no wonder HSAs are strong components of the retirement planning constellation. But with so many different retirement account options, it’s easy to overlook the long-term potential of HSAs. Many account holders still use them as if they were flexible spending accounts that have to be used each year to avoid forfeiture of funds—a common misconception cured by ongoing education.

Different but Alike

One thing that’s common among all retirement saving choices is the opportunity to invest for additional growth potential. And it’s common knowledge you can invest in a 401(k), IRA and similar plans, it’s not widely known that you can also invest in an HSA (with tax free investment earnings).

After meeting the minimum balance requirements (usually $1,000), HSA account holders can invest funds, that exceed the required balance, into the HSA custodian’s available options. Most custodians offer a variety of investment options. And similar to a 401(k) plan, account holders can invest as little or as much as they want and can pause or change their investments any time. Unlike other retirement options, invested assets are available for withdrawal before retirement for eligible health care expenses, without penalty or taxes.

One thing to keep in mind is that, although the money in the cash portion of the HSA is interest bearing and protected by the FDIC, HSA funds that are invested are not guaranteed and could lose value, like a 401(k), IRA and other retirement vehicles.

Financial advisors play a pivotal role in counseling clients about if, when, how and how much money to invest—and developing an appropriate HSA investment mix that’s aligned with their other retirement accounts and overall financial goals.

Because One Size Won’t Fit All

These days, the workforce includes five generations. And all this diversity makes it unlikely that one retirement solution will work for everyone. Yet, even with all the options available, more choice doesn’t always lead to better outcomes—especially when not everyone has the same options or even understands those they have. The retirement accounts people are likely to have or choose will depend on their employment status, medical plan participation, career phase, and personal financial circumstances and goals.

Here too, financial advisors can play a key role in both helping people understand the retirement options available to them and in maximizing the potential of each.

Original post: Here.