HSA

Rocks balanced

Which would you choose: FSA or HSA?

Not long after I figured out that I would pass the HSA testing period, I received an interesting and oblique note from my HR department. Paraphrasing here, it said that in the new year they would be evaluating the current … Read MoreRead More

Japanese Classroom

How I passed the HSA testing period

Last year, when I started my new job, I was given two options for health care: bad and worse. I went from having access to an “A1” and “B1” plan to a “B3” and “C3” plan. Without even knowing the … Read MoreRead More

See saw

The HSA testing period might have less downside than I thought

If you have an HSA (Health Savings Account)—and if you’re eligible, it’s probably a good idea to have one—you still have time to make your contributions count toward last year. Since HSAs are a great financial deal (only offset by … Read MoreRead More

Ouija board

The HSA “testing period”: The Sophie’s Choice of health care costs

Last time, I talked about the maximum contribution you can make to a Health Savings Account (HSA) each year. Contribute any more, and you pay a steep penalty. We don’t want to do that, but we do want to contribute … Read MoreRead More

Crayons

How much can you contribute to an HSA?

I have a pretty uninspiring health care plan. I guess you don’t appreciate what you have until you no longer have it. My previous job had excellent health care. Both medical and dental were top notch and cost next to nothing. I … Read MoreRead More

Medical files

Can you use an HSA to save for retirement?

Last time, I talked about the health savings account (HSA), and how it offers an unprecedented triple-tax advantage: the money you contribute for qualified medical expenses is tax-free, grows tax-free, and can be withdrawn tax-free. It’s like your own little shell … Read MoreRead More

Hats rodeo

The investment hat trick: The health savings account (HSA)

When I started my new job, one of the items on my list was to sign up for an FSA (flexible spending account). Now I’ve talked about the FSA before. An FSA is great, in that you can put money … Read MoreRead More