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The Stealth IRA

Lively · March 13, 2018 · 2 min read

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The value of a 401k and an IRA cannot be understated. However, there is a clearly a limit on their tax advantages based on the annual contribution limits. On top of that, you are penalized if you want to use any of these funds before retirement.

If there was another way to supplement or add a new savings vehicle on top of traditional 401ks and IRAs, you could save more or create more tax advantageous decisions with your current savings. You can do that with what we like to call the stealth IRA – the HSA (health savings account).

The Value of an IRA (and 401k)

The savings value of an IRA (and 401k) is very clear.

  • Dedicated long-term savings

  • Tax-free contributions (for 401ks)

  • Tax-free growth of any investment returns

These retirement vehicles provide a clear path to save and invest for your future. Their tax structure just layers on more benefits to dedicate savings to these accounts. This is why 32% of American’s have a 401k and the average balance is $96,288. Even more, Americans are aware of their value. What if you want more options to save dedicated tax-free dollars for retirement?

The Stealth IRA (HSA)

If you want to add flexibility to your IRA (and 401k), you could consider adding an HSA to take advantage of their triple-tax savings. While an HSA by default is designed to created dedicated health savings, it can be used for anything not just medical expenses after the age of 65. In addition to the retirement savings options of an HSA, you can also use an HSA to pay for qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses today, for the just in case.

No mandatory distributions in retirement enhance the HSA savings value in retirement so your account can grow well into your 70s, 80s and 90s. In fact, the tax advantages of an HSA are greater than that of a 401k or IRA. Who knew?

Here are the  HSA eligibility and contribution details for your reference to see if you can add a stealth IRA, the HSA, today.

If you need more help with health savings decisions, check out our blog. We will make you a healthcare benefits expert in no time, without any extra work or effort on your end.

Lively

Lively

Lively is the modern HSA experience built for—and by—those seeking stability in the ever-shifting healthcare landscape. By harnessing modern innovation and deep industry expertise, Lively is committed to bridging today’s savings with tomorrow’s unknowns. Unlike traditional institutions hindered by bureaucracy, Lively’s commitment extends beyond initial set up to providing dedicated, ongoing support and education for every step. So each HSA can reach its maximum potential with minimal headache.

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Benefits

2024 and 2025 HSA Maximum Contribution Limits

Lively · May 9, 2024 · 3 min read

On May 9, 2024 the Internal Revenue Service announced the HSA contribution limits for 2025. For 2025 HSA-eligible account holders are allowed to contribute: $4,300 for individual coverage and $8,500 for family coverage. If you are 55 years or older, you’re still eligible to contribute an extra $1,000 catch-up contribution.

comparing hsa versus fsa

Benefits

What is the Difference Between a Flexible Spending Account and a Health Savings Account?

Lauren Hargrave · February 9, 2024 · 12 min read

A Health Savings Account (HSA) and Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) provide up to 30% savings on out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. That’s good news. Except you can’t contribute to an HSA and Healthcare FSA at the same time. So what if your employer offers both benefits? How do you choose which account type is best for you? Let’s explore the advantages of each to help you decide which wins in HSA vs FSA.

Benefits of HSA employer matching

Health Savings Accounts

Ways Health Savings Account Matching Benefits Employers

Lauren Hargrave · October 13, 2023 · 7 min read

Employers need employees to adopt and engage with their benefits and one way to encourage employees to adopt and contribute to (i.e. engage with) an HSA, is for employers to match employees’ contributions.

Disclaimer: the content presented in this article are for informational purposes only, and is not, and must not be considered tax, investment, legal, accounting or financial planning advice, nor a recommendation as to a specific course of action. Investors should consult all available information, including fund prospectuses, and consult with appropriate tax, investment, accounting, legal, and accounting professionals, as appropriate, before making any investment or utilizing any financial planning strategy.

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