Should I max out my IRA or HSA?
Asked by: Dr. Braulio Nicolas | Last update: November 25, 2023Score: 4.9/5 (18 votes)
HSAs and Roth IRAs are both great options to help you achieve your goals. If you qualify for both HSA and a Roth IRA, then it may be worth maxing out both if you can. If you do have to choose between an HSA or a Roth IRA, then HSAs potentially have more advantages. HSAs have a triple-tax advantage.
Should I max out my HSA or Roth IRA first?
As such, once you've got 100% of your employer's match and maxed out your eligible HSA contributions, most savers would likely be best served by then maxing out their eligible Roth IRA contributions – $6,500 if under 50 in 2023. Note, there are income restrictions on who can contribute to a Roth IRA.
Is it smart to max out your HSA?
Max out your contributions if you can
The more you can contribute, the more you can benefit from the HSA's potential triple tax advantages1. Keep in mind: you don't lose any unspent funds at the end of the year. Your HSA can be used now, next year or even when you're retired.
Should I max out my 401k or HSA first?
To summarize, when prioritizing long-term savings while enrolled in HSA-eligible healthcare plans, I would strongly suggest that the order of dollars should go as follows: Contribute enough to any workplace retirement plan to earn your maximum match. Max out your HSA (See Contribution Limits Below).
Why is HSA better than IRA?
If you have an HSA, you get a triple tax benefit. With an IRA you get a tax deduction on the amount you put into your plan and it grows tax-deferred. When you withdraw that money, you pay taxes on it no matter the use. With an HSA, you can withdraw that money, similar to an IRA or 401(k), but you get to do it tax-free.
Should You Max Out Your Roth IRA or HSA?
Why not to choose HSA?
The Downside of HSAs
HSAs might not make sense if you have some type of chronic medical condition. In that case, you're probably better served by traditional health plans. HSAs might also not be a good idea if you know you will be needing expensive medical care in the near future.
What is the downside of investing in HSA?
The main downside of an HSA is that you must have a high-deductible health insurance plan to get one. A health insurance deductible is the amount of money you must pay out of pocket each year before your insurance plan benefits begin.
Why not to max out 401k?
Potential Downsides of Maxing Out a 401(k)
Some investors may not have the cash flow to deduct the maximum contribution from their paychecks. They may need to use their earnings for necessary expenses before saving the maximum for retirement.
Should I invest 100% of my HSA?
Try to invest as much of your HSA money as possible while ensuring that you keep enough cash to cover your qualified medical expenses. Consider where your other retirement plans are invested as well to make sure that your HSA investments provide diversification. Avoid taking out funds from your HSA as much as possible.
Why HSA is the best retirement account?
Unlike other types of tax-advantaged retirement accounts, HSA contributions and investment earnings are never taxed, provided you follow the rules when withdrawing from the account. That means you avoid paying income tax on your withdrawals, which, at current rates, is at least 10%.
How much is too much to have in HSA?
If you're covered by an HSA-eligible health plan (or high-deductible health plan), the IRS allows you to put as much as $3,850 per year (in 2023) into your health savings account (HSA). If you're contributing to an HSA, and on a family HDHP, the maximum amount that you can contribute is $7,750 per year (in 2023).
How much should I have in my HSA at retirement?
According to the Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate, an average retired couple age 65 in 2022 may need approximately $315,000 saved (after tax) to cover health care expenses in retirement. Even if you don't have an HSA, it may be prudent to set aside certain assets just to pay for health care.
What happens if you have too much money in HSA?
If you contribute too much money to your health savings account (HSA), you may face additional taxes and penalties. But you can avoid a tax penalty by withdrawing the total amount of excess contributions from your HSA before the tax deadline.
Which account should I max out first?
Contributing as much as you can and at least 15% of your pre-tax income is recommended by financial planners. The rule of thumb for retirement savings says you should first meet your employer's match for your 401(k), then max out a Roth 401(k) or Roth IRA.
Should you roll over an IRA to an HSA?
The main advantage of an IRA-to-HSA rollover is that the funds, if taken from a traditional IRA, will end up in a more tax-advantaged account because HSAs are "triple tax-free" (no tax on contribution, growth, or qualified withdrawal).
What is the order of maxing retirement accounts?
- Step 1 - Save in Your 401k (Up To The Match) ...
- Step 2 - Save The Max In Your IRA. ...
- Step 3 - Continue To Max Your 401k Contributions. ...
- Step 4 - Max Your HSA. ...
- Step 5 - Side Hustle And Do A SEP IRA.
Can you use HSA for dental?
You can also use HSAs to help pay for dental care. While dental insurance can help cover costs, an HSA can also help cover any out-of-pocket expenses resulting from dental care and procedures.
What happens to my HSA when I retire?
One benefit of the HSA is that after you turn age 65, you can withdraw money from your HSA for any reason without incurring a tax penalty. You are, however, subject to normal income tax on any non-qualified withdrawals.
How much should I have in my HSA before investing?
Investments cover future healthcare costs and build your retirement savings. You may begin investing once you have a minimum of $1,000 in your HSA cash account. HSA funds above that amount can be transferred to your investment account.
What percentage of people max out their 401k?
In 2021, roughly 14% of investors maxed out employee deferrals, according to 2022 estimates from Vanguard, based on 1,700 plans and nearly 5 million participants.
What should 401k be at 32?
How Much Should You Save for Retirement? By age 30, you should have one time your annual salary saved. For example, if you're earning $50,000, you should have $50,000 banked for retirement. By age 40, you should have three times your annual salary already saved.
When should I stop maxing out my 401k?
Whether you should max out your 401(k) depends on your finances and your individual situation. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, because your salary, expenses, and financial priorities all play a part in whether you can and should contribute the full amount before the end of the year.
Can I lose my HSA money?
What's more, unlike health flexible spending accounts (FSAs), HSAs are not subject to the "use-it-or-lose-it" rule. Funds remain in your account from year to year, and any unused funds may be used to pay for future qualified medical expenses.
How do I know if I Overcontributed to my HSA?
If you contribute to your HSA plan directly, your contribution amount will be included on Form 5498-SA, which is issued by the plan custodian/trustee. Next, you will need to contact your employer and/or plan administrator to notify them that an over contribution has occurred and inform them of the amount.
How much does the average person have in an HSA account?
What Is the Average HSA Balance By Age? The average HSA balance for a family is about $7,500 and for individuals it is about $4,300. This average jumps up to $12,000 for families who invest in HSAs.