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Investing funds in HSA account

251 85 July 6, 2023 at 02:05 PM in Finance
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I have a decent amount of money built up in my HSA account with Optum financial. In talking to them they basically have 2 options as far as investment goes:

1. I can use Betterment (independent online investor firm) that will manage the funds on my behalf. In return they will charge me 0.5% on the total amount invested on an annual basis
2. I can invest on my own into Mutual funds. Looks like they have over 25 mutual funds from leading investment firms (I do not know much about mutual funds and not sure what goes into picking these.)

My question is 2-fold:

1. What are others doing with their HSA fund balance. Are you investing?
2. If I do decide to invest, I would like to go with betterment. Has anybody here heard about them? or Should I venture on my own?

I am planning on keeping emergency funds into my HSA account so that I have enough to cover medical expenses.

Thoughts?
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dealkk
07-07-2023 at 05:02 AM.
07-07-2023 at 05:02 AM.
I personally use options 2 with pay flex. I always keep about 1k-2k for medical, rest are go into fund. Fund really depends on risk level but i think most are stable fund in HSA.
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slicbrat
07-07-2023 at 05:59 AM.
07-07-2023 at 05:59 AM.
Quote from dealkk :
I personally use options 2 with pay flex. I always keep about 1k-2k for medical, rest are go into fund. Fund really depends on risk level but i think most are stable fund in HSA.
Is your HSA with Optum financial as well or another institution?
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dealkk
07-07-2023 at 06:27 AM.
07-07-2023 at 06:27 AM.
Quote from slicbrat :
Is your HSA with Optum financial as well or another institution?

Payflex
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Dr. J
07-14-2023 at 12:04 PM.
07-14-2023 at 12:04 PM.
We treat our HSA (technically DW's) as an IRA, meaning we do have medical expenses but I'm logging them. when she turns 65 the HSA is effectively an IRA, meaning you can still withdraw $$ for medical expenses (no tax) OR you can just take $$ out and pay regular income taxes.

That said I've been lazy and not chosen any kind of investment option. Not all HSA accounts offer investment possibilities (in fact that's basically why I chose the account I chose even though the fee is a bit higher). I consulted my FA about what to put the $$ in (about $60k now) and basically just neglected to do it. At least right now we're north of the account amount needed to clear the (flat) fee with regards to interest.
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slicbrat
07-14-2023 at 01:26 PM.
07-14-2023 at 01:26 PM.
Thats good to know! I have been doing more research and looks like there are several credit unions that offer HSA CD's. Its similar to any other CD except the money that you make in interest is also tax free. Planning on going that route instead of investing in MF's or other options. Hope this helps!
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zzyzzx
07-20-2023 at 05:53 AM.
07-20-2023 at 05:53 AM.
CD's or TBills. Normally TBills because CD's aren't paying more and I'm already accustomed to doing TBills in my taxable account and have a routine.

Obviously I'd prefer to actually invest some of it in a mutual fund, or something at some point.
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slicbrat
07-21-2023 at 11:32 AM.
07-21-2023 at 11:32 AM.
Can I do TBills with HSA funds?
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karrun
08-21-2023 at 05:21 AM.
08-21-2023 at 05:21 AM.
Quote from Dr. J :
We treat our HSA (technically DW's) as an IRA, meaning we do have medical expenses but I'm logging them. when she turns 65 the HSA is effectively an IRA, meaning you can still withdraw $$ for medical expenses (no tax) OR you can just take $$ out and pay regular income taxes.

That said I've been lazy and not chosen any kind of investment option. Not all HSA accounts offer investment possibilities (in fact that's basically why I chose the account I chose even though the fee is a bit higher). I consulted my FA about what to put the $$ in (about $60k now) and basically just neglected to do it. At least right now we're north of the account amount needed to clear the (flat) fee with regards to interest.

I'm puzzled as to why you would use the HSA for non-medical costs? Why pay tax on those funds when you can use them tax-free to pay medical expenses?
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jojan1
08-22-2023 at 08:22 AM.
08-22-2023 at 08:22 AM.
Quote from Dr. J :
I consulted my FA about what to put the $$ in (about $60k now) and basically just neglected to do it. At least right now we're north of the account amount needed to clear the (flat) fee with regards to interest.
What did your advisor recommend?
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F1Racer
08-22-2023 at 08:34 AM.
08-22-2023 at 08:34 AM.
Quote from slicbrat :
Can I do TBills with HSA funds?

Great question & yes you can:

https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/...p?t=374732
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