Resolve to make the most of your HSA in 2018

2018 has arrived, which means many people are making resolutions for the upcoming year. Goals usually include things like losing weight, making new friends or saving money. Some of these resolutions will end before much progress is made (is eating a lot of broccoli really worth it?!), but there are some resolutions you can make that will benefit you now and in the future, especially with an HSA! Here are a few suggestions for HSA resolutions for 2018:

1. Contribute the maximum amount to your HSA

For 2018, the maximum amount an individual can contribute to their HSA is $3,450. For a family, that amount is $6,900. At first, it may seem hard to part with that amount of money on a yearly basis, but you are saving money on taxes¹ by contributing to your HSA. In addition, if you decide to grow your HSA funds through investing, you have the potential to increase² that amount even more.

2. Plan for retirement

HSAs can be an important and helpful part of your retirement plan.³ A recent report by HealthView Services estimated that a healthy couple can expect to spend $266,000 in medical expenses alone during their retirement. Because HSA funds can be carried over annually, the funds you contribute now can be saved all the way to your retirement and be used to pay for medical services during your "golden years." By planning today, you can set yourself up for a bright future.

3. Get organized

Keeping records, receipts and important documents well organized for easy retrieval is important with an HSA. During an audit, the IRS may ask you to prove that a certain payment you made from your HSA is a qualified medical expense.⁴ Being able to quickly access the receipt is much less stressful than scrambling to find it. HealthEquity makes it easy for accountholders to upload their receipts and documentation in the member portal or via our mobile app.

Conclusion

The upcoming year is a great time to make some HSA resolutions, and a few ideas for HSA resolutions that might work for you include contributing the maximum to your HSA, planning for retirement and getting organized. Do you have other HSA resolutions? Want to share other resolutions you are planning for the upcoming year? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

1. HSAs are never taxed at a federal income tax level when used appropriately for qualified medical expenses. Also, most states recognize HSA funds as tax-free with very few exceptions. Please consult a tax advisor regarding your state's specific rules.

2. Investments available to HSA holders are subject to risk, including the possible loss of the principal invested and are not FDIC insured or guaranteed by HealthEquity, Inc.

3. HealthEquity does not provide legal, tax, financial or medical advice.

4. It is the member's responsibility to ensure eligibility requirements as well as if they are eligible for the plan and expenses submitted. One should consult a tax advisor as individual factors and situations vary.