There is so much that we can’t control, and it’s easy to focus on those things and feel helpless to stop them. But in this...
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We love answering questions from Federal Employees about their benefits. Our passion for financial planning with Federal Employees has provided us with a unique insight into questions that are often times top of mind for Federal Employees.
When Federal Employees ask us questions we take note of them. Often, we find that when one Federal Employee asks us a question there are so many others who want to know the answer too.
At FERS Federal Fact Check, we dedicate this section to answering some of the most common questions that Federal Employees have about their benefits.
Here is what we recently received,
A health savings account (HSA) is tax-advantaged savings account an individual or family. These accounts are designed to allow you to pay for qualified medical expenses on a pre-tax basis using the funds that you have accumulated in the account.
To be eligible for an HSA you must be in a qualified high-deductible health plan (HDHP) and they have an annual contribution limit. If you are not in a High Deductible Health Plan, you cannot participate in an HSA plan.
The IRS adjusts both the guidelines for HDHPs and the contribution limit every year.
Health Savings Account holders can contribute $3,500 for an individual and $7,000 for a family per year in the year 21.
HSA holders 55 and older get to save an extra $1,000 as a “catch up” contribution. These contributions are 100% tax deductible from gross income for those who qualified to have an HSA.
HSA’s were created in 2003 so that individuals covered by high-deductible health plans could receive tax-preferred treatment of money saved for medical expenses.
HSA’s are 100% your funds… even in retirement.
They should be.
If you have a High Deductible Health Plan and are able to contribute to an HSA plan every year, you should. This not only provides potential tax benefits but it also allows you to accumulate funds within the account for use later.
To date, an HSA plan does not have an expiration date in which you have to use the funds. Imagine if you continually contribute to the account while you are young and able to afford health care from cash flow. In doing so you would allow the funds to accumulate. Later in life when your health may warrant needing funds you will have a nice savings account dedicated to this expense.
If you do not use the funds for medical purposes, you can still withdrawal them. However, in doing so you will be subject to taxes and potential penalties for doing so.
100% of the questions that we address in FERS Federal Fact Check come from Federal Employees.
If you have a question, let us know!
All questions remain anonymous.
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If you need more, specific advice please make sure that you reach out to us to let us know how we can help.
“Is there a reason why you did not include the MRA+10 in the group below when speaking about qualifying for FEHB? I thought that this group would also be qualified
“I am 66 and currently a full time federal employee. I have a two children under the age of 26. I would like to continue to provide them coverage under
“I plan to retire in the next few months from USPS and take my health insurance with me. I am debating signing up for Medicare Part B and have Medicare
HSA Plan Basics Health Savings Plans (HSA) are a powerful savings tool that could work in conjunction with your health plan if you participate in a High Deductible Health Care
Get the most out of your federal retirement benefits by taking advantage of the FERS resources created by Micah Shilanski, CFP®, and the team of independent financial advisors at Shilanski & Associates, Inc. Join the thousands of federal employees who trust us to guide them in their retirement planning journey because of our unique perspective of how your FERS benefits contribute to your comprehensive financial plan.
Year after year I see Federal Employees missing the same critical concepts in their federal retirement planning. That’s why I’ve created an online workshop to help educate Federal Employees on these critical concepts.
Advisory services offered through Shilanski & Associates, Inc., an Investment Adviser doing business as “Plan Your Federal Retirement”. Plan Your Federal Retirement is not employed by the United States Federal Government and does not represent the United States Federal Government. All content on this site if for information purposes only. This website is not personalized investment advice. Securities investing involves risks, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment plan or strategy will be successful. Please review our Customer Relationship Summary (Form ADV Part 3) for important information about our services and fees.
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Shilanski & Associates, Incorporated, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, and no representations are made by our firm as to other parties, informational accuracy, or completeness. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant, or legal counsel prior to implementation.
Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any forward-looking statements or opinions provided will prove to be correct. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principle. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.
7 CLASSIC RETIREMENT MISTAKES Federal Employees Make
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7 CLASSIC RETIREMENT MISTAKES Federal Employees Make
Your privacy is our top priority, and we promise to keep your email safe! For more information, please see our privacy policy.