The Financial Advantage: Unveiling Why an HSA Outperforms a 401(k) by at Least 17% for Employees at The Southern Company

Healthcare Provider Update: The Southern Company's healthcare provider is generally managed through an employer-sponsored health plan, which typically relies on insurers such as Aetna or Cigna, although specific arrangements can vary. As we approach 2026, significant healthcare cost increases are anticipated due to a multitude of factors affecting the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. With some states projecting premium hikes of over 60%, the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies is expected to push monthly costs for many enrollees up by more than 75%. This unprecedented rise in premiums combined with ongoing inflation in medical costs, driven by higher hospital and drug prices, creates a complex financial landscape for consumers navigating their health insurance options in the coming year. Employers like The Southern Company may need to strategize effectively to mitigate the impact of these escalating costs on their employees' healthcare coverage and overall well-being. Click here to learn more

'The Southern Company employees looking to maximize their Retirement Savings should take full advantage of the unique triple tax advantage of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs),'' said Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

The higher HSA contribution limits for 2024 offer a tax-free way for The Southern Company employees to fund medical expenses in retirement, ''says Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article, we will discuss:

1. HSA Contribution Increases for 2024: Individual and family limits changed.

2. Triple Tax Advantage of HSAs: HSAs beat 401(k)s in tax savings.

3. HSA Benefits for Retirement: Long-term healthcare using HSAs.

The IRS just announced good news for A.O. Smith employees looking to grow their retirement accounts. From 2024 onwards, maximum contributions for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) will increase sharply. People will be able to contribute USD 4,150 and families USD 8,300 a year. The new limits are an enormous jump from the previous year's USD 3,850 for individuals and USD 7,750 for families. And anyone over 55 can contribute another USD 1,000 as a catch-up contribution, for a combined maximum of USD 5,150 and USD 10,300 for couples. This development gives A.O. Smith employees another way to build up retirement savings with HSAs.

For longtime savers, those adjustments are important because an HSA could outshine more traditional retirement savings vehicles like 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Financial coach and author Blake Hilgemann says, 'Every dollar in an HSA is worth at least 17.65% more than a dollar in a 401(k).' The arithmetic behind that claim is in the tax advantages HSAs provide. And unlike many other tax-advantaged retirement accounts, HSAs allow contributions and investment earnings to be tax-free if the withdrawals comply with account rules.

The tax advantages of HSAs outweigh traditional 401(k)s and IRAs, which pay a tax deduction on contributions before withdrawals during retirement. And early withdrawals before 59 1/2 add another 10% penalty. In contrast, HSAs offer a triple-tax advantage. Contributions are tax deductible, investments grow tax free inside the account, and qualified medical expenses can be withdrawn tax free.

Now you understand why Hilgemann emphasizes savings of 'at least' 17.65% with an HSA, since individuals in higher tax brackets can save much more by avoiding income tax. Today, earners above USD 578,125 are subject to the highest marginal federal income tax rate of 37%.

To use an HSA as a retirement savings vehicle, people must be enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) with USD 1,500 for self-only coverage or USD 3,000 for family coverage. Like flexible spending accounts (FSAs), HSAs allow pre-tax contributions from paychecks to fund healthcare costs. But unlike FSAs, HSAs lack a 'use it or lose it' provision and are therefore more nimble and able to accommodate different life stages.

A key component of an HSA besides the triple-tax savings is its flexibility throughout a person's life. At some point in life, 'Every American is going to be a spender or a saver for healthcare needs,' says Kevin Robertson, senior vice president and chief revenue officer of HSA Bank. This adaptability enables individuals to build strong tax-free retirement savings. It takes getting used to paying for healthcare out of pocket until you hit the deductible each year, but the long haul is worthwhile.

A.O. Smith employees with short-term healthcare costs can use HSAs to build tax-free retirement savings. Notably, the funds are tax-free if used for qualified medical expenses. Since medical bills likely will remain in retirement, HSAs provide a separate source for those expenses. A 65-year-old retired couple would need about USD 315,000 to cover healthcare in retirement by 2022, according to Fidelity.

And remember that medical expenses need not accompany withdrawals. Keeping digital copies of medical expense receipts over the years lets people withdraw funds tax-free in the future. For example, if you have 20 years of medical expenses saved and want to take a big vacation in retirement, you can take USD 15,000 out of your HSA and use the saved receipts to make the withdrawal tax-free.

Such reimbursement is simple and does not involve long bureaucratic processes or expense submissions. Kevin Robertson says, 'It's all self-substantiated. So it's between you and the IRS so long as you have receipts to support your claims if you get audited.'

In summary, rising maximum HSA contributions offer an excellent opportunity for A.O. Smith employees to take full advantage of their retirement savings. The triple-tax advantage HSAs provide may help them outperform traditional retirement accounts. Enrolled in a high-deductible health plan, people can take advantage of HSAs' flexibility throughout life. With short-term healthcare costs managed, individuals build tax-free retirement savings and allocate funds to cover medical costs. Withdrawals are tax-free and saved receipts can be used later, making HSAs appealing to long-term savers. Consider the huge benefits and potential savings HSAs can offer as retirement nears.

Financial coach Blake Hilgemann says an HSA is at least 17% better than a 401(k) because it offers different tax advantages. But new research from the Investment Company Institute (ICI) adds another compelling factor: Higher healthcare costs in retirement. Age increases healthcare costs, and retirees aged 65 and over pay far more than younger people for healthcare, according to the ICI's study published in May 2023. This finding supports the use of HSAs as retirement savings — a dedicated tax-free source to help pay for these rising healthcare costs later in life.

A high-powered engine in an HSA will crank out your retirement savings, and a 401(k) is a reliable car. Just picture it this way: A dollar you spend on an HSA is worth at least 17.65% more than a turbocharger. It means the dollar is equivalent to USD 1.18 in a 401(k). You get triple tax advantages with an HSA — just like you get in a top sports car with great acceleration, handling, and efficiency. You get tax-deductible contributions, tax-free investment growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses. Also — why take a regular ride when you can take an HSA on your way to a comfortable retirement?

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Sources:

1. Internal Revenue Service.   'Health Savings Account (HSA) Contribution Limits for 2024.'  IRS, 2024,  https://www.irs.gov/app/vita/content/00/00_10_005.jsp?level=a&utm_source=chatgpt.com . Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

2. SmartAsset.   'HSA vs. 401(k): What's the Difference?'  SmartAsset, Dec. 2024,  https://smartasset.com/retirement/hsa-vs-401k-2?utm_source=chatgpt.com . Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

3. Fidelity Investments.   'HSA Contribution Limits 2024 and 2025.'  Fidelity Investments, 2024,  https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/hsa-contribution-limits?utm_source=chatgpt.com . Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

4. HealthEquity.   'HSA Contribution Limits 2024.'  HealthEquity, 2024,  https://healthequity.com/hsa-contribution-limits?utm_source=chatgpt.com . Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.

5. Investopedia.   'Investing in Your HSA vs. Your 401(k).'  Investopedia, 2022,  https://www.investopedia.com/investing-in-hsa-vs-401k-5272337?utm_source=chatgpt.com . Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.