Ask HTM - iPhone Upgrades, Burden of the Gift Tax, & A Potential HSA ‘Gotcha’ #835
Jun 3, 2024
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Discussion includes who pays gift tax, managing old 401k, HSA reimbursed medical expenses, and affordable iPhone upgrades. Tips for personal finance like money gear, credit card selection, and reducing cell phone bills are shared. Also, a Danish Pilsner beer review is featured in this episode.
Understanding gift tax obligations when giving money to individuals is important for financial planning.
Consider rolling over old 401k funds into a low-cost traditional IRA to avoid high fees.
Ensure timely healthcare expenses incurred outside HDHP windows are still eligible for reimbursement through HSAs to maximize benefits.
Deep dives
Optimizing Career Skills for Future Success
Enhancing skills early on is crucial for future career success. AARP offers re-skilling courses in various fields, such as marketing and management, to ensure ongoing income potential. Taking steps today can lead to loving future work, making AARP's free skill-building courses a valuable resource for career development.
Exploring Potential Income with Airbnb Hosting
Consider utilizing your home on Airbnb to generate additional income. Even renting out a spare room can be a profitable venture while you are away. This flexible hosting option is simpler than expected, offering financial opportunities beyond traditional renting approaches.
Navigating 401k Rollover Options When Transitioning Jobs
When leaving an employer with a 401k balance, consider rolling over the funds into a low-cost traditional IRA to avoid high fees. Being proactive in this process is crucial as some employers may automatically roll over funds to less favorable accounts. Avoid cashing out the 401k to maintain a solid financial base for future investments.
Benefits of Health Savings Accounts
Health savings accounts are presented as a valuable investment tool, offering significant tax advantages and the ability to invest for the future without incurring taxes. They are highlighted as unique accounts that allow individuals to completely avoid taxes when used correctly, unlike other accounts in the United States. The flexibility of having multiple HSAs is emphasized, allowing individuals to maintain accounts regardless of job changes or healthcare plan variations.
Maximizing HSA Funds and Long-Term Benefits
The podcast delves into the long-term benefits of health savings accounts by exploring various scenarios where HSA funds can be used efficiently. Examples illustrate how funds accumulated over years can cover future healthcare expenses, including unexpected medical bills, without incurring taxes. By strategically leveraging HSA funds and allowing them to grow over time, individuals can maximize tax-free withdrawals, emphasizing the importance of patience and strategic planning for long-term financial health.
Let’s dive into the week with some fresh listener questions we have lined up for you! And don't just stand on the sidelines- if you have a question you’d like us to answer, toss your voice memo our way. It only takes about 90 seconds to record and you can find a step by step guide over at HowToMoney.com/ask . Regardless of how random or bizarre you might think it is, we want to hear it!
1 - Who is on the hook for paying gift tax when money is given away to an individual?
2 - What should I do with my old 401k as I’m starting a program that doesn’toffer a 401k?
3 - Are medical expenses that are incurred outside of a HDHP window still eligible to be reimbursed by an HSA?
4 - Where should I go if I’m looking to make an affordable iPhone upgrade?
Want more How To Money in your life? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:
Knowing your ‘money gear’ is a crucial part of your personal finance journey. Start here.
Sign up for the weekly HTM newsletter. It’s fun, free, & practical.
Find the best credit card for you with our new credit card tool!
Massively reduce your cell phone bill each month by switching to a discount provider like Mint Mobile.
During this episode we enjoyed a Danish Pilsner by Carlsberg! And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!