shawnreeder - Thanks for bringing this up Melissa. I'm curious and want to look into it. Sounds interesting.

Karen Mikols - Yeah, these ROCK! I find it valuable for me! :-) Way to think of the non-biz stuff that is NOT sexy to think about/talk about, but essential!

Larry Bartel - Check your plan carefully. My understanding is that your monthly premium does not go into your HSA (at least it doesn't in the plan I'm in). Your monthly premium is for the insurance that covers you after you spend your deductible each year. So you have to save beyond what you put into your premium. But those savings reduce your tax burden and accrue interest tax free, which is great!

Angie VanDaele - Good decision. Now watch what happens when you go to a doctor and tell them you will be paying cash for the visit. No paperwork, waiting for insurance payment etc. They usually drop their fee by 30-50%. I love my HSA. I feel like I am in charge.

star8278 - I have one through my work and its the smartest thing I ever did. Even though its still money out of my paycheck initially, it feels like a great free handout when you get to use it. Everytime I write a check for a Rx or send in a claim for cold medicine, getting that reimbursement is awesome!! We also can get flexible spending accounts for long term care and dependent care.

Matt Nicolosi - ugh, I think my aorta ruptured just thinking about this. Thanks for the post. In prepping to cut the corporate umbilical cord with cushy benefits, this has been one of my biggest concerns. Thanks for the info on this.

Janice - While it might not be fun, it'll lead to more money in your pockets for you to spend on whatever fun thing you want. And it's great that you're sharing your insights to help others benefit from them. Congrats and good luck!