I moved to my companies high deductible plan this year. I typically have very few medical expenses and this was also a great way to add to my retirement as I already max out my 401k contributions and I also maxed out my HSA contributions. I am in a position that I can pay my expenses without going into my HSA or other savings. I already have 9 months living expenses in a saving account, so this would not take away from money that would go to my safety net. If I am considering my HSA as a way to save for retirement, it seems to me I would want to minimize withdraws and let the amount accumulate into retirement. Do I pay with the HSA withdrawing money from a tax deferred account to pay the bills and invest the money not used in another investment? Or do I pay out of pocket and leave the money where it is safely tucked away for major medical expense or retirement?

My husband and I are striving to "semi-retire" in about 10 years at the age of 40, where both of us will drop to working part time (20 hrs a week) until age 65. We have a "rainy day" fund of about $28,000, and currently feel very secure with our 401(k) and Roth IRA savings plans, but we don't want to take the penalty that goes along with withdrawing these funds before age of 59-1/2 years old. We are now trying to figure out the best place to save the money that we will need to live between age 40 and age 65. The options we have considered so far are a money market account, investing in index funds or a "safe" mix of mutual funds and stocks. What is the best way to save/grow our money? Thank you for your advice!

I'm graduating with a BS in Chemical Engineering this year. I have a job lined up in the Twin Cities, MN where I will be working for a company I love and finally making money to pay off student loans (salary ~$55,000/yr before taxes). My question to you is: how should I be handling my money while working? I will be renting for a few years before (hopefully) having enough saved up to put a down payment on a home. Realistically, what portion of my salary is appropriate to spend on living during these few years, and how much should I be saving for my home down payment? How quickly should I be paying off student loans? Is this an area that should take priority over others? How much money should I then be putting away? Retirement plans, investments, emergency funds, etc. How much should I try to save for "fun" things? A new road bike, baseball games, travel, etc. Are there other areas that I'm also completely neglecting when considering this? I haven't had much experience with finances, and I'm really looking for all the help I can get! Any advice would be great. Bear in mind, I grew up a farm boy, so luxury/expensive hobbies/etc. are not a part of my background. I would just like to live comfortably and plan appropriately for the future. Let me know what you think and if there's any advice you have for a guy finally getting out into the real world. Thanks!

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Your most recent program discussed the amount and kind of emergency funds needed for people working. My question is what those of us who are retired should consider for emergency funds. William, Schenectady, NY