Starting January 1, 2026, about 10 million more Americans will become eligible to open Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)—thanks to new rule changes in the tax bill signed into law this July.

For years, HSAs were limited to individuals with high-deductible health insurance plans—mostly through employer coverage. But the new law broadens access to include people enrolled in certain Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans and other healthcare structures that were previously excluded.

This is the first major expansion since HSAs were introduced in 2003, and it could change the way millions of Americans manage medical costs and save for retirement.

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What Makes HSAs So Powerful?

HSAs offer a triple tax advantage:

1. Contributions are tax-free (or deductible if you contribute directly).

2. Earnings grow tax-deferred.

3. Withdrawals for qualified healthcare expenses are tax-free.

Even better—if you don’t use the funds for healthcare, the balance can continue growing like a 401(k), 

creating an extra cushion for medical expenses in retirement.

According to Kevin Robertson, Chief Growth Officer for HSA Bank, 

the average person will need between $150,000 and $250,000 for healthcare in retirement. 

“HSAs are the most powerful way to pay for those expenses because of their tax advantages,” he says.

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How HSAs Work for You

If your employer offers an HSA-eligible plan, you can make pretax contributions directly from your paycheck. Self-employed or marketplace enrollees can open an HSA through a financial institution and deduct their contributions when filing taxes.

Funds can be used to pay for a wide range of expenses—from doctor visits and prescriptions to dental, vision, and even some over-the-counter products.

And starting in 2026, more plans will qualify, giving millions more Americans the chance to build tax-free healthcare savings while preparing for long-term security.

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Takeaway

This expansion of HSAs is a major win for taxpayers and families managing healthcare costs. Whether you’re an employee, a business owner, or enrolled through the ACA marketplace, now is the time to 

plan ahead and take advantage of these new savings opportunities.

At The Franco Suarez Agency, we can help you understand how HSAs fit into your retirement, health, and tax planning strategy—so you can keep more of your money working for your future.

Let’s walk through the smartest strategies to pay off debt—and how you can create your own clear path to wealth and a better retirement.

How did he do it? No lottery wins. No big inheritance. No Silicon Valley start-up. Just smart, simple financial planning—the same kind that the Franco Suarez Agency offers to help everyday people outpace debt, reduce healthcare costs, and build a rock-solid retirement nest egg.

The Secret to Getting Ahead: It’s Not What You Earn, It’s What You Keep

Joe never made more than an average salary, but he understood a crucial financial truth: wealth isn’t about how much you make; it’s about how much you keep. He lived below his means, avoided unnecessary debt, and invested wisely.

Most people struggle financially because they’re drowning in debt, overpaying for healthcare, and saving too little for retirement. But like Joe, you can turn things around with the right financial strategies. Here’s how:

Step 1: Get Ahead of Debt—Before It Gets Ahead of You

Debt is like quicksand—the more you ignore it, the deeper you sink. But with the right strategy, you can climb out and stay ahead.

What Joe Did: He avoided high-interest debt, paid off what he owed quickly, and never let interest payments eat away at his future wealth.

What You Can Do:

Refinance smartly: If you have high-interest debt, consolidating or refinancing can save thousands.

Restructure payments: The Franco Suarez Agency helps clients create a customized plan to pay off debts earlier while minimizing interest.

Use debt strategically: Not all debt is bad! Joe leveraged low-interest investments to build wealth while keeping liabilities low.

Step 2: Cut Healthcare Costs Without Cutting Coverage

Joe knew that an unexpected medical bill could wipe out savings faster than bad stock picks. Instead of ignoring the rising cost of healthcare, he planned ahead.

What Joe Did: He chose cost-effective insurance plans and took advantage of employer benefits to keep healthcare affordable.

What You Can Do:

Optimize your healthcare plan: Don’t settle for expensive coverage when better options exist.

Use tax-friendly accounts: Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and employer-sponsored benefits can save you thousands.

Explore HRAs for business owners: If you run a business, an HRA (Health Reimbursement Arrangement) can help you and your employees cut healthcare costs significantly.

Joe didn’t just work hard—he made sure his money worked harder. He invested consistently, no matter what the market did.

What Joe Did: He focused on steady, long-term investments and avoided get-rich-quick schemes.

What You Can Do:

Start early, invest often: Even small investments grow over time, thanks to compound interest.

Reduce taxable income with smart financial tools: The Franco Suarez Agency helps clients use annuities, life insurance, and asset restructuring to maximize savings and minimize taxes.

Create a retirement ‘test drive’: Before buying a car, you test-drive it. Why not do the same for your retirement? The Agency offers Social Security Benefits Reports and Financial Retirement Plans to ensure you’re on the right track.

Joe didn’t have a magic formula. He just followed simple, time-tested financial principles. The best part? These strategies aren’t just for janitors—they work for anyone.

The Franco Suarez Agency specializes in helping people like you escape debt, lower expenses, and build lasting wealth. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your plan, we’ll help you take control of your financial future.

Borrowers take on debt because they have no choice.

Investors use debt strategically, even when they have the cash to pay it off.

If you have the ability to clear a debt at any time, you aren’t simply a borrower—you’re an investor. A mortgage is one such investment, and your equity decisions play a key role in your long-term financial strategy.

Housing vs. Stature

Your home, like your car, often says more about your social status than about your basic needs. While there’s nothing wrong with choosing a home that reflects your lifestyle, it’s important to acknowledge the "stature cost" that may come with stretching your budget for a property.

As a financial strategy, debt is not inherently bad or good—it’s simply a tool. The key is understanding whether your debt decisions align with your long-term goals.

Rent-vs-Own Resources

In the current economic climate, making an informed decision between renting and owning requires thoughtful evaluation. Before we discuss the best path for you, I encourage you to explore these resources:

1. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): Offers mortgage calculators, affordability guides, and financial literacy tools.

2. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Provides rental assistance programs and homebuyer education.

3. Local Housing Counseling Agencies: Certified advisors can help you understand budgeting, credit impact, and mortgage options.

Taking the time to research these resources will prepare you to ask better questions, making any consultation more valuable. If someone isn’t willing to invest that effort, they may not be ready to make a wise financial decision.

Final Thought

Housing costs are just part of living, like eating or driving. But understanding what portion of those costs relates to shelter versus social standing can help you make smarter financial choices. Whether you rent or own, remember that each decision is an opportunity to align your financial plan with your future goals.

If you're ready to make informed choices about your housing strategy, reach out to The Franco Suarez Agency. 

We'll help you turn your living expenses into an investment that works for you.