Use HSA or pay out of pocket?

Question:

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?

Response:

Paddy Hirsch May 3, 2013 Senior Editor, Marketplace
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