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Brookdale Senior Living Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Brookdale Senior Living: Brookdale Senior Living collaborates with several healthcare providers to ensure that its residents receive comprehensive care. The primary healthcare partnerships include local hospitals, primary care physicians, and specialized geriatric care providers, facilitating a continuum of care that is essential for the elderly population. Brookdale's integrated healthcare approach helps address the diverse medical needs of its residents, providing services ranging from routine check-ups to specialized treatments. --- Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As we approach 2026, Brookdale Senior Living employees and residents may face significant healthcare cost increases. The anticipated rise in health insurance premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans, with some states reporting hikes over 60%, could lead to a drastic increase in out-of-pocket expenses. If enhanced federal premium subsidies expire as expected, nearly 92% of marketplace enrollees could see their premiums soar by over 75%. This shift highlights the need for Brookdale's community members to evaluate their healthcare plans and budgets carefully to manage these impending costs effectively. Click here to learn more

'Brookdale Senior Living employees with concentrated stock positions may benefit from thoughtful tax planning that allows for tax deferral while balancing liquidity, compliance, and long-term compounding,' Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Brookdale Senior Living employees who hold highly-appreciated stock may want to consider tax-efficient strategies that help mitigate their liabilities while aligning with their overall retirement goals,' Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

How taxes can affect investment returns, particularly on concentrated stock positions.
Exchange funds and options-based strategies as methods for tax deferral and diversification.
Alternative planning techniques outside ETFs, including charitable trusts and gifting strategies.

By Carlos Hernandez, Wealth Enhancement advisor

When it comes to driving portfolio returns, many investors aim to keep management fees low by investing in low-cost index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). While fees matter, however, the real culprit for lower-than-anticipated performance is taxes. ¹

Wealth Enhancement advisor Carlos Hernandez explains: 'By losing less to taxes each year, investors have access to more capital that can continue to compound over time. This makes tax deferral an important part of an effective financial plan.' Brookdale Senior Living employees looking for long-term growth strategies could benefit by understanding how to better manage their investment tax burdens.

Trade Money

One area where taxes can take a toll is on the sale of company stock or other concentrated investment positions. Brookdale Senior Living professionals looking to diversify could face significant capital gains taxes on an outright sale. One way to diversify without triggering immediate capital gains is through exchange funds. By contributing their highy-appreciated stock to a pooled fund, investors can trade their concentrated holdings for shares in a diverse basket of securities. This method can be used by Brookdale Senior Living employees who want to diversify while postponing taxable events.

Although this method allows for tax deferral, it also requires investors to hold the exchange fund for a period of time, typically seven years. ² This could create a challenge for investors who require liquidity. Additionally, these funds are often exclusively accessible to wealthy, accredited investors—something Brookdale Senior Living executives should carefully evaluate.

Funds Based on Options

Another way to mitigate taxes on the sale of highly-appreciated stock is by using options contracts. The idea is to hedge risk with put options while covering the cost of those puts by selling call options—a strategy called 'collaring'. From there, the strategy reverses, with investors selling put options and using the proceeds to buy call option on an equity or bond index. ³ If managed effectively, this helps to diversify a concentrated portfolio while still maintaining liquidity.

Given the complexity of this strategy, meticulous planning is necessary. It's generally recommended that investors work with an experienced financial advisor before pursuing this approach.

Things to Be Aware of

Although these strategies can be beneficial for Brookdale Senior Living employees who hold highly-appreciated stock, caution is recommended. There are costs associated with these approaches, and potential liquidity risks. Additionally, the IRS may eventually contest such arrangements because their tax status has not been thoroughly examined—something Brookdale Senior Living retirees should keep top of mind.

'Tax drag reduction strategies can be effective, but they must be assessed through the lens of risk, liquidity, cost, and compliance,' warns Carlos Hernandez. What is appealing in theory must hold up to inspection in the real world.

Alternative Strategies

Although they show promise, investors with highly-appreciated stock or those looking to postpone gains have other alternatives besides exchange funds or options. Other tactics could include:

- Prepaid variable forwards (subject to IRS regulations, contracts to sell at predetermined terms in the future).
- Charitable remainder trusts (CRTs), which allow investors to donate appreciated stock to a charitable trust and receive a stream of regular income in return.
- Donor-advised funds (DAFs), which provide investors with a tax deduction for the fair market value of the appreciated stock they donate.
- Other gifting techniques, such as direct donations to charity or family.
Each has its own set of guidelines, advantages, and disadvantages. To limit unnecessary taxes or violating the constructive sale regulations, careful planning is necessary for Brookdale Senior Living professionals managing complex portfolios.

The Bottom Line

Although the movement to mitigate the tax burden on investments is not new, the instruments are changing. Both exchange funds and options-based structures offer investors a way to manage tax liabilities, especially for Brookdale Senior Living employees who hold highly-appreciated stock.

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In the end, taxes are unavoidable. However, with the correct set of instruments, they can be controlled and postponed. 'The real value comes from aligning tax strategy with investment strategy,' summarizes Carlos Hernandez.

Sources:

1. BlackRock Advisor Center. ' Investing for After-Tax Returns ,' 2025.

2. Kiplinger. ' Four Clever and Tax-Efficient Ways to Ditch Concentrated Stock Holdings ,' by Robert Waskiewicz. Sep. 11, 2025.

3. Financial Planning Association. ' Tax-Efficient Ways to Diversify Concentrated Stock Positions ,' by Peter Lazaroff. Oct. 2024.

What type of retirement savings plan does Brookdale Senior Living offer to its employees?

Brookdale Senior Living offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Is participation in the 401(k) plan at Brookdale Senior Living mandatory?

Participation in the 401(k) plan at Brookdale Senior Living is voluntary; employees can choose to enroll.

What is the employer match for the 401(k) plan at Brookdale Senior Living?

Brookdale Senior Living offers a competitive employer match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of employee contributions.

When can employees at Brookdale Senior Living enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Brookdale Senior Living can enroll in the 401(k) plan during their initial onboarding period or during the annual open enrollment period.

How can employees at Brookdale Senior Living make contributions to their 401(k) plan?

Employees at Brookdale Senior Living can make contributions to their 401(k) plan through payroll deductions.

What are the contribution limits for the 401(k) plan at Brookdale Senior Living?

The contribution limits for the 401(k) plan at Brookdale Senior Living are set according to IRS guidelines, which may change annually.

Does Brookdale Senior Living offer any investment options within the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Brookdale Senior Living offers a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan, including mutual funds and other investment vehicles.

Can employees at Brookdale Senior Living take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, employees at Brookdale Senior Living may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific plan rules.

How can employees at Brookdale Senior Living access their 401(k) account information?

Employees at Brookdale Senior Living can access their 401(k) account information online through the plan’s designated website or by contacting the plan administrator.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Brookdale Senior Living?

If an employee leaves Brookdale Senior Living, they have several options for their 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account or cashing it out.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Brookdale Senior Living announced a major restructuring plan aimed at reducing operational costs, which includes significant layoffs across several divisions. The company is also reviewing its employee benefits and pension plans as part of this restructuring.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Brookdale Senior Living at 111 Westwood Place Brentwood, TN 37027; or by calling them at +1 615-221-2250.