Cleveland-Cliffs Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Cleveland-Cliffs
Cleveland-Cliffs partners with Cleveland Clinic as its healthcare provider, offering a range of health services to its employees. This partnership is aimed at ensuring that employees receive quality medical care and support.
Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As we approach 2026, Cleveland-Cliffs employees, especially those reliant on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, may face significant healthcare cost challenges. With nationwide rate hikes projected to exceed 60% in some states, the removal of enhanced federal premium subsidies will further exacerbate this situation. More than 22 million marketplace enrollees could see their out-of-pocket premium costs rise by over 75%, driven by escalating medical expenses and insurer profit pressures. This sharp increase underscores the importance for employees to plan their healthcare budgets proactively to mitigate these potential financial burdens.
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'Cleveland-Cliffs 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.
'Cleveland-Cliffs 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.
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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.' Cleveland-Cliffs 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. Cleveland-Cliffs 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 Cleveland-Cliffs 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.
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This could create a challenge for investors who require liquidity. Additionally, these funds are often exclusively accessible to wealthy, accredited investors—something Cleveland-Cliffs 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.
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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 Cleveland-Cliffs 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 Cleveland-Cliffs 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 Cleveland-Cliffs 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 Cleveland-Cliffs employees who hold highly-appreciated stock.
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.
The Cleveland-Cliffs 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck on a tax-deferred basis.
How can I enroll in the Cleveland-Cliffs 401(k) Savings Plan?
You can enroll in the Cleveland-Cliffs 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Cleveland-Cliffs offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?
Yes, Cleveland-Cliffs offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution I can make to the Cleveland-Cliffs 401(k) Savings Plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the Cleveland-Cliffs 401(k) Savings Plan is subject to IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the latest limits for accurate information.
When can I start contributing to the Cleveland-Cliffs 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can start contributing to the Cleveland-Cliffs 401(k) Savings Plan after they have completed their eligibility period, which is typically outlined in the plan documents.
What investment options are available in the Cleveland-Cliffs 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Cleveland-Cliffs 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
Can I take a loan against my Cleveland-Cliffs 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Cleveland-Cliffs allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
What happens to my Cleveland-Cliffs 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?
If you leave Cleveland-Cliffs, you have several options for your 401(k) Savings Plan balance, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the plan if permitted.
How often can I change my contribution amount to the Cleveland-Cliffs 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can typically change their contribution amount to the Cleveland-Cliffs 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to the plan’s guidelines.
Is there a vesting schedule for the Cleveland-Cliffs 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Cleveland-Cliffs has a vesting schedule for the company match contributions, which means you will need to work for a certain period before those contributions fully belong to you.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Cleveland-Cliffs has announced a series of restructuring initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency. This includes the potential closure of several facilities and a reduction in workforce to streamline operations.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Cleveland-Cliffs at 200 Public Square Cleveland, OH 44114; or by calling them at (216) 694-5700.
Further Information for Cleveland-Cliffs* Employees
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