<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=314834185700910&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Learn More

Discover How Morgan Stanley Employees Can Navigate Capital Gains Tax to Keep More of Their Hard-Earned Money

image-table

Healthcare Provider Update: Morgan Stanley Healthcare Provider and Cost Outlook for 2026 Morgan Stanley's healthcare needs are addressed primarily through UnitedHealthcare, with employees benefiting from a range of plans tailored to meet their medical and wellness requirements. As 2026 approaches, Morgan Stanley employees should prepare for significant increases in healthcare costs. Premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans are projected to rise sharply, with some states seeing hikes exceeding 60%. This inflation is largely attributed to the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and a general trend of escalating medical costs, which could lead to many individuals experiencing a staggering 75% increase in out-of-pocket expenses. Consequently, careful review of benefit options and proactive financial planning will be key for employees navigating this challenging landscape. Click here to learn more

As Kevin Landis, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group said, “This article highlights the necessity of a comprehensive financial plan for early retirement, which could be particularly crucial for Morgan Stanley employees who want to get the most out of their post-career years.

Paul Bergeron from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, points out that Jeremy Schneider’s approach to retirement is useful for Morgan Stanley employees who are planning to retire early.

In this article I will discuss:

1. Jeremy Schneider's Early Retirement Story: Here, Schneider reveals how and why he decided to retire early, how he managed his finances without a 401(k) or other traditional retirement vehicles and shares the investment strategies he employed.

2. Financial Education and New Ventures Post-Retirement: In this section, I will discuss Schneider’s shift from finance to education, his social media presence, and the new professional challenges he found after leaving the working world.

3. Maximizing Retirement Income and Minimizing Taxes: Here are some examples of the importance of investment planning, the use of HSAs, and taxes to ensure a secure and enjoyable retirement for Morgan Stanley employees.

Jeremy Schneider, who is 36 and sold his real estate website for $2 million, offers a meaningful example for Morgan Stanley employees interested in early retirement. Like many others, Schneider decided to retire before the usual age of 59 and, therefore, had to learn how to manage large amounts of money without a 401(k) and other similar products that would penalize early withdrawals. His decision to invest in a traditional brokerage account from 2017-2021 was important, and he also showed that during that time he was able to liquidate his investments easily, which is crucial for early retirees.

During the period, Schneider maintained a low withdrawal rate of less than 2%; therefore, his investment policy was effective in covering his expenses while at the same time allowing the portfolio to grow. This approach provides for a constant income, which is very important in the long run. His financial tactics also showed that consolidating investments into a single target date fund could have increased his earnings significantly, suggesting that while the method may be simpler it is also very effective and could be used to the advantage of Morgan Stanley employees contemplating the same financial planning.

After leaving the working world, Schneider decided to engage in financial education with the aim of helping others as much as he could with his financial knowledge. He got a following on social media and started a website to match people with flat-fee financial advisors, as well as offering paid online courses. This change is a good example of how retirement can become a new job and a way of development for a person, which can be interesting for the employees of the Morgan Stanley companies who are thinking about what to do after leaving work.

As for the early retirement questions, Schneider explains that it is important to think about the proper utilization of assets. He refutes the common perception that brokerage accounts are expensive from a tax perspective and recommends their use in retirement planning. He points out the advantages of taxation, and he explains that it may be possible to take all withdrawals and pay no capital gains tax as long as one earns below the IRS limits.

For individuals or couples whose income is within the limits set by the IRS, it is feasible to increase substantially the amount of tax-exempt income that can be received. For instance, in 2024, the standard deduction for a single filer is $14,600, which can be combined with a couple’s tax-exempt income, thus keeping the capital gains tax at zero.

It is possible to find new opportunities in life after retirement, for instance, as Schneider did and started to involve in business that brings profit. This active approach to retirement is in line with the financial independence concept, which is the ability to work or not work and still enjoy life without worrying about the financial status, which is a concept that can be interesting to the Morgan Stanley employees in their retirement.

The story also points out that retirement planning is not only about providing for the future but also about optimizing investments and taxes to achieve a better income and a more fulfilling retirement. This may be quite helpful for Morgan Stanley employees who are approaching retirement and need some guidance on how to ensure a positive financial future and quality of life.

In addition, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are important for those who want to help in their financial growth as well as with respect to tax management. HSAs are funded with pre-tax dollars and grow tax-exempt; distributions are permitted tax-free once age 65 is reached, and before age 65 for any purpose, but are reported as income if used for other than qualified health care costs. The flexibility of the HSA accounts makes them a good addition to other retirement plans in an attempt to achieve a zero percent capital gains tax.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Loading...

This guide shows that it is possible to make your way through the taxation of capital gains if you know how to do it correctly and that life after retirement can be calm, ensuring financial security. These principles can be used by Morgan Stanley employees as they plan for a productive and enjoyable retirement.

Sources:

Moore, James, CFA. 'Retirement Insights.' Financial Analysts Journal, May 2023, 79, 2, 34-40.

Hernandez, Maria. 'Tax Strategies for Early Retirement.' Jan. 2024, Journal of Personal Finance, 22, 1, 15-21.

Chen, Albert. 'Navigating Health Savings Accounts Post-Retirement.' Hernandez, Maria. 'Tax Strategies for Early Retirement.' Healthcare Finance Review, Mar. 2024, 46, 3, 82-89.

Wang, Li. 'Financial Independence and Early Retirement.' Oct. 2023, Economic Studies Quarterly, 75, 4, 55-60.

Brooks, Eleanor. 'Investment Strategies for the Modern Retiree.' June 2023, Modern Retirement Monthly, 50, 6, 44-49.

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Morgan Stanley?

The 401(k) plan at Morgan Stanley is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

Does Morgan Stanley match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Morgan Stanley offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Morgan Stanley's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Morgan Stanley's 401(k) plan is in line with the IRS limits, which may change annually. Employees should check the latest IRS guidelines for the current limit.

Can employees at Morgan Stanley take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Morgan Stanley allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings under certain conditions, subject to the plan's rules.

What investment options are available in Morgan Stanley's 401(k) plan?

Morgan Stanley's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to tailor their investment strategy.

How can employees at Morgan Stanley enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in Morgan Stanley's 401(k) plan through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Is there a waiting period for new employees to join Morgan Stanley's 401(k) plan?

Morgan Stanley typically allows new employees to enroll in the 401(k) plan immediately or within a short period after their start date, but specific details can vary.

How often can employees change their contribution amount to Morgan Stanley's 401(k) plan?

Employees at Morgan Stanley can change their contribution amount to the 401(k) plan on a regular basis, usually at any time during the year.

What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Morgan Stanley?

If you leave Morgan Stanley, you have several options for your 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Morgan Stanley plan if permitted.

Does Morgan Stanley provide financial education regarding the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Morgan Stanley offers financial education resources and tools to help employees understand their 401(k) plan and make informed investment decisions.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Morgan Stanley is a global financial services firm providing investment banking, securities, wealth management, and investment management services. The company is recognized for its comprehensive financial solutions.
Morgan Stanley offers RSUs and stock options to eligible employees. The stock options vest over time, providing long-term incentives.
New call-to-action

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Morgan Stanley employees

Loading...

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Morgan Stanley at , ; or by calling them at .

*Please see disclaimer for more information

Relevant Articles

Check Out Articles for Morgan Stanley employees