'Comcast employees nearing retirement can benefit from understanding wealth-building strategies, such as the 'Buy, Borrow, Die' method, to enhance their financial planning, leveraging tax-efficient wealth transfer tools like in-service withdrawals to optimize their retirement strategies.' – Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.
'Comcast employees nearing retirement should explore advanced wealth management strategies like the 'Buy, Borrow, Die' approach to maximize their assets and leverage tax-efficient tools, ensuring their retirement planning aligns with long-term financial goals.' – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.
In this article, we will discuss:
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How the ultra-wealthy accumulate and grow their wealth tax-efficiently through strategies like the 'Buy, Borrow, Die' method.
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The role of leveraging assets for borrowing and how this reduces taxable events while enabling substantial spending.
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Implications for Comcast employees and how they can apply similar financial strategies to potentially improve their retirement planning.
Against the current financial landscape, Comcast employees can learn from the strategies of the wealthiest Americans - buy, borrow, die. This creates wealth accumulation, big spending, and a tax-efficient transfer of large assets to future generations. Unlike ordinary employees who are taxed on earnings as they are made, the ultra-wealthy build most of their wealth through the appreciation of their assets - which is usually untaxed until the assets are sold.
How Wealth Grows Among the Ultra-Wealthy.
Start with asset acquisition. And the ultra-wealthy - unlike most who earn via salaries - build wealth by buying appreciated assets. It's a strategy Warren Buffett and Elon Musk have used - paying themselves little or no salary while building their fortunes by owning stock in their companies. Together the wealthiest 1% of Americans have nearly US $23 trillion in assets - an example of how rich wealth can be with smart asset management.
Now leverage those assets for loans - big spending with low taxable events - etc. Ainsi, Larry Ellison and Elon Musk have pledged their stock holdings to fund lifestyles including properties and yachts worth millions of dollars. While this is more common for the super-rich, by 2022, more than USD 1 trillion had been borrowed by the broader wealthy class.
The Effects of the 'Buy, Borrow, Die' Strategy on Estate Planning.
The final step is when the asset holder dies. The stepped-up basis tax provision means heirs can inherit assets at death without paying taxes on the appreciation that occurred during the asset holder's lifetime, which helps with outstanding debts, including any prior loans. Despite a potential 40% estate tax on large inheritances, legal strategies and trusts can ease tax burdens.
What That Means for Comcast Employees Approaching Retirement.
Experienced Comcast pros may find these wealth management principles useful in planning for retirement or making investment decisions. This strategy identifies key differences in tax treatment across income groups which reinforces the debate over possible reforms.
For Comcast employees approaching retirement, the same tax-efficient wealth transfer strategy that utilizes assets may also apply to financial planning tools. For example, the Comcast 401(k) plan allows in-service withdrawals for employees 59 1/2 and older, allows access to funds before retirement, and allows for flexible planning.
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- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
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Sources:
1. Lowrey, Annie. 'Buy, Borrow, Die.'
The Atlantic
, 17 Mar. 2025, pp. 1-3.
Explores how the ultra-wealthy use this strategy to minimize taxes, offering retirees insights into wealth preservation.
2. Mitchell, Tazra. 'How Wealthy Households Use a 'Buy, Borrow, Die' Strategy to Avoid Taxes.'
DC Fiscal Policy Institute
, 29 Apr. 2024, pp. 2-4.
Highlights tax advantages of the strategy, showing retirees how to manage wealth and defer taxes.
3. Hirshman, Susan. 'Leveraging Your Assets to Manage Your Wealth.'
Charles Schwab
, 20 Mar. 2023, pp. 3-5.
Discusses borrowing against assets for liquidity without triggering taxes, helping retirees manage finances.
4. 'The Buy, Borrow, Die Tax Strategy Explained.'
Physicians Thrive
, 15 Sept. 2023, pp. 4-6.
Explains how retirees can use this strategy to avoid capital gains taxes and transfer wealth.
5. 'Tax-Aware Borrowing.'
J.P. Morgan
, 10 Oct. 2023, pp. 5-7.
Outlines tax-aware borrowing strategies that can reduce taxes and increase cash flow for retirees.
What is the Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for their future by contributing a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax (Roth) basis.
How can I enroll in the Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can enroll in the Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan through the company’s benefits portal during the open enrollment period or within 30 days of their hire date.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan?
For 2023, the maximum employee contribution limit to the Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan is $22,500, with an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500 for employees aged 50 and over.
Does Comcast offer any matching contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Comcast offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, matching 100% of the first 4% of employee contributions.
When can I start withdrawing from my Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can begin withdrawing from their Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan at age 59½, or earlier in cases of financial hardship or if they leave the company.
What investment options are available in the Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including target-date funds, index funds, and actively managed funds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.
Can I take a loan from my Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, employees can take a loan from their Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to certain limits and repayment terms as outlined in the plan documents.
How can I change my contribution amount to the Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can change their contribution amount to the Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan through the benefits portal at any time, subject to plan rules.
Is there a vesting schedule for Comcast's matching contributions?
Yes, Comcast has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which typically requires employees to work for a certain number of years before they fully own the matched funds.
What happens to my Comcast 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?
If you leave Comcast, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) savings into another retirement account, leave the funds in the plan, or withdraw the balance, subject to taxes and penalties.