'Deere 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.
'Deere 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 Deere employees and how they can apply similar financial strategies to potentially improve their retirement planning.
Against the current financial landscape, Deere 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 Deere Employees Approaching Retirement.
Experienced Deere 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 Deere employees approaching retirement, the same tax-efficient wealth transfer strategy that utilizes assets may also apply to financial planning tools. For example, the Deere 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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- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
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- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
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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 purpose of the 401(k) Savings Plan at Deere?
The purpose of the 401(k) Savings Plan at Deere is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth after-tax basis.
How can employees enroll in Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can enroll in Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan by accessing the plan's website or contacting the HR department for enrollment instructions.
What types of contributions can employees make to Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth after-tax contributions, and, in some cases, catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older.
Does Deere offer a company match for the 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Deere offers a company match for the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees boost their retirement savings.
What is the vesting schedule for Deere's company match in the 401(k) Savings Plan?
The vesting schedule for Deere's company match varies based on the employee's length of service, and employees should refer to the plan documents for specific details.
Can employees take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan at Deere?
Yes, employees may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan at Deere, subject to the plan's rules and limits.
What investment options are available in Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.
How often can employees change their contribution amounts to Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can change their contribution amounts to Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to plan rules and limits.
What happens to my 401(k) Savings Plan at Deere if I leave the company?
If you leave Deere, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) Savings Plan balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the plan, depending on the plan's rules.
Are there penalties for withdrawing funds from Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan before retirement?
Yes, there may be penalties for early withdrawals from Deere's 401(k) Savings Plan before age 59½, along with potential tax implications.