'Genesis Energy 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.
'Genesis Energy 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 Genesis Energy employees and how they can apply similar financial strategies to potentially improve their retirement planning.
Against the current financial landscape, Genesis Energy 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 Genesis Energy Employees Approaching Retirement.
Experienced Genesis Energy 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 Genesis Energy employees approaching retirement, the same tax-efficient wealth transfer strategy that utilizes assets may also apply to financial planning tools. For example, the Genesis Energy 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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- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
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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 Genesis Energy 401(k) plan?
The Genesis Energy 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck for retirement on a tax-deferred basis.
How can I enroll in the Genesis Energy 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the Genesis Energy 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Is there a waiting period to join the Genesis Energy 401(k) plan?
Yes, Genesis Energy typically has a waiting period for new employees, which is communicated during the onboarding process.
What types of contributions can I make to the Genesis Energy 401(k) plan?
Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and possibly catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older in the Genesis Energy 401(k) plan.
Does Genesis Energy offer a company match for the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Genesis Energy offers a company match to encourage employees to save for retirement, subject to specific terms outlined in the plan.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the Genesis Energy 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the Genesis Energy 401(k) plan is determined by IRS regulations and can change annually. Employees should check the latest guidelines for the current limit.
Can I change my contribution amount in the Genesis Energy 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution amount at any time through the Genesis Energy benefits portal.
What investment options are available in the Genesis Energy 401(k) plan?
The Genesis Energy 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and possibly company stock.
How often can I change my investment choices in the Genesis Energy 401(k) plan?
Employees can typically change their investment choices in the Genesis Energy 401(k) plan on a quarterly basis or as specified in the plan documents.
What happens to my Genesis Energy 401(k) plan if I leave the company?
If you leave Genesis Energy, you have several options for your 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it with Genesis Energy, depending on the plan rules.