'Steelcase 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.
'Steelcase 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:
-
How the ultra-wealthy accumulate and grow their wealth tax-efficiently through strategies like the 'Buy, Borrow, Die' method.
-
The role of leveraging assets for borrowing and how this reduces taxable events while enabling substantial spending.
-
Implications for Steelcase employees and how they can apply similar financial strategies to potentially improve their retirement planning.
Against the current financial landscape, Steelcase 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 Steelcase Employees Approaching Retirement.
Experienced Steelcase 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 Steelcase employees approaching retirement, the same tax-efficient wealth transfer strategy that utilizes assets may also apply to financial planning tools. For example, the Steelcase 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.
Articles you may find interesting:
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- 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!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- 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!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
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 Steelcase's 401k/Savings Plan?
The purpose of Steelcase's 401k/Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by providing a tax-advantaged way to invest a portion of their earnings.
How can Steelcase employees enroll in the 401k/Savings Plan?
Steelcase employees can enroll in the 401k/Savings Plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Steelcase offer a company match for the 401k contributions?
Yes, Steelcase offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401k/Savings Plan, which helps to enhance retirement savings.
What are the eligibility requirements for Steelcase's 401k/Savings Plan?
Employees of Steelcase are generally eligible to participate in the 401k/Savings Plan after completing a specific period of service, as outlined in the employee handbook.
Can Steelcase employees change their contribution percentage to the 401k/Savings Plan?
Yes, Steelcase employees can change their contribution percentage to the 401k/Savings Plan at any time, subject to certain guidelines.
What investment options are available in Steelcase's 401k/Savings Plan?
Steelcase's 401k/Savings Plan offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.
Is there a vesting schedule for Steelcase's company match in the 401k/Savings Plan?
Yes, Steelcase has a vesting schedule for the company match in the 401k/Savings Plan, which determines when employees fully own the matching contributions.
How often can Steelcase employees review their 401k/Savings Plan account?
Steelcase employees can review their 401k/Savings Plan account at any time through the online portal provided by the plan administrator.
What happens to Steelcase employees' 401k/Savings Plan accounts if they leave the company?
If Steelcase employees leave the company, they have several options for their 401k/Savings Plan accounts, including rolling over the balance to another retirement account or cashing out.
Are there any fees associated with Steelcase's 401k/Savings Plan?
Yes, Steelcase's 401k/Savings Plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.