'Worthington Industries 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.
'Worthington Industries 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 Worthington Industries employees and how they can apply similar financial strategies to potentially improve their retirement planning.
Against the current financial landscape, Worthington Industries 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 Worthington Industries Employees Approaching Retirement.
Experienced Worthington Industries 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 Worthington Industries employees approaching retirement, the same tax-efficient wealth transfer strategy that utilizes assets may also apply to financial planning tools. For example, the Worthington Industries 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?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- 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 type of retirement plan does Worthington Industries offer to its employees?
Worthington Industries offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for retirement.
Is participation in the 401(k) plan at Worthington Industries mandatory?
No, participation in the 401(k) plan at Worthington Industries is voluntary; employees can choose whether or not to enroll.
What is the employer match for the 401(k) plan at Worthington Industries?
Worthington Industries offers a competitive employer match for its 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of employee contributions, subject to specific limits.
How can employees at Worthington Industries enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan at Worthington Industries by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What investment options are available in Worthington Industries' 401(k) plan?
Worthington Industries provides a variety of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.
Can employees at Worthington Industries change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees at Worthington Industries can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at any time, typically through the HR portal.
What is the vesting schedule for employer contributions in the Worthington Industries 401(k) plan?
The vesting schedule for employer contributions in the Worthington Industries 401(k) plan may vary, but generally, employees become fully vested after a certain number of years of service.
Does Worthington Industries offer any financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Worthington Industries provides financial education resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.
At what age can employees at Worthington Industries start withdrawing from their 401(k) plan without penalties?
Employees at Worthington Industries can generally start withdrawing from their 401(k) plan without penalties at age 59½, subject to specific IRS regulations.
Are there loans available against the 401(k) plan at Worthington Industries?
Yes, Worthington Industries may allow employees to take loans against their 401(k) plan balance, subject to the plan's specific terms and conditions.