The Important Role of the Non-Retirement Brokerage Account


My vegetable garden consists of raised companion beds, hydroponics, Hugelkultur, decomposed wood chips, traditional dirt, and a Cotieres, six distinct gardening techniques originating in several different countries, each with advantages and disadvantages. Since the climate varies yearly, and with each plant species possessing needs and vulnerabilities, likes and dislikes, the variation challenges my stunted creativity and vastly improves the probability of overall success every year. An equal number of account types can be utilized as you strive to build the wealth required to fund an expensive retirement, each with advantages and disadvantages, and considerable thoughtfulness should be applied to your endeavor! Consider the taxable brokerage account, its versatility and benefits, and the important role it can fill in your overall investing strategy:

  • The account can be owned individually or jointly, and beneficiaries may be named. It can also be owned by a revocable or irrevocable trust. In all these cases probate is avoided, and the account complements the carefully crafted estate plan.

  • When not owned by an irrevocable trust the account is liquid, unlike retirement accounts for investors under age 59 ½. A portion of emergency savings may be held within it, and generally at a higher interest rate than banks will pay.

  • The account offers securities of many types in virtually every asset class. Investment options greatly exceed most retirement plans.

  • Unlike retirement specific accounts, no formal agreement is entered into with the U.S. government, a fiscally reckless institution which can (and has) change(d) the rules in the middle of the game to its own advantage.

  • For those receiving Required Minimum Distributions but not in need of income, shares of securities may be journaled from an IRA to the non-retirement brokerage account with an “In Kind” transfer. This allows ownership and compounding of dividends to continue.  

  • Various tax advantages, though distinct from retirement plans, are presented. A strategy may be employed to create income or deferral and can be adjusted year to year. Tax-loss harvesting can be utilized annually to offset gains and losses, and against investments held inside the account or elsewhere, and losses not applied in the year realized can be saved for future years. This versatility can wonderfully complement an investor’s overall tax plan.

The Hugelkultur garden produces abundantly in a drought, even during a water ban. The Cotieres provides live, organic vegetables in the middle of a snowy winter. Once planted, the hydroponics garden can be neglected until the harvest. It should be noted that the non-retirement brokerage account should be used as a complement to formal retirement plan accounts, not as a replacement of them. As you construct a well-rounded funding strategy for your retirement, thoughtfully protecting yourself from the many developments that can derail you, the versatile non-retirement brokerage account is sure to fill a valuable role.

Think about it, Shaun.

“The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.”   ~Proverbs 27:12

This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. Any opinions or forecasts contained herein reflect the subjective judgments and assumptions of the author.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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