Investment Options For High Income Earners

Knowing the investment options for high income earners like you is the first step to preparing for retirement and diversifying your investment portfolio.

As the chief executive officer of your retirement, the obligation of seizing control falls completely in your hands.

As such, you are obligated to do so. In addition, if you want to show that you are taking responsibility for your financial future and following the values that we advise, you should put away 15% of your earnings in tax-advantaged retirement vehicles such as 401(k)s and IRAs.

Individuals who make a substantial income are able to accumulate significant funds, which helps to mitigate the risk of tax-advantaged accounts depleting their entire 15% allocation.

This is not the case, however, for those who hold the position of Chief Executive Officer or any other occupation that commands a substantial income. What are the following steps that should be taken?

Are you just able to contribute to tax-advantaged accounts, or can you make donations to other types of accounts? Nope!

People that bring in a big income have access to a wide variety of options that allow them to keep adding to their wealth, and this makes it possible for such people to continue to do so.

Nonetheless, it is essential to keep in mind that setting money aside for retirement is the fourth stage of the seven consecutive phases that are together referred to as the Baby phases.

Prior to beginning the process of setting aside 15% of one’s salary for retirement savings, it is recommended that one first achieve a debt-free status, with the exception of mortgage responsibilities, coupled with the formation of an emergency fund that is appropriately financed. 

This should be done before beginning the process of setting aside money for retirement.

It has been scientifically proven that adhering to the Baby Steps technique is an excellent strategy for building financial assets and maintaining a durable legacy for future generations. 

This may be accomplished via a combination of careful planning and consistent action. Indeed, there is a separate group of people who have kept to our recommended plan in a conscientious manner and have been able to effectively amass a net worth of one million dollars within a time frame of around twenty years.

They are sometimes referred to as “Baby Steps Millionaires,” which is a typical name for those who have attained financial success via a slow and incremental strategy.

It is important to note that the Baby Steps are successful regardless of the size of one’s income, whether it is little or, as in the case shown here, significant.

This is one of the most remarkable aspects of the Baby Steps. This research takes a look at five different investment opportunities that are appropriate for those with high earnings.

This provides individuals with the ability to efficiently use the resources they have available to them financially.

If you have any questions or want to invest as an expat or high-net-worth individual, you can email me (advice@adamfayed.com) or use these contact options.

Health Savings Account

A Health Savings Account, often known as an HSA, is one of the investment options for high income earners. It is a kind of financial instrument that combines aspects of both a savings account and an investment account.

When managed appropriately, an HSA may provide the account holder with three different tax advantages. The investment opportunity that is being questioned is analogous to a secret cache of money or other valuables.

To qualify for a Health Savings Account (HSA), you need to have a health insurance policy that has a high deductible. If you don’t have such a policy, you won’t be able to open an HSA.

In the short term, a Health Savings Account (HSA) serves the objective of providing a financial resource that is exempt from taxes and is earmarked for the purpose of addressing unanticipated costs associated with healthcare expenses.

The money that has been put away in one’s Health Savings Account (HSA) may be used to pay for a broad variety of one’s medical costs, including but not limited to those connected with doctor’s visits, prescription drugs, and a wide variety of other medical expenditures.

The Health Savings Account (HSA) provides its holders with a number of important benefits. Individuals have the chance to contribute with pre-tax monies, so benefitting from tax-free growth, and then have the ability to withdraw these assets without paying any taxes, provided that the funds are employed for medical purposes.

This is contingent on the fact that the funds are withdrawn. This circumstance offers a number of advantages to each and every participant in the scenario.

It is feasible to use a Health Savings Account (HSA) as a sort of “health Individual Retirement Account (IRA)” if one shifts their viewpoint from a focus on immediate results to a consideration of long-term repercussions.

This shift in perspective is necessary in order to make this possibility a reality. It is important to keep in mind that the monies contributed to a Health Savings Account (HSA) may also be used for investing reasons; this is in addition to the possibility of achieving cost savings with the account.

When an individual’s Health Savings Account (HSA) balance reaches a certain level, which often falls somewhere between $1,000 and $2,000, they are then entitled to invest their money in one of the HSA’s many investment options, which are called mutual funds.

This account has the potential to build a considerable quantity of money, which may serve as a useful resource for covering future medical bills throughout your senior years if wise investments are made at the current time in order to maximize this account’s growth potential. 

The average retired couple in modern times will rack up medical bills of $315,000 over the course of their retirement, and this figure does not include any costs associated with long-term care.

In addition, persons are entitled to use the money, together with any accumulated investment returns, without incurring any tax liabilities, provided that the funds are employed only for medical needs.

This condition must be met for the individual to be qualified to use the money.

Individuals have the freedom to withdraw assets from their Health Savings Account (HSA) and apply them toward any preferred expenses after they reach the age of 65.

This is analogous to the flexibility provided by a 401(k) or conventional Individual Retirement Account (IRA). On the other hand, it is essential to keep in mind that taxes have to be paid on the withdrawals that were described above.

Advantages of Investing in Health Savings Account

The following are some of the advantages of contributing money to a health savings account (HSA):

• The idea of a “health IRA” refers to the smart deployment of money toward a potentially considerable financial responsibility during one’s retirement years, particularly healthcare bills. These monies may be contributed to an individual’s traditional IRA or to a health savings account (HSA). 
• The possibility to contribute money to a Health Savings Account (HSA) with pre-tax income is included as part of the triple tax advantage. This paves the way for the growth of wealth that is exempt from taxation. Additionally, if one uses those monies to pay for eligible medical expenses, they may completely avoid paying taxes on those earnings. It is vital to note that one shall be susceptible to the payment of normal income taxes in the event that the funds are allocated towards miscellaneous expenses. This situation is analogous to the conditions surrounding a conventional IRA or 401(k), and it applies in the event that the funds are used. 
• The required necessary minimum distributions, often known as RMDs, are not being made. Traditional individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and 401(k)s require individuals to take out a certain amount of money from their retirement savings on a regular basis in order for the government to collect the taxes that are rightfully owed to it. On the other hand, it is essential to keep in mind that Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are not something that is imposed on Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). When one has this skill, they are able to acquire monetary money at their own whim and in accordance with a schedule that they have set for themselves.

Disadvantages of Investing in Health Savings Account

The following are some of the potential drawbacks of investing in a health savings account (HSA):

• Concerning Medicare, the dilemma is as follows: It is not possible to make deposits into a health savings account (HSA) after signing up for the Medicare program. This is due to the fact that HSAs are intended just for those who are in possession of high-deductible health insurance policies. Despite this, it is still possible to make use of the money that have been collected. 
• The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has determined the maximum allowable contributions that may be made to a charitable organization in the year 2023. To be more specific, the maximum allowable donation from an individual has been capped at $3,850, while the maximum allowable contribution from a family has been capped at $7,750.

Backdoor Roth IRA

It is possible for people to take advantage of the favorable tax treatment that is accorded to Roth IRAs via the usage of a device known as a “backdoor Roth IRA,” which gives a handy way to do so. Backdoor Roth IRA is one of the investment options for high income earners.

Due to the fact that there are income restrictions in place, it is normally not possible for people with high levels of income to open a Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or make contributions to one.

This is the case because of the income requirements. Contributions to Roth IRAs will no longer be accepted from single taxpayers with an annual income of $153,000 or more and from married taxpayers with a combined income of $228,000 or more beginning in the year 2023.

On the other hand, there is a way to go around the rules that are specified in the rule book, and this way of doing things is perfectly legal and acceptable.

No matter how much money an individual makes, they are still able to move their money from a standard Individual Retirement Account (IRA) into a Roth IRA, since this is something that is sanctioned by the federal government.

The explanation that follows provides an overview of the operating mechanics: Individuals will have the chance to contribute a maximum of $6,500 to their standard Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) in the year 2023.

On the other hand, those who are at least 50 years old and who are entitled to donate may put in up to $7,500.2 You have the option to go through with converting the amount to a Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA) after the funds have been successfully put into your standard Individual Retirement Account (IRA).

When taking such an action, it is very necessary to take into consideration the financial duty of paying taxes on the obtained cash; in this way, one can ensure that adequate liquid assets are available to satisfy the tax burden that is owed to the government.

The conversion of existing Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), such as Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRAs or Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) IRAs, is another option that may be pursued.

However, in the case that an existing Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is converted into a Roth IRA, it is vital to be aware that taxes will be paid on the whole amount that is held in the account, which includes any profits that have been accumulated. This is something that must be taken into consideration.

The possible tax burden might range widely depending on the size of your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) as well as the tax rate that applies to your particular situation.

It is essential to recognize this fact right from the beginning of the process. It is not advised to go through with the conversion to a Roth IRA if one does not have the required cash to satisfy the tax burden that is connected with the conversion.

You are likely to feel a sensation of excitement in response to this specific facet of the situation: When one reaches retirement age, they are not subject to taxes on any distributions made from a Roth IRA.

The possibility is quite interesting to us. This procedure may be carried out every year. First, you should convert. It is of the utmost importance to meet the monetary requirement of paying taxes on the monies that have been invested. Afterwards, examine the increase of its tax-exempt status.

It is essential to keep in mind that converting an IRA into a Roth IRA might have possible repercussions for one’s income tax situation, especially in the event that the individual concerned is in a higher tax rate during the year in which the conversion takes place.

Therefore, before engaging in any kind of conversion of this kind, it is highly recommended to get advice from a tax specialist beforehand.

Advantages of Investing in Backdoor Roth IRA

The following are some of the advantages of putting money into a Backdoor Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA):

• There are no limitations imposed on income: Regardless of how much money a person makes, they are all entitled to open an individual retirement account (IRA) in the classic format as well as convert an existing IRA into another kind of account.
• Upon converting a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) into a Roth IRA, the individual is required to settle the tax obligations at the outset, which subsequently enables them to benefit from tax-free appreciation and disbursements (upon reaching the age of 59 1/2). Tax-free capital appreciation and distributions: When converting a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) into a Roth IRA, the individual is required to settle the tax obligations at the outset. 

Disadvantages of Investing in Backdoor Roth IRA

Investing through a Backdoor Roth IRA can also have downsides:

• In most cases, converting a regular Individual Retirement Account (IRA) into a Roth IRA is only seen as beneficial if the account holder holds sufficient liquid cash to meet the income tax liabilities that are connected with the conversion.
• Because of the contribution restrictions that have been set for Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), people are not permitted to invest more than $6,500 each year in their IRAs. However, those who are at least 50 years old and have not yet reached their 75th birthday are eligible for a higher cap of $7,500. 

After-Tax 401(k) Contributions

In the next fiscal year of 2023, the maximum amount of money that a person may contribute to a regular 401(k) plan out of monies that have not been taxed will be limited to $22,500. 401(k) is one of the investment options for high income earners.

This restriction will be in place for the whole of that year. It is important to note, however, that those who are over the age of 50 are eligible for a higher contribution threshold, which is now set at $30,000.

However, some companies may also make it possible for employees to make post-tax contributions after they have met the minimum need for tax-deductible pre-tax contributions.

In the event that you want to go in this direction, it is important to be aware that in the year 2023, you have the option to allot a sum of up to $66,000 that includes both pre-tax and post-tax money (or up to $73,500 if you are at least 50 years old). This figure may be increased to $73,500 if you have reached the age of 50 or more.

The aforementioned threshold takes into account any monetary contributions made by your employer as well as any post-tax donations that you or your employer may have made.

It also takes into account the total of $22,500 that you have given before taxes. Suppose, for the sake of illustration, that you have made a praiseworthy donation up to the maximum limit of $22,500, and that your employer has gratefully matched this number by contributing an additional $5,000, bringing the grand total to $27,500.

This would be an example of a scenario in which your company would generously match your contribution.

As a direct result of this, you have been granted the chance to increase the amount of money you have committed to the cause by an additional $38,500. This will result in the establishment of a comprehensive threshold of $66,000, which will include both pre-tax and post-tax donations.

When an individual reaches the age of retirement or when they split ways with a corporate entity, they have the choice to move the post-tax earnings in their 401(k) account into a Roth IRA, which makes it easier to continue to build up their financial assets.

This may be done in order to facilitate the continuous accumulation of financial assets.

It is essential to verify that one has completely maximized their use of other tax-advantaged funds, such as the Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or the Roth IRA, before beginning the process of making taxable contributions to a 401(k).

These accounts include the Individual Retirement Account (IRA) and the Roth IRA. Permit me to provide a condensed review of the benefits and drawbacks associated with making contributions to a 401(k) plan after taxes have been withheld.

Advantages of Investing in After-Tax 401(k) Contributions

Contributing to a 401(k) plan using post-tax dollars has a number of attractive benefits:

• Making contributions via the use of automated methods or technologies. When you are paid, you may put some of that money into a 401(k) account instead of spending it, which is one method you might want to think about. The process of saving money by setting up automatic transfers may be an efficient way to build wealth over time. 
• The user is enquiring about the accessibility of mutual funds and whether or not they are now available. Take into consideration making an investment in the mutual funds towards which you have already allotted some of your money before taxes. 

Consolidating the bulk of your investing money into a single account that is simple to access, such as your 401(k) retirement plan, may be an efficient method for streamlining your financial life.

The Disadvantage of Investing in After-Tax 401(k) Contributions

Contributions to a 401(k) that are made after taxes have been paid also present some challenges:

• The lack of a tax advantage available. Donations that are more than $22,500 cannot be deducted from the donor’s taxes.

Real Estate

The potential for beneficial financial returns on real estate investments, provided that they are carried out competently, has contributed significantly to the rise in popularity of this investment strategy.

The first step in becoming an active participant in the real estate investment market is to become a homeowner.

As a result of this, it is highly recommended that you make the repayment of your mortgage your first priority before contemplating making any further investments in the real estate market.

Investing in real estate calls for a substantial time and labor investment in addition to a high degree of personal engagement.

It is recommended that one should not become involved in the real estate business unless they have a true interest in the sector. Real estate business is one of the investment options for high income earners.

It is in your best interest to get as much information as possible before making a purchase.

Have talks with people who have successfully completed the activity you are trying to do. They will provide you with a representation of the circumstance that is true to the facts.

In addition, it is essential to contact an insurance professional about the right kind of coverage necessary, in particular, if you are thinking about investing in rental property.

This is especially the case if you already own rental property. Please conduct the appropriate calculations in order to establish the net income after subtracting expenditures such as taxes, utility fees, and any other costs linked with the business.

Borrowing money for the sake of buying real estate is not a good idea, and you should avoid doing so if at all possible. It is highly recommended that cash transactions be used only in the process of acquiring investment properties.

One of the most hands-off approaches to investing in the real estate market is the purchase of land.

In the event that one finds oneself in a location in which the housing market is undergoing considerable expansion, it can be a good idea to contemplate the purchase of property that is located on the outskirts of the urban center.

In the not-too-distant future, it is probable that the outskirts will be subjected to development and may end up being transformed into a brand-new residential subdivision.

As with any other kind of investment, it is wise to do extensive study before making a purchase of land, just as one would do before making any other type of investment.

When you are ready to make a purchase, it is critical that you work with a real estate agent that has a high level of expertise in the industry.

Advantages of Investing in Real Estate

Investing in real estate may provide you with the following benefits:  

• Real estate investing is a tried-and-true method that, if carried out correctly, has the potential to result in the generation of large revenue. The value of real estate often exhibits a propensity to increase over time, which creates potential for producing attractive passive income via the ownership of rental properties. 
• It is in your best interest to give some thought to diversifying the holdings in your investing portfolio. A key technique for both the growth of wealth and the management of risk is diversification. This strategy entails distributing assets over a number of different asset types. 

Disadvantages of Investing in Real Estate

The following are some of the downsides of investing in real estate:

• Real estate investing is a time-intensive endeavor that calls for extensive hands-on engagement and unwavering commitment on the investor’s part. Being a landlord is fraught with a variety of difficulties.
• There is a chance that a rental property may be empty for a lengthy period of time, which would result in a loss of rental revenue. This risk is associated with the potential of a vacancy. In addition, there are expenditures connected with repairs as well as a variety of additional fees that need to be met.
• There is a degree of unpredictability associated with property prices. Your home’s value may go up or down depending on what’s going on in the neighborhood, much like the variations that can be seen in the stock market. This is because the value of your property is influenced by the events that are occurring nearby.

Brokerage Accounts

People have the ability to buy a broad variety of assets via the use of brokerage accounts, which are also generally referred to as taxable investment accounts. Having a brokerage account is one of the investment options for high income earners.

These accounts enable people to purchase investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). 

After you have contributed the maximum allowed amount to tax-advantaged plans such as a 401(k), 403(b), or IRA, it is advisable to consider putting any remaining assets in a brokerage account so that you may continue to save money in an efficient manner.

You will not, sadly, enjoy any tax benefits as a result of your decision. If, on the other hand, one invests their money in chances for development rather than letting it sit dormant in a checking or savings account, they will be able to generate a larger return on their capital.

You have the option to open a taxable investment account directly with a financial institution such as a bank or a brokerage business.

In addition, it is possible to set up recurring transfers of money from your checking account to your investment account on a monthly basis via the use of an automatic system.

There are benefits as well as drawbacks associated with taxable investment accounts. Please take into account the following various choices.

Advantages of Investing in a Brokerage Account

Investing in a brokerage account has a number of advantages:

• One of the primary benefits of putting money into a brokerage account is that there is no upper limit on the amount of money that can be invested. There is no yearly limit on the amount of money that may be contributed to an investment account that is subject to taxation. 
• Withdrawals may be made whenever and for any reason desired, and there are no fees or other restrictions connected with making them. When contemplating early retirement and working toward the establishment of a reliable source of income, it is essential to have the flexibility to adjust and be flexible. 
• There are no required minimum distributions that must be made. The user has the freedom to choose when and how much money they would want to remove from their account at any given time.

Disadvantages of Investing in a Brokerage Account

Investing in a brokerage account comes with the following downsides:

• One of the major drawbacks of investing via a brokerage account is that there are no tax deductions available. When making investments, you must use money that has already been taxed, and if you later wish to withdraw these funds, you will be forced to pay taxes on any capital gains that have been accumulated during the time that the funds were invested. In addition, taxes must be paid on dividends that are kept for personal use rather than those that are reinvestment. 
• Investments made inside a 401(k) plan, along with investments made within other retirement plans that are analogous, are protected from liability in the event of legal action. That is not the case with an account that is subject to taxes. As a result, it is highly recommended to investigate the possibility of purchasing umbrella insurance.

Pained by financial indecision? Want to invest with Adam?

Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters, with over 760.2 million answer views on Quora.com, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.