Do What Rich People Do: Preserve Your Wealth (2024)

"Asset protection" may conjure up images of top hat-wearing, cigar-chomping billionaires, but you don't have to be rich to preserve your wealth. You just have to make sure you don't lose what wealth you've earned so far. You especially don't want to lose money due to something unnecessary, such as a lawsuit.

And that's exactly what an asset protection specialist can help you accomplish. By separating your assets and making your holdings anonymous, you'll never have to worry about another lawsuit again. And that's exactly what we're going to talk about today.

A real estate investor who does not use some kind of entity to own their property is risking everything to a single lawsuit. Even worse, if that investor has entered into partnerships with other investors they likely used a general partnership (a handshake.) From an attorney’s point of view this ownership structure is a beautiful opportunity because it exposes the investor. This means a judgement against the investor could take everything.

Do What Rich People Do: Preserve Your Wealth (1)

No ... We said 'Cover Your ASSETS' ....

Chances are that you have already heard about using an LLC (limited liability company) for asset protection. By forming and operating an LLC properly, assets you place in the LLC are separated from your personal name. If a lawsuit happens, the judgement is limited to the assets within the LLC. Not only does this mean you are risking less in a worst-case scenario, but it also means you are less likely to face that scenario. Why? People will have less incentive to sue you, since you are limiting the potential earnings they could take.

Take a scenario where someone initiates a lawsuit and you lose, but you hold that property in an LLC. The lawsuit would only impact the assets within the LLC. While you could lose that single property to a lawsuit, it is a much better option than losing the property AND your personal assets. The cost of forming an LLC protects your house and other assets from landing in a future settlement or judgement. And this protection scales for investors with large portfolios utilizing entities such as the series LLC.

Setting up an LLC can take anywhere between a few weeks to a couple months, depending on whether the state approves the name you select for your LLC. Once the LLC is formed you will receive an EIN and can set up a bank account. This allows you to operate the LLC separate from your personal finances. You will balance all collections and expenses through the LLC bank account, proving it can operate on its own. When tax season comes around, most people simply have the LLC function file as a pass-through entity.

Preserve Your Wealth with LLCs & Trusts

We have talked about LLCs and the protections they give you when it comes to lawsuits and money-hungry attorneys. But what you might not know is how you can benefit from using LLCs and trusts at the same time.

Did you know that you can actually use trusts to own LLCs? And since trusts are private documents, nobody will be able to find out who owns the trust, or who the beneficiary of the trust is. (You would be the beneficiary.)

What this means is you can own an LLC anonymously. And yes, you can do a lot to hide ownership of an LLC without a trust. But anytime you put a property in an LLC, you're creating a back door for lawyers to walk through and take your assets.

How? Because every property comes with a deed. Your name will be on that deed (most likely).

But when you have a trust you can put the trust on the deed instead of your name and then put that property in an LLC. Nobody will be able to connect your property to your company. And nobody will be able to figure out who owns your company or who owns your trust because the trust is a private document.

Do What Rich People Do: Preserve Your Wealth (2)

Anonymity is your friend.

Combine a Trust With An LLC For Total Asset Protection

So let me break this down for you real quick. To achieve total asset protection first you establish a trust. Then you file an LLC. After doing both of those you then buy a property using the trust and put said property in your LLC. End of story. Now you have total asset protection.

Are You A Real Estate Investor? Help Is Available!

Are you interested in learning more about other asset protection plans? Our free resources are here for you to learn more about asset protection plans. And always remember, if you want to preserve your wealth, don't put all your eggs (properties) in one basket (a traditional LLC).

Do What Rich People Do: Preserve Your Wealth (3)

Scott Royal Smith is an asset protection attorney and long-time real estate investor. He's on a mission to help fellow investors free their time, protect their assets, and create lasting wealth.

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Do What Rich People Do: Preserve Your Wealth (2024)

FAQs

How do rich people preserve their wealth? ›

Millionaires have many different investment philosophies. These can include investing in real estate, stock, commodities and hedge funds, among other types of financial investments. Generally, many seek to mitigate risk and therefore prefer diversified investment portfolios.

Why do rich people keep trying to make more money? ›

“One of the key drivers of people's desire for wealth (and material possessions) is the innate human tendency to compare ourselves to others – and to try to win,” Norton said. According to entrepreneur and author of The Unlikely Entrepreneur Alan Manly, ambition is one of the keys to business success.

Why should rich people help poor? ›

In many respects, the world would benefit from an obligation on the rich to give to the poor. The mortality rate of those living in poverty would decrease and their quality of life would increase. Many see selflessness as a quality bringing happiness, so the rich themselves may benefit from helping others.

What is a rich person who helps the poor and those in need? ›

A philanthropist is a person who gives money or gifts to charities, or helps needy people in other ways.

What does it mean to preserve your wealth? ›

Wealth preservation refers to protecting assets such as your cash, stocks, and bonds from a drop in value.

How do you preserve and grow wealth? ›

Wealth preservation: Key strategies to protect your wealth
  1. Create a financial plan to protect family wealth. ...
  2. Save for emergencies or large purchases to protect family wealth. ...
  3. Diversify your investment portfolio to preserve wealth. ...
  4. Invest in insurance to protect family wealth. ...
  5. Be tax smart to preserve wealth.

Why do the rich stay rich and the poor stay poor? ›

In a simple explanation: The Rich operates in Abundance mode, while the Poor operates in scarcity mode. Abundance – You give more because you are already in a better position, which in return attracts more returns.

Do rich people keep a lot of cash? ›

High net worth investors typically keep millions of dollars or even tens of millions in cash in their bank accounts to cover bills and unexpected expenses. Their balances are often way above the $250,000 FDIC insured limit.

What is the most common reason rich people go broke? ›

Poor budget choices and failure to follow simple basic financial principles can send even the richest people with a high net worth into debt.

What are the benefits of rich people? ›

The pros of being wealthy
  • Financial freedom.
  • Holidays anywhere.
  • A great home.
  • Funding for your pastimes and passions.
  • Good suits.
  • Excellent health care.
  • A swimming pool full of beautiful people in their skimpies.
  • Gold teeth.
Aug 25, 2022

What are the benefits of being rich? ›

The pros of being rich
  • Financial freedom: Financial freedom allows you to make decisions based on things that bring joy to your life. ...
  • Go on vacations whenever and wherever you want: Maybe you can own or rent a yacht wherever you want.
  • Build a dream home: You can build houses in different states or countries.
Nov 11, 2022

Does the Bible say the rich should help the poor? ›

Luke 12:33-34 (NIV)

“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Do rich people help people in need? ›

Wealthy people do demonstrate high levels of caring when a request for help resonates with their greater sense of personal control. By emphasizing individual impact, charitable messages might be more effective at motivating wealthier people to act generously.

What is a wealthy person willing to help those in need? ›

In short, a philanthropist is someone who donates their money, experience, time, talent or skills to help others and create a better world. Though we often think of them as people who have millions of dollars to donate, you don't have to be a famous philanthropist with a huge net worth to qualify.

What do poor people have that rich people need? ›

The answer to the riddle is "nothing." Nothing is greater than God. Nothing is more evil than the Devil. The poor have nothing. The rich need nothing.

What is the best way to preserve money? ›

With that in mind, here are some options to consider.
  1. High-yield savings account. ...
  2. Certificate of deposit (CD) ...
  3. Money market account. ...
  4. Checking account. ...
  5. Treasury bills. ...
  6. Short-term bonds. ...
  7. Riskier options: Stocks, real estate and gold. ...
  8. 7 little-known bank fees that could be costing you big.
Apr 28, 2023

How can I preserve my money? ›

10 Great Wealth Preservation Strategies
  1. Comprehensive Financial Planning.
  2. Consolidating Your Assets.
  3. Instilling Financial Responsibility in Your Children.
  4. Using Surplus Assets Effectively.
  5. Risk Management.
  6. Giving to Charity.
  7. Testamentary Trusts.
  8. Splitting the Ultra High Net Worth Family Income.

Do the rich save their money? ›

Many, and perhaps most, millionaires are frugal. If they spent their money, they would not have any to increase wealth. They spend on necessities and some luxuries, but they save and expect their entire families to do the same. Many millionaires keep a lot of their money in cash or highly liquid cash equivalents.

What are the 4 key things you need to build wealth? ›

In order to build wealth, families need to have little or no debt, an emergency fund, investable money and confidence in their skills as an investor, according to the report. Note that it's important to prioritize paying off debt and building up an emergency fund first before using leftover money to invest.

Why do the rich get away with everything? ›

Convenient Bail. Unless their crimes are non-bailable offenses, the rich hardly ever have to stay in jail. They can easily seek bail and get out of jail while their case proceeds in the courts. Bail is easier for them as they have easy access to money, and putting down a surety amount isn't a problem.

Where in the Bible does it say the rich will continue to be rich? ›

It was named for the bible passage Matthew 25:29: “For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.” The loose transition popularized today is "The rich get richer and the poor get poorer”.

Where in the Bible does it say rich but poor? ›

Proverbs 13:7 New King James Version (NKJV)

There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.

Why do rich people hoard wealth? ›

The rich hoard so much cash because they are always looking for investment opportunities. One of the main reasons why rich people are rich is because they recognize investment opportunities when they arise and jump all over them.

Do rich people save for retirement? ›

Rich Savers Have a 401(k) Advantage

You contribute that amount annually from age 30 to age 65, earning a 7% annual rate of return. If you retire at 65, you'd have just over $3 million saved for retirement, not including any additional catch-up contributions you make between age 50 and 65.

How long do people stay rich? ›

However, research also shows that the richest 10 per cent of the population can expect to live the longest of them all. In fact, from the age of 55, wealthy men and women who were born in 1940 may live an additional 35 years. The result for the poorest 10 per cent however is about 25 years, depending on their gender.

Do millionaires pay off debt or invest? ›

They stay away from debt.

Car payments, student loans, same-as-cash financing plans—these just aren't part of their vocabulary. That's why they win with money. They don't owe anything to the bank, so every dollar they earn stays with them to spend, save and give!

Do most millionaires come from poor families? ›

Millionaires Are Made, Not Born

In fact, the majority of millionaires didn't even grow up around a lot of money. According to the survey, 8 out of 10 millionaires come from families at or below middle-income level. Only 2% of millionaires surveyed said they came from an upper-income family.

Why are so many rich people depressed? ›

Also, financially successful people like CEOs and high-powered attorneys may experience high rates of depression because they work long hours and sleep less. They may also feel the need to meet high expectations. “Being extremely wealthy can also cause feelings of disconnection,” Marcum says.

What are 5 things that rich people do? ›

5 Things Millionaires Do With Their Money That Normal People Don'...
  • They Don't Talk About Money. ...
  • They Have Credit Cards That Are Different Colors and Weights Than the Average Person. ...
  • The Ultra-Wealthy Take Portfolio Diversification to the Next Level. ...
  • Some Wealthy Individuals Don't Mind Being Frugal.
Dec 30, 2022

Do rich people live longer than poor? ›

Conclusions. It's not surprising that those with more wealth tend to live longer than those with less. If you have more money, you probably have access to better health care as well as more nutritious foods. You also have less stress from worrying about money, and stress is a factor in mortality, as well.

Are you happier if you are rich? ›

Once you hit an annual household income of $75,000 (£62,000), earning more money didn't make you any happier. In 2021, the happiness researcher Matthew Killingsworth released a dissenting study, showing that happiness increased with income and there wasn't evidence of a plateau.

What is the most important thing to become rich? ›

Diversify Your Portfolio

That also happens to be one of the key concepts of investing: diversification. Once you begin your investing journey, you need to always keep in mind that building a diversified portfolio is essential to getting rich.

What are the signs of being rich? ›

9 Signs of Wealth to Look Out For
  • You're an Overachiever. It's hard to be modest when you're an overachiever. ...
  • You Started Making Money At a Young Age. ...
  • You Take Action. ...
  • You Are Outspoken. ...
  • You Possess a Sense of Urgency. ...
  • You're Focused More on Saving Than Earning. ...
  • You Know The Difference Between Needs & Wants.
Oct 13, 2022

Does being rich mean you are successful? ›

Success and Money

Being rich and successful are quite different from each other. We can say that they are two different sides of coin. Rich means you are wise in terms of monetary things And On the other side of the hand Successful means how much success and fame you will earn in your business or life.

What God says about rich people? ›

Finally, 1 Timothy 6:17-18 offers divine instructions for the wealthy among us. The passage reads: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

Does God want us to be rich? ›

He prays: “Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, 'Who is the LORD? ' or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God” (Proverbs 30:8-9).

What does Jesus say about being rich? ›

“Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 19:23)

Can rich people satisfy all their needs and wants? ›

The statement is indeed false. Both poor and rich households experience scarcity since the problem of scarcity arises because needs and wants are unlimited and the resources (or means) to fulfil these wants are limited. Rich people also have wants that are not fully satisfied.

Are rich people more generous? ›

People with more money are not always more generous. People who feel richer sometimes give less than those who feel poorer.

Does having rich friends help? ›

On average, researchers found that if a child from a low socioeconomic family lives in an area where 70 percent of their friends are wealthy (which is typical for most wealthy kids), their adult income increases by an average of 20 percent. That's a very strong correlation.

Who has the power to give wealth? ›

“And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

What is the rule of wealthy people called? ›

A plutocracy (from Ancient Greek πλοῦτος (ploûtos) 'wealth', and κράτος (krátos) 'power') or plutarchy is a society that is ruled or controlled by people of great wealth or income.

What is it called when a rich person gives money away? ›

A philanthropist is a person who donates time, money, experience, skills or talent to help create a better world. Anyone can be a philanthropist, regardless of status or net worth.

Do rich people need a budget? ›

This is one of the biggest reasons they're millionaires: They're in a committed and caring relationship with their finances! If you don't have a budget, you need to know you can't make all those goals you set come true until you start being intentional with your money.

What do poor people pay more for? ›

Beyond grocery shopping and taxes, the poor pay more for housing, transportation, credit and electricity.

How do the rich stay rich and the poor stay poor? ›

In a simple explanation: The Rich operates in Abundance mode, while the Poor operates in scarcity mode. Abundance – You give more because you are already in a better position, which in return attracts more returns.

What bank do millionaires keep their money? ›

Millionaires tend to turn to private banks for a variety of reasons. Since they offer a wide range of financial products, services, and expertise under one roof, the element of convenience can be very enticing. There are also several perks and more favorable options and rates, making the bank very attractive.

Can you keep millions in the bank? ›

Can You Keep Millions in the Bank? Keeping large amounts of money in a bank can be tricky, but it is possible. There are limits to the amount of money that is insured for each depositor at a bank — up to $250,000 per depositor with the FDIC — so the super wealthy often spread out their accounts over multiple banks.

Do the rich live longer than the poor? ›

However, research also shows that the richest 10 per cent of the population can expect to live the longest of them all. In fact, from the age of 55, wealthy men and women who were born in 1940 may live an additional 35 years.

Do millionaires keep cash? ›

Many millionaires keep a lot of their money in cash or highly liquid cash equivalents. And they tend to establish an emergency account even before making investments. Millionaires also bank differently than the rest of us.

Do millionaires keep their money in checking account? ›

High net worth investors typically keep millions of dollars or even tens of millions in cash in their bank accounts to cover bills and unexpected expenses. Their balances are often way above the $250,000 FDIC insured limit.

Do billionaires use credit cards? ›

Wealthy Americans generally use credit cards the same way that everyone else does. They opt for cash back and no annual fee cards, and generally trust the big issuers.

Why do rich people buy houses under LLC? ›

While you could lose that single property to a lawsuit, it is a much better option than losing the property AND your personal assets. The cost of forming an LLC protects your house and other assets from landing in a future settlement or judgement.

What does the Bible say about being rich? ›

Finally, 1 Timothy 6:17-18 offers divine instructions for the wealthy among us. The passage reads: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

Why do rich people put their homes in a trust? ›

To reduce income taxes and to shelter assets from estate and transfer taxes. To provide a vehicle for charitable giving. To avoid court-mandated probate and preserve privacy. To protect assets held in trust from beneficiaries' creditors.

Can you deposit $100 million in a bank? ›

DDA/MMDA allows you to place funds into demand deposit and/or money market deposit accounts. You can deposit up to $135 million for each account type. With this option, you can enjoy expanded insurance protection and still have the flexibility to access your funds when you need them.

Can you deposit a million dollars cash in the bank? ›

You can deposit a million dollars in a bank since banks do not impose maximum deposit limits. However, consider several factors before you make your deposit. Such factors include deposit insurance limits and deposit hold times. The size of your deposit can also have a negative impact on your interest rate.

How much cash should you keep at home? ›

Keep Cash to a Minimum

Danielle Miura, CFP, the founder and owner of Spark Financials, suggested, “You should keep enough money on hand to get you a couple of gallons of gas, pay for a delivery tip, or to help in unfortunate events,” or around $100-$200 at a time.

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