Even ballplayers prepare for the future.
The San Diego Padres signed infielder Fernando Tatis, Jr., to a 14-year, $340 million contract roughly one year after the Los Angeles Dodgers inked outfielder Mookie Betts to a 12-year, $365 million deal. That brings the total to 8 baseball players who have signed long-term, $300+ million contracts.1
From an estate strategy perspective, you might be surprised to hear that these baseball stars may face similar issues as other Americans as they prepare for the future.2
To begin with, all 8 will need to understand that the estate and gift tax exemptions are $11.7 million per person. But those exemptions are set to expire and revert back to $5 million in 2026. While those current limits only address a fraction of their net worth, they can start to explore other choices for the balance.2
Remember, this letter is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for real-life advice, so make sure to consult your legal professional before modifying your estate strategy. Also, some estate strategies involve the use of trusts, which have a complex set of tax rules and regulations. Before moving forward with a trust, consider working with a professional who is familiar with the rules and regulations.
All 8 also should consider who they should name as their health care decision-maker and financial power of attorney. They also may want to consider estate strategies that involve life insurance. All 8 are relatively young, which may work to their advantage as they consider the role life insurance can play.2
Several factors will affect the cost and availability of life insurance, including age, health, and the type and amount of insurance purchased. Life insurance policies have expenses, including mortality and other charges. If a policy is surrendered prematurely, the policyholder also may pay surrender charges and have income tax implications. You should consider determining whether you are insurable before implementing a strategy involving life insurance. Any guarantees associated with a policy are dependent on the ability of the issuing insurance company to continue making claim payments.
While these 8 and many other professional athletes have signed “generational” contracts, it’s not unlike windfalls generated when selling a business or compensation packages for key executives.
Please let us know if there’s a big change in your financial situation. We’d welcome the chance to hear the story.
If you ever have any questions about your investments or retirement plans, please feel free to give me a call at 801-545-0696.
Regards,
Mark Lund, Financial Planner
Stonecreek Wealth Advisors, Inc.
11650 S. State Street, Suite 360
Draper, UT 84020
Citations
1. CBSSports.com, April 1, 2021
2. WealthManagement.com, April 21, 2021
This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. All economic and performance data is historical and not indicative of future results. Market indices discussed are unmanaged. Investors cannot invest in unmanaged indices. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This material was prepared by MarketingLibrary, Inc., for Mark Lund, Mark is known as a Wealth Advisor, The 401k Advisor, Investor Coach, Financial Advisor, Financial Planner, Investment Advisor and author of The Effective Investor. Mark offers investment advisory services through Stonecreek Wealth Advisors, Inc. a fiduciary, independent, fee-only, Registered Investment Advisor firm providing investment and retirement planning for individuals and 401k consulting for small businesses. Mark’s newsletter is called The Fiduciary Report. Cities served in Utah are: Salt Lake County, Utah County, Park City, Salt Lake City, Murray, West Jordan, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, Provo, Orem, Lehi, Highland, Alpine, American Fork.
