Ep 15 - Executive Edge: Understanding Elite Employee Benefits

Ever wondered how top-tier professionals leverage their compensation to build lasting wealth? In this engaging episode of Metcalf Money Moment, hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric share decades of expertise to demystify elite employee benefits. They explore powerful tools such as deferred compensation, ESOPs, stock options, and HSAs, offering clear and practical strategies to help corporate executives and high earners optimize their financial plans. Whether you’re aiming to minimize taxes or grow your retirement savings, this episode delivers insights to inspire confidence and clarity on your wealth-building journey.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Opening
• (01:08) Let’s focus on executive benefits: corporate executive compensation packages
• (01:49) Discussion on deferred compensation plans, stock options, 401K and benefits
• (08:15) ESOP plans, highlighting their role in wealth accumulation for employees at privately held companies
• (13:28) Differences between restricted stock units (RSUs) and stock options, employee stock purchase
• (18:34) 401K contribution limits and the benefits of mega backdoor Roth conversions
• (26:18) Discussion of HSAs, emphasizing their triple tax-exempt status

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Deferred compensation plans enable corporate executives to defer their salary, thereby reducing current tax liability and allowing for strategic planning for future income in lower tax brackets.
• ESOP plans in privately held companies build significant wealth for employees, offering tax-deferred growth and vesting benefits tied to company performance.
• HSAs offer triple tax-exempt benefits, allowing tax-deductible contributions, tax-deferred growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses, making them ideal for long-term savings.

RESOURCES:

Metcalf Partners - Website

Jeb Graham - LinkedIn

Ethan Hutchison - LinkedIn

Eric Wymore - LinkedIn

DISCLAIMER:

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.

ABOUT THE HOSTS:

Jeb Graham:

Jeb is the CEO and Managing Partner at Metcalf Partners Wealth Management. Before founding Metcalf Partners, he was a financial advisor in Overland Park, Kansas. Active in the Kansas City community, Jeb serves on the Kansas City Chapter Board of the Entrepreneur Organization (EO). He holds a finance degree from Kansas State University and a CFP® designation, and he received additional executive education in retirement planning from Wharton.

Ethan Hutcheson:

Ethan is a Partner and Financial Planner at Metcalf Partners. He is passionate about helping people prepare, plan, and execute their goals. With a career in Financial Services, his expertise spans Financial Planning, Tax, and Investment Management. Outside of work, Ethan enjoys hunting, cycling, and outdoor activities with his wife, Shanna, and their sons, Rhett and Levi.

Eric Wymore:

Eric is a Partner and Wealth Manager at Metcalf Partners Wealth Management. His career has been dedicated to wealth management. As an Accredited Investment Fiduciary, he prioritizes acting in clients’ best interests. Originally from southeast Iowa, Eric has lived in Kansas City for 20 years with his wife, Becky, and their sons, Gabe and Nolan. He holds a degree in finance from Iowa State University.