Colin Steinberg joins the show to discuss tax planning for high-earning W-2 employees. He focuses on executive compensation and non-qualified plans. He explains how deferred compensation plans can help executives save additional income on a pre-tax basis beyond traditional 401(k) limits, the eligibility requirements, investment options, and the risks associated with having deferred assets tied to the financial health of an employer. We also talk after-tax strategies such as life insurance, how companies can use tax-efficient compensation to retain key employees, and why understanding tax planning opportunities before accepting a promotion, changing jobs, or receiving a large bonus can play an important role in long-term wealth building. Today we discuss... 

• Colin Steinberg explains his transition from financial advising to tax planning and executive compensation strategies.
• Tax-saving opportunities available to high-earning W-2 employees beyond traditional retirement accounts.
• Deferred compensation plans allow eligible executives to save additional income on a pre-tax basis beyond 401(k) limits.
• Non-qualified plans are generally designed for highly compensated employees, including executives and high-earning sales professionals.
• Deferred compensation plans can offer investment options similar to a 401(k), with some additional opportunities in private markets and alternative investments.
• A key trade-off of deferred compensation is that the money can be tied up for many years and remains subject to the financial health and creditors of the employer.
• Companies can use tax-efficient compensation strategies to reward and retain key employees without simply increasing their taxable salaries or bonuses.
• Life insurance can provide an additional after-tax vehicle for tax-deferred growth and potentially tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
• W-2 employees should generally maximize available qualified retirement plans and employer matches before exploring additional tax-planning strategies.
• Companies can potentially combine multiple compensation and tax-planning strategies to address issues such as partner buyouts, employee retention, and executive compensation.
• Proactive tax planning and working with knowledgeable advisors can help high-income individuals make more informed decisions about building long-term wealth.