10 Ways To Keep Your Money Safe From the Government

When protecting your money, it’s important to limit the government’s take. Amid shifting tax policies and other types of political turbulence, you may want to make money moves that will lock down your wealth.

Here are some strategies for keeping your money safe during our current period of government turmoil.

Cryptocurrency proponents say this type of digital asset provides the ultimate financial autonomy. Cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized blockchain technology, making it harder for governments to seize control.

Unlike traditional cash assets, cryptocurrency exists outside of centralized financial institutions and offers a high level of privacy. And since digital currencies can be accessed and used globally, these funds deliver maximum portability.

Opening a bank account in a foreign country can provide asset protection and tax advantages.

Many wealthy individuals and corporations use offshore banking to shelter their assets from high taxation or legal risks. The Cayman Islands, Curacao, and Switzerland are among the places known for reduced financial oversight, tax neutrality, and strong financial privacy laws.

U.S. citizens can legally hold assets in foreign financial institutions. However, you might have to report these funds to the IRS and comply with the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FACTA).

Setting aside money in a traditional 401(k) or similar individual retirement account (IRA) is an effective way to minimize your tax liability and build wealth for retirement.

These upfront contributions can lower your taxable income, as they are made with pre-tax dollars. Funds grow tax-free until qualified withdrawals are made during retirement.

Roth IRA and Roth 401(k) accounts are another tax-advantaged option to build wealth. You make these contributions with post-tax dollars, but funds grow tax-free and withdrawals are untaxed in retirement.

A health savings account (HSA) offers another tax-advantaged way to protect wealth and manage future health care costs.

Funds contributed to an HSA provide an immediate tax deduction. Funds grow tax-free and are tax-free upon withdrawal, provided the money is spent on qualified medical expenses.

And unlike a flexible spending account (FSA), you can carry over unspent HSA money from year to year, allowing you to build savings for future medical expenses.

Holding tangible assets — such as precious metals, collectibles, or art — can be a good way to keep your wealth out of the hands of the government.

Unlike cash or digital assets, tangible assets cannot be electronically seized or frozen. Traditionally, tangible assets offer more privacy and do not have the same rigorous reporting requirements as some other forms of wealth.

Setting up your own business as a limited liability company (LLC) offers legal, tax, and privacy advantages.

An LLC legally separates your personal wealth from business liabilities. As such, creditors cannot easily access your personal funds if your business faces financial or legal setbacks. Certain LLC structures also offer tax advantages.

In places such as Wyoming, you can even establish an LLC anonymously.

Irrevocable trusts offer a near-impenetrable layer of defense against lawsuits and creditor claims. The ownership of assets is transferred to the trust and away from an individual’s name.

Once assets are held within the trust, they are legally protected from garnishment or seizure. Trusts also offer estate benefits, reducing the overall taxable value of an estate.

A family limited partnership allows family members to pool together assets within one business entity. This can provide tax benefits, including shielding more wealth from estate taxes.

FLPs are commonly used to manage real estate and other tangible assets, helping keep wealth within the family.

A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a tax-advantaged investment account specifically designed for future charitable giving, but with an immediate tax benefit.

By contributing stocks, bonds, cash, or other assets to a DAF, you can receive an upfront tax deduction even though the funds don’t need to be immediately distributed to charities. This allows you to choose how and when to distribute the funds.

This method also simplifies your long-term charitable giving. Once the money is in a DAF, it is no longer subject to estate taxes, keeping out of the government’s hands.

Keeping a low financial profile is an effective way to avoid scrutiny. Discreetly manage your financial activities, which includes curbing ostentatious displays of wealth.

Doing so lowers your risk of identity theft, fraud, and government interest in your activities. You can still drive a fancy sports car, but don’t wallpaper your wealth all over Instagram and TikTok.

Taxes, financial regulations, and big changes in Washington, D.C., might leave you worried about protecting your wealth. Taking some of the steps on this list can boost your peace of mind.

Also, consider talking to a financial advisor about the best way to prepare yourself financially for any future chaos that might put your wealth at risk.