What if the wealthiest people on the planet—names like Musk, Buffett, and Ellison—aren’t playing by the same financial rules as the rest of us? In this deep dive, we unpack the “Buy, Borrow, Die” strategy, a legal yet elite approach to growing and preserving wealth while minimizing taxes. You’ll learn how assets are leveraged for liquidity without triggering capital gains tax, how the U.S. tax code enables intergenerational wealth transfer, and why this strategy remains out of reach—and out of sight—for the average person. Featuring insights from legal reviews, financial advisors, and FIRE community discussions, this episode sheds light on the mechanics, benefits, risks, and controversy surrounding one of the most powerful financial maneuvers in existence.
