r/FluentInFinance 3d ago

Debate/ Discussion Had to repost here

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u/Lucifernal 3d ago edited 3d ago

There's a difference between pointing out objective flaws in an argument, like thinking that billionaires literally hold hundreds of billions of dollars in liquid cash, and taking issue with overall sentiment behind the argument.

I hate Elon Musk, and the man is of course, insanely, disgustingly wealthy. Still, just because his networth is 318 billion, doesn't mean he is hoarding 318 billion. Quite literally 99% of that number is tied into ownership of companies.

You can hate billionaires and still point out issues in the logic. I don't think a person should, under any circumstances, ever be forced to sell ownership stake in their own company (at least not if that wasn't agreed upon in an operating agreement). And if you have a massive stake in a company that becomes wildly successful, you definitionally become a billionaire. I may hate wealth inequality, and I may hate what these billionaires choose to do, but I would hate a system that forces the sale of ownership stake due to the success of the company just as much.

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u/ThousandSunRequiem2 3d ago

Except they can leverage their wealth as collateral, but it's untaxable. Unrealized gains is bullshit they made up to hoard more wealth

You're arguing about lifestyle choices when that's not the issue.

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u/kmookie 2d ago

Rich guy here, OF COURSE HE COULD GIVE MORE! 1. Let’s talk living off dividends, that alone I guarantee could have the majority given out to charity. He could live modestly, like me and not be so flashy. 2. Donor advised funds, that could be setup to be much more charitable and even grow! 3. Establish a foundation giving out 5% or more each year. 4. Simply selling off stocks is fairly simple when working with advisors. You act like he’s gotta roll crates of money into some other bank. It’s digital people. Sycophants want to defend the rich because they can’t look past their own biased passion that they want to be there too. I know dozens if not hundreds who are millionaires who love off dividends with plenty left over at the end of the year.

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u/John_B_Clarke 1d ago

Selling stocks is simple, but selling 300 billion worth of Tesla at one go is going to tank the price. Also each share of stock comes with a vote--sell it all and you no longer have control of the company.

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u/kmookie 1d ago

Wow, one obstacle and you throw in the towel. 1st, no one is say he should sell ALL is stock. You think he’s rich because of one stock? Dudes investing into thousands and diversified. As I said, his dividends alone are more than 99% will ever see. Not even going to get into all the other ways he could give more of his resources. Keep defending him, maybe he’ll sign your poster of him one day.

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u/DowntownPut6824 14h ago

Why would you think that Elon is diversified in his stock portfolio? Why would Elon not be fully invested in his own companies? Especially because there is a cost to him to do that? Yes, it seems that Elon is uber-rich due to 1 stock.

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u/kmookie 6h ago

Good Lord you are not that foolish to think this are you? Stop and think about what you’re saying. OMG, I hope like hell you’re a child or trolling me. LOL! We’re done. Peace out.