Adam Bergman

Top 5 Tax Lien and Deed Investing Platforms (Plus How to Invest Using a Self-Directed IRA)

Tax lien and tax deed investing has become one of the most compelling alternative asset classes for investors seeking income, diversification, and real-asset exposure. With more counties moving auctions online and more investors looking beyond stocks and bonds, access to this niche strategy has never been easier.

This article breaks down the top tax lien and tax deed investing platforms (in no particular order), explains what tax lien and deed investing is, who it’s best for, the risks involved, and how you can invest in this asset class using a self-directed IRA with IRA Financial.

Quick Answer: What Are the Top Tax Lien and Deed Investing Platforms?

Top Tax Lien and Tax Deed Investing Platforms:

• GovEase
• Bid4Assets
• Unique.Exchange
• Parcel Fair
• Auction.com

These platforms were selected based on a review of fees, reputation, investor experience, available offerings, performance history, and investor requirements.

What Is Tax Lien and Tax Deed Investing?

Tax lien and tax deed investing allows investors to profit from unpaid property taxes.

Tax Lien: A tax lien is created when a property owner fails to pay property taxes. Investors purchase the lien and earn interest when the owner repays the debt.

Tax Deed: A tax deed occurs when the government auctions the actual property to recover unpaid taxes. The investor may acquire ownership of the property, often below market value.

Each state — and often each county — has its own laws governing interest rates, redemption periods, and auction rules.

Why Tax Lien and Deed Investing Matters

Tax lien and deed investing matters because it offers a combination of income potential, asset backing, and portfolio diversification that is difficult to replicate in traditional markets.

Key Benefits:

• Potential for high yields (often statutory interest rates)
• Real estate–backed security
• Low correlation to stocks and bonds
• Opportunities at below-market pricing
• Predictable legal frameworks set by state law

For investors seeking alternatives to volatile public markets, tax liens and deeds can play a strategic role.

Who Is Tax Lien and Deed Investing Best Suited For?

This asset class is generally best suited for:

• Investors comfortable with due diligence and research
• Those seeking income or discounted real estate exposure
• Long-term investors who do not need immediate liquidity
• Retirement investors using self-directed IRAs
• Real estate investors expanding beyond traditional purchases

It may not be ideal for investors seeking daily liquidity or completely passive investments.

Top 5 Tax Lien and Deed Investing Platforms (In No Particular Order)

1. GovEase

GovEase is a widely used online auction platform that hosts tax lien and tax deed sales for counties across the U.S.

Why investors use it:

• Direct access to county-run auctions
• Clean, user-friendly bidding interface
• Transparent auction rules and documentation

Investor considerations: Each auction follows local county rules, so investors must review terms, fees, and redemption laws carefully.

2. Bid4Assets

Bid4Assets is one of the longest-standing government auction platforms, featuring tax deeds, liens, foreclosures, and surplus properties.

Why investors use it:

• Large inventory across multiple states
• Long track record and institutional use
• Supports tax deed investing at scale

Investor considerations: Properties are sold “as-is,” often with limited information, making due diligence critical.

3. Unique.Exchange

Unique.Exchange is a digital exchange focused on modernizing tax lien investing, including secondary market features and portfolio management tools.

Why investors use it:

• Streamlined technology and automation
• Designed for larger or more experienced investors
• Portfolio analytics and transaction efficiency

Investor considerations: Some offerings may be limited to accredited or higher-net-worth investors.

4. Parcel Fair

Parcel Fair is primarily a research and discovery platform that aggregates tax lien, tax deed, and foreclosure data across jurisdictions.

Why investors use it:

• Advanced search and filtering tools
• Centralized auction calendars
• Supports informed decision-making

Investor considerations: Parcel Fair typically complements — rather than replaces — auction platforms.

5. Auction.com

Auction.com is best known for foreclosure and bank-owned properties but also features tax-related real estate opportunities in certain markets.

Why investors use it:

• Nationwide property coverage
• Market data and valuation tools
• Strong brand recognition

Investor considerations: Tax deed availability varies by region and requires market-specific research.

Risks and Considerations of Tax Lien and Deed Investing

While attractive, tax lien and deed investing carries important risks:

• Legal complexity: Laws vary by state and county
• Redemption risk: Property owners may redeem liens, limiting upside
• Property condition risk: Especially with tax deeds, inspections are often impossible
• Liquidity risk: Capital may be tied up for extended periods
• Competitive bidding: Can compress returns in popular markets

Successful investors mitigate these risks through education, research, and diversification.

How to Invest in Tax Liens and Deeds Using a Self-Directed IRA

One of the most powerful ways to invest in tax liens and tax deeds is through a self-directed IRA (SDIRA).

IRA Financial allows investors to use retirement funds to invest in:

• Tax lien certificates
• Tax deed properties
• Real estate and other alternative assets

Why Use a Self-Directed IRA?

• Tax-deferred or tax-free growth (Traditional or Roth)
• Keeps high-yield returns sheltered from current taxation
• Expands retirement diversification beyond Wall Street assets
• Maintains investor control while staying IRS-compliant

With IRA Financial, investors can invest in tax lien platforms directly through their self-directed retirement accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are tax liens a good investment?

Tax liens can be a good investment for investors seeking income and diversification, provided they understand the legal structure and risks involved.

Can tax lien investments be held in an IRA?

Yes. Tax liens and tax deeds can be held inside a properly structured self-directed IRA with a provider like IRA Financial.

How much money do I need to start?

Some tax liens are available for a few hundred dollars, while tax deeds typically require more capital.

Do I automatically get the property?

With tax liens, no — ownership only occurs if the lien is not redeemed and foreclosure is completed. Tax deeds may convey ownership immediately, depending on state law.

What happens if the owner pays their taxes?

The investor receives their principal back plus statutory interest.

Why Investors Choose IRA Financial for Tax Lien Investing

IRA Financial is a leading provider of self-directed retirement accounts, helping investors access alternative assets like tax liens while maintaining compliance and control.

Whether you’re investing through GovEase, Bid4Assets, or another platform, IRA Financial provides:

• Flexible SDIRA structures
• Education and compliance support
• Direct investing capabilities
• Dedicated new account specialists

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re interested in investing in tax liens or tax deeds through a self-directed IRA, the next step is simple.

Request a consultation with an IRA Financial new accounts specialist to learn how to:

• Set up a self-directed IRA
• Invest in tax lien and deed platforms
• Build a more diversified, tax-advantaged retirement strategy

Explore alternative investing with confidence — and put your retirement capital to work beyond traditional markets.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. Any rankings, ratings, or opinions expressed reflect the views of IRA Financial based on internal research, listed criteria, and publicly available data at the time of publication. Rankings are subjective and may not be suitable for all investors. Readers should independently evaluate all options and consult with qualified advisors prior to making financial decisions.

by Adam Bergman

How Can a Non-U.S. Citizen Open a Self-Directed IRA?

As people move around the globe more frequently, many non-U.S. citizens find themselves working in the United States for a time, participating in U.S. retirement plans, and then returning to their home country. A common question that often causes confusion is whether a non-U.S. citizen can open and maintain a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA).

The short answer is yes, in many cases, but only if specific legal and tax requirements are met. U.S. retirement accounts are governed by federal tax law, not citizenship alone, and eligibility depends heavily on work authorization, Social Security status, and the source of funds.

This article explains who qualifies, who does not, how non-U.S. citizens most commonly fund a Self-Directed IRA, and why working with an experienced SDIRA provider matters.

Who Can Open a Self-Directed IRA?

A Self-Directed IRA follows the same eligibility rules as a traditional or Roth IRA under the Internal Revenue Code. The difference lies in investment flexibility, not who is allowed to open the account.

To open and fund an IRA, self-directed or otherwise, an individual must meet two core requirements:

• Have a valid U.S. Social Security number
• Have earned income that is taxable in the United States, typically through authorized employment

For non-U.S. citizens, this usually means the individual must have been legally authorized to work in the U.S. at some point and issued a Social Security number in connection with that employment.

Common examples include individuals who worked in the U.S. under:

• H-1B visas
• L-1 visas
• E-2 visas
• O-1 visas
• TN status
• Employment-based green card status

While these individuals were working in the U.S., they were eligible to participate in U.S. retirement plans such as 401(k) plans and IRAs, assuming all other requirements were met.

The Importance of a Social Security Number and Work Authorization

A critical point that often causes confusion is that an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is not sufficient to open or fund an IRA.

U.S. retirement accounts require:

• A Social Security number
• Compensation from authorized employment that is subject to U.S. income tax

This means that simply owning U.S. real estate, earning passive U.S. income, or filing a U.S. tax return does not make someone eligible to open or fund a Self-Directed IRA. The IRA system is designed to incentivize earned income from work, not investment income or foreign employment.

Foreign Nationals Who Cannot Open a Self-Directed IRA

Foreign individuals who do not have authorization to work in the United States generally cannot open or fund a Self-Directed IRA.

This includes:

• Foreign nationals who have never worked in the U.S.
• Individuals who only have an ITIN
• Investors who earn only passive U.S. income
• Individuals residing abroad with no prior U.S. employment history

Even if a foreign person owns U.S. assets or pays U.S. taxes on investment income, the IRS does not allow IRA contributions without qualifying earned income and a Social Security number. To be clear, if the individual has legally been authorized to work in the U.S. at some point and was issued a Social Security number in connection with that employment, that person would have been eligible to open an IRA or 401(k) account.

This is a hard rule, and no custodian can override it.

What Is a Self-Directed IRA?

A Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) is an IRA that allows the account holder to invest in alternative assets beyond traditional stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.

With a properly structured SDIRA, investors may invest in:

• Real estate
• Private equity
• Venture capital
• Private lending
• Hedge funds
• Cryptocurrency
• Private operating businesses

The tax treatment of the account is the same as any IRA. What changes is who controls investment decisions.

A Self-Directed IRA is especially attractive to internationally mobile individuals who want to continue managing their U.S. retirement assets while living abroad.

The Most Common Way Non-U.S. Citizens Fund a Self-Directed IRA

For non-U.S. citizens, the most common and practical way to fund a Self-Directed IRA is not through new annual contributions, but through a rollover from an existing U.S. retirement plan.

Rolling Over a 401(k) After Leaving the U.S.

Many foreign nationals worked for U.S. employers and participated in a 401(k) plan during their employment. When employment ends, often because the individual returns to their home country, the 401(k) remains a U.S. retirement asset.

In most cases, the individual may:

• Roll over their former employer’s 401(k) into a Self-Directed IRA
• Maintain and manage that IRA even after leaving the United States

Residency is not required to hold an IRA. The key is that the account was lawfully established and funded while the individual was eligible.

Living Abroad Does Not Disqualify an Existing IRA

One of the most misunderstood aspects of U.S. retirement law is that you do not need to live in the United States to maintain an IRA.

If a non-U.S. citizen:

• Has a valid Social Security number
• Already owns a U.S. retirement account such as a 401(k) or IRA

They may generally:

• Roll over funds into a Self-Directed IRA
• Continue to invest those funds
• Hold U.S. or alternative investments
• Take distributions in the future, subject to tax treaties and withholding rules

What typically changes is withholding and reporting, not eligibility.

Why New Contributions Are Often Not Possible

While rollovers are usually permitted, new annual IRA contributions are often not available to non-U.S. citizens who no longer work in the U.S.

That is because:

• IRA contributions require current earned income
• Foreign-source income earned abroad generally does not qualify

As a result, most non-U.S. citizens use a Self-Directed IRA as a long-term investment vehicle for existing retirement assets, not as a savings account for new contributions.

Compliance Considerations for Non-U.S. Citizens

Non-U.S. citizens with Self-Directed IRAs must also be mindful of:

• U.S. withholding rules on distributions
• Tax treaty provisions with their home country
• Foreign reporting obligations in their country of residence

While these issues do not prevent ownership of a Self-Directed IRA, they underscore the importance of working with a provider that understands cross-border retirement compliance.

Final Thoughts

Non-U.S. citizenship alone does not prevent someone from opening or maintaining a Self-Directed IRA. The key factors are work authorization, Social Security status, and the source of retirement funds.

For foreign nationals who previously worked in the United States and accumulated retirement savings, a Self-Directed IRA can provide continued control, investment flexibility, and long-term tax advantages even after returning home.

As with all advanced retirement strategies, success depends on understanding the rules and working with experienced professionals.

by Adam Bergman

Self-Directed IRA Allowed Assets: The List, the Reality, and 7 Gray Areas

Key Takeaways

• The biggest risk of investing in a Self-Directed IRA is not choosing unconventional assets. It's accidentally engaging in a prohibited transaction or dealing with a disqualified person.
• Mistakes involving control, compensation, or personal use can cause your entire IRA to be disqualified, resulting in a full taxable distribution and potential penalties.
• It's also important to remember that custodians may impose their own restrictions. IRS rules establish the baseline, while custodian policies determine what assets they are willing to administer.

Why “Allowed Assets” Lists Can Be Misleading

One of the most common questions I hear is, “What assets are allowed in a Self-Directed IRA?” The problem is that the IRS does not publish an official allowed assets list.

Instead, the Internal Revenue Code takes the opposite approach. It clearly spells out what is prohibited, such as life insurance, collectibles, and personal use of IRA assets.

Everything else, from real estate to private equity to cryptocurrency, may be allowable if the transaction is structured correctly and complies with IRS rules.

There is another layer many investors overlook. Self-Directed IRA custodians decide which assets they are willing to process. That means an investment can be technically permissible under IRS rules but still unavailable through a specific provider.

Because of this, investors often fixate on “Can my IRA buy this?” when the more important questions are “How is this investment structured?” and “Who is involved in the transaction?”

Allowed Assets: A Practical Overview

Below is a high-level view of assets that are commonly allowed in Self-Directed IRAs, along with assets that are explicitly prohibited. Custodian acceptance and proper structuring are always required.

7 Gray Areas That Commonly Trip Up Self-Directed IRA Investors

1. Services You Provide to IRA-Owned Assets

Owning real estate or a business inside your IRA is allowed. Performing services for that asset yourself is not. Common examples include doing repair work on an IRA-owned rental property or managing day-to-day operations of a business held inside your IRA. The IRS views this as indirect compensation because you benefit from cost savings or increased value.

Safe rule: Always use independent, third-party vendors for services.

2. Personal Use vs. Investment Use

Your IRA can own property, but you and other disqualified persons cannot use it personally. That includes staying in an IRA-owned vacation property or allowing lineal relatives to live in an IRA-owned rental without a true arm’s-length lease. Even a single night of personal use can violate the rules.

Best practice: Clearly document the investment purpose and ensure all use is strictly income-driven.

3. Control of an IRA-Owned Entity

An SDIRA can own an LLC or other entity. Problems arise when the IRA owner exercises excessive operational control. For example, serving as the managing member of an IRA-owned LLC or causing that entity to transact with you personally can trigger a prohibited transaction.

Avoidance tip: Limit your role to passive ownership and use independent managers when possible.

4. Compensation From IRA Investments

Your IRA is allowed to earn income. You are not allowed to receive personal compensation from IRA-owned assets. Paying yourself wages, management fees, or consulting fees from an IRA-owned business violates IRC Section 4975.

Safe path: All income must flow directly back into the IRA, not to you personally.

5. Lending, Borrowing, and Guarantees

An IRA can act as a lender, but strict boundaries apply. You cannot borrow from your IRA, and you cannot personally guarantee loans made to or by IRA-owned assets. Personal guarantees are considered self-dealing.

Rule of thumb: Keep IRA funds and credit completely separate from your personal finances.

6. Family Members and Disqualified Persons

Certain people are considered disqualified persons under IRS rules, and transactions with them are prohibited even if they appear fair. Disqualified persons include you, your spouse, your parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, entities you control, and fiduciaries with authority over the IRA.

A common gray area is renting IRA-owned property to a sibling at market rent. Despite seeming reasonable, this is still prohibited.

Guideline: If a transaction involves a disqualified person, it's off limits.

7. Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT)

An IRA can own operating businesses and leveraged real estate, but certain income may be subject to unrelated business income tax. Operating income from a business or income attributable to debt-financed real estate can trigger UBIT, even inside a tax-advantaged IRA.

Action step: Evaluate potential tax exposure before entering the transaction, not after.

SDIRA Rules You Must Understand

• Prohibited transaction rules under IRC Section 4975 are mandatory. Violations can disqualify your IRA.
• Allowed assets are broadly defined, but compliance is enforced through transaction structure, ownership, and behavior.
• Disqualified persons are the most common source of mistakes.
• UBIT rules may apply to certain types of income earned by your IRA.

What Happens If You Get It Wrong

If a prohibited transaction occurs, the IRS can treat your entire IRA as distributed as of January 1 of the year the violation took place. That means the full account value may be subject to ordinary income tax, plus penalties if you are under retirement age.

Final Thoughts on Staying Compliant

• Work with a qualified Self-Directed IRA custodian and experts who understand the tax code. Custodians handle administration and reporting but do not provide legal or tax advice.
• Document everything. Clear, thorough records help demonstrate compliance if your IRA is ever reviewed.
• Engage experienced third-party professionals, including tax advisors and attorneys who understand Self-Directed IRAs.
• When something feels unclear, assume caution is warranted. Strict separation between your personal finances and your IRA is the foundation of compliant self-directed investing.

by Adam Bergman

Top Silver Investing Platforms: Fees, Features and How They Fit Into Your Retirement Strategy

Silver investing is not just for collectors or enthusiasts. It has become a serious option for investors looking to diversify their portfolios, hedge against inflation, and gain exposure to a tangible asset that behaves differently than stocks or bonds. If you are exploring self-directed retirement accounts, like a Self-Directed IRA with IRA Financial, understanding the platforms and strategies for investing in silver is essential.

This guide will cover top silver investing platforms, why silver matters as an alternative asset, the type of investor it’s best suited for, risks to consider, and how you can include silver investments in your retirement planning through IRA Financial.

Why Silver Matters as an Alternative Asset

Silver is more than just a commodity. It’s a tangible, physical asset used in jewelry, electronics, solar panels, and industrial applications, giving it a unique demand profile. Investors consider silver for several reasons:

• It can act as a hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations.
• Silver prices often move differently than stocks and bonds, offering diversification.
• Certain forms of silver are IRS-approved for retirement accounts if held according to regulations.

By including silver in your portfolio, you gain exposure to an alternative asset that can balance more traditional investments and provide stability in uncertain markets.

Who Silver Investing is Best Suited For

Silver is not for every investor, but it can be a valuable addition for:

• Investors looking to diversify beyond stocks, bonds, and cash.
• Long-term retirement planners seeking protection against inflation.
• Individuals with medium to high risk tolerance, since silver can be volatile.
• Investors prepared to store physical silver or invest through specialized accounts.

It’s important to note that investing in silver, especially physical silver within an IRA, comes with storage costs and custodian fees. Compliance with IRS rules is essential to maintain the tax-advantaged status of your retirement account.

Top 5 Silver Investing Platforms

Here are five leading platforms to consider for silver investing, based on fees, reputation, offerings, performance, and investor requirements. These platforms can be used directly or incorporated into a Self-Directed IRA through IRA Financial.

1. BullionVault

BullionVault may be best for investors who want to buy and store physical silver securely.

• Offers competitive fees and insured storage options.
• Easy access to international markets and transparent pricing.

2. JM Bullion

JM Bullion is a great option for U.S.-based investors looking for a wide selection of silver coins and bars.

• Offers free shipping over certain purchase amounts.
• Known for fast delivery and strong customer service.

3. APMEX

APMEX is for investors who want a variety of investment-grade silver products.

• Extensive inventory including collectible coins and bars.
• Offers secure storage options and education resources for investors.

4. Kitco

Kitco is an option for investors who want a combination of market news, metals prices, and trading tools.

• Supports both physical silver purchases and online trading accounts.
• Well-known for market transparency and research resources.

5. Silver.com

Silver.com is best for beginners looking for simple online purchasing.

• Easy-to-navigate platform with competitive prices.
• Offers educational resources to help investors make informed decisions.

Investing in Silver Through a Self-Directed IRA

A Self-Directed IRA allows investors to include alternative assets like silver in their retirement portfolio. With IRA Financial, you can invest in IRS-approved silver within a tax-advantaged account. Benefits include:

• Diversifying your retirement portfolio beyond traditional assets.
• Potentially shielding your silver investments from certain taxes until retirement.
• Maintaining control over your investment choices with guidance from experienced specialists.

By combining self-directed retirement accounts with trusted silver investment platforms, you can tailor your retirement strategy to your personal goals.

Risks and Considerations

While silver can provide diversification and protection against inflation, there are some risks to consider:

• Silver prices can be volatile in the short term.
• Physical silver requires secure storage, which may involve additional costs.
• Investors must follow IRS rules for holding silver in a retirement account to maintain tax advantages.

It’s always wise to understand the market, costs, and regulatory requirements before investing.

How to Get Started with Silver in Your Self-Directed IRA

Investing in silver can be an excellent way to diversify your retirement portfolio and protect against economic uncertainty. A Self-Directed IRA allows you to hold silver and other alternative assets within a tax-advantaged account.

If you want to explore adding silver to your retirement plan, request a consultation with one of IRA Financial’s new accounts specialists today. They can help you understand your options and guide you through the process of investing in silver within a Self-Directed IRA.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. Any rankings, ratings, or opinions expressed reflect the views of IRA Financial based on internal research, listed criteria, and publicly available data at the time of publication. Rankings are subjective and may not be suitable for all investors. Readers should independently evaluate all options and consult with qualified advisors prior to making financial decisions.

FAQs About Silver Investing

Can I include silver in my IRA?

Yes, IRS-approved silver can be held in a Self-Directed IRA through a custodian like IRA Financial.

Do I need to store silver myself?

No, most platforms offer secure storage options that comply with IRS requirements.

Is silver a safe investment?

Silver can provide diversification and a hedge against inflation, but it can also be volatile. It should be considered as part of a balanced portfolio

by Adam Bergman

Why Elon Musk Is Wrong About Retirement: Even in an AGI World, You’ll Still Need Money

In recent interviews and viral social-media clips, Elon Musk has suggested that there may eventually be “no need” to save money because artificial general intelligence (AGI), combined with advanced robotics, will usher in a future of such extraordinary abundance that governments will provide some form of “universal high income,” making traditional financial planning largely obsolete. At first glance, this claim feels futuristic, optimistic, and even comforting, particularly at a time when inflation, housing costs, healthcare expenses, and retirement anxiety weigh heavily on millions of households.

But while Musk’s vision is intellectually interesting and technologically ambitious, it rests on assumptions about economics, politics, and human behavior that do not hold up under closer scrutiny. Even in a world where AGI dramatically lowers the cost of producing goods and services, money will not disappear, saving will not become optional, and long-term financial planning will remain essential for anyone who wants more than bare subsistence. In fact, the arrival of AGI may make ownership of capital, assets, and investment vehicles more important—not less.

To understand why, it is important to first fairly explain what Musk actually believes, and then examine why that belief, while appealing in theory, breaks down in reality.

What Elon Musk Actually Believes About AGI and Money

Elon Musk’s view is not that money suddenly vanishes or that markets cease to exist overnight. Rather, his argument is rooted in a version of what economists sometimes call “abundance economics” or a post-scarcity thought experiment. In this framework, AGI systems—artificial intelligence that can reason, learn, and perform tasks at or beyond human cognitive capacity across virtually all domains—combine with robotics and automation to replace most human labor.

In Musk’s vision, AGI will be able to design products, write software, provide medical diagnostics, perform legal research, optimize logistics, manage supply chains, and eventually operate physical robots capable of manufacturing, construction, transportation, and maintenance. As a result, the marginal cost of producing many goods and services trends toward zero, or at least becomes dramatically cheaper than today.

When labor is no longer the primary constraint, Musk argues, societies will face a massive displacement of traditional jobs. Governments, unable to allow large portions of the population to fall into poverty, will respond by implementing some form of universal income. Musk often distinguishes between Universal Basic Income (UBI), which covers only minimal survival needs, and what he calls Universal High Income (UHI), which he envisions as sufficient for a comfortable standard of living.

In this future, Musk suggests that saving money for retirement or long-term security may become less necessary, because:

• Essential goods and services will be extremely cheap or effectively free
• Income will be guaranteed regardless of employment
• People will work primarily for meaning, creativity, or personal fulfillment rather than necessity

This is the strongest, most charitable version of Musk’s argument, and it deserves to be taken seriously as a philosophical projection of what advanced technology could theoretically enable.

The problem is that this vision underestimates how scarcity actually works, overestimates political execution, and misunderstands the role money plays beyond mere survival.

Scarcity Does Not Disappear—It Shifts

The most fundamental flaw in the “no need for money” argument is the assumption that abundance in production eliminates scarcity altogether. It does not. It merely shifts where scarcity exists.

AGI may dramatically reduce the cost of producing goods, but it cannot eliminate scarcity in resources that are inherently finite or structurally constrained. Land is the clearest example. No amount of artificial intelligence can create more beachfront property in Miami, more brownstones in Manhattan, or more hillside homes overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Location remains scarce regardless of how cheap construction becomes.

Housing costs, therefore, will not collapse to zero simply because robots can build homes more efficiently. Zoning laws, land availability, environmental restrictions, local taxes, infrastructure limits, and political considerations all constrain supply. Even if basic housing becomes more affordable in less desirable areas, desirable locations will continue to command a premium, and money will remain the mechanism by which people compete for them.

The same is true for other forms of scarcity that AGI cannot erase: time, privacy, exclusivity, human attention, access to elite education, and proximity to cultural or economic centers. In an abundant world, these constraints often become more valuable, not less.

Prices Do Not Go to Zero. They Reprice to Constraints

History provides a useful guide here. Every major technological revolution has dramatically lowered the cost of certain goods and services while simultaneously increasing the value of constrained assets.

The Industrial Revolution made manufactured goods cheaper, but landowners and capital holders accumulated disproportionate wealth. Electrification reduced production costs across industries, yet did not eliminate inequality. The internet made information nearly free, but created trillion-dollar companies and concentrated wealth in platform owners.

AGI will follow the same pattern. While it may reduce the cost of many services—such as basic legal research, routine medical analysis, or commodity manufacturing—prices will still anchor to constraints such as regulation, insurance, taxes, political risk, and demand for premium experiences.

In other words, prices do not disappear; they reprice around what cannot be automated or replicated infinitely.

Universal Income Is Not Universal Lifestyle

Even if we assume that governments successfully implement a generous universal income system, there is a critical distinction between income that guarantees survival and income that enables aspiration.

Universal income programs, by design, aim to provide a floor, not a ceiling. They are intended to prevent destitution, not to fund luxury, travel, private healthcare, elite education, or meaningful lifestyle choice. A guaranteed income may cover basic housing, food, and utilities, but it will not allow everyone to live where they want, travel when they want, or access premium services without constraint.

Money remains the difference between having options and having limitations. The idea that people will no longer want differentiation, improvement, or optionality runs counter to human nature and historical experience.

Government Distribution Is Not a Substitute for Financial Independence

Musk’s vision also assumes an unusually efficient, rational, and benevolent system of government wealth distribution. History suggests otherwise.

Government benefit programs are inherently political. They are subject to budget constraints, inflation, legislative compromise, means-testing, eligibility rules, and policy reversals. Payments often fail to keep pace with real cost increases, particularly in housing and healthcare, and are frequently adjusted downward during fiscal stress.

Relying exclusively on government income concentrates risk in a single payer system over which individuals have no control. Financial independence, by contrast, is about diversification—of assets, income sources, and risk exposure. Saving and investing are tools for reducing dependence on any one institution, including the state.

Human Desire Does Not End With Abundance

One of the most overlooked aspects of post-scarcity arguments is the assumption that human desire is finite and easily satisfied. In reality, desire adapts. When basic needs are met, attention shifts to higher-order goals: comfort, status, autonomy, meaning, and legacy.

In a world where basic goods are cheap, people will place greater value on:

• Unique experiences
• Customization
• Human craftsmanship
• Privacy and autonomy
• Time flexibility
• Status signaling

These are not eliminated by AGI; they are amplified. Money remains the mechanism by which individuals access higher tiers of choice and control.

AGI Increases the Value of Capital Relative to Labor

Perhaps the most important point, and the one least acknowledged in popular discussions, is that AGI fundamentally shifts economic power toward capital ownership.

If machines do most of the work, then ownership of those machines, systems, intellectual property, and underlying assets becomes more valuable. Returns accrue not to labor, but to those who control capital deployment. This dynamic is already visible in today’s economy and will intensify in an AGI-driven one.

In such an environment, saving and investing are not relics of a bygone era; they are survival skills. Those who own assets participate in productivity gains. Those who do not are dependent on redistribution.

Ironically, AGI makes the case for asset ownership stronger, not weaker.

The Quiet Contradiction in Musk’s Own Behavior

There is also an unspoken contradiction in the narrative. Elon Musk himself is not preparing for a future without money. He is building factories, owning companies, controlling intellectual property, and deploying capital at scale. These are not the actions of someone who believes ownership will soon be irrelevant.

They are the actions of someone who understands that even in a highly automated future, control over assets determines outcomes.

Why Saving and Investing Still Matter—Especially for the Future

The idea that people can safely stop saving because technology will take care of them is not empowering; it is dangerous. It encourages complacency at precisely the moment when economic transitions are most uncertain.

Technology changes how wealth is created, but it does not eliminate the need to plan, save, and invest. If anything, periods of rapid technological change reward those who prepare and punish those who assume the future will be evenly distributed.

AGI may lower the cost of goods, but it will not eliminate competition, scarcity, or the desire for control over one’s life. Money remains the tool that converts abundance into choice.

Final Thought

Elon Musk’s vision of an abundant, AI-driven future is intellectually compelling and worth serious consideration, but it should not be mistaken for a substitute for retirement planning or long-term financial responsibility. Even in a world shaped by artificial general intelligence, money does not disappear; instead, it becomes the primary mechanism that determines who enjoys security, choice, and independence later in life, and who remains dependent on systems and policies beyond their control.

The more realistic conclusion is not that retirement saving becomes obsolete in an AGI world, but that it becomes even more important. As technology reshapes how income is earned and labor is valued, individuals who have taken the time to build assets, save consistently, and invest with a long-term perspective will be far better positioned to adapt, preserve their lifestyle, and maintain autonomy in retirement. In an era of rapid technological change and economic uncertainty, disciplined retirement planning is not an outdated concept—it is the foundation of financial freedom in the age of artificial intelligence.

by Adam Bergman