Is it Best to Liquidate an Investment or Borrow Against It When You Need Cash?

By Timothy J. Rice
June 2, 2016

Now that the economy is several years past the Great Recession, security-based lines of credit have been growing in popularity.

Commerce Trust
Put simply, a securities-backed loan allows investors to borrow against the value of the securities in their portfolio. The individual investments they made and continue to make will remain unchanged by the pledging of these assets as collateral for the requested loan.

The benefit of this type of loan comes without disrupting your previously crafted investment strategy or creating any unwanted tax consequences.

Some investors have profited over the six-year bull market and find themselves wanting to extract cash from their appreciated investments to purchase big-ticket assets, like a second home, a major home renovation, large luxury items such as a car or a boat, or even a business opportunity.

In determining whether an investor should liquidate part of their investments to make a purchase outright or use their appreciated investment as collateral to secure a loan is typically a question that should be answered with the help of your tax advisor.

Generally speaking, many lending institutions allow you to borrow between 50% to 90% of your eligible investments, depending upon the collateral and type of credit you have. The interest rate charged is extremely competitive compared to other lending alternatives given the easily understood value of the collateral.

Wealthy individuals — whose earnings can fluctuate with the timing of deferred compensation — enjoy the flexibility of this type of loan because repayment of principal can be purposely made at the time income is received.

For less complex needs where potential borrowers may have large equity positions in their primary residence, many obtain the more common home equity line of credit rather than a security-based line. The advantages here include the ability in many cases to deduct interest charges for the amount borrowed and online access to funds directly linked to your checking account via online banking. The key is to remember to involve a private banker or an advisor to analyze your options for the right borrowing option.

Takeaways:
  • Borrowing doesn't have to disrupt your investment strategy.
  • Borrowing could eliminate potential tax consequences of liquidating assets.
  • There are no fees, charges or interest payments until you actually use the funds.
  • Flexibility relative to payment timing – you can likely customize when you make payments.

Disclosures:

Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and the opinions and other information in the commentary are as of June 2, 2016. This summary is intended to provide general information only and is reflective of the opinions of Commerce Trust's Private Banking Group.

This material is not a recommendation of any particular security, is not based on any particular financial situation or needs, and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified attorney, tax advisor or investment professional. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against all risk.

Commerce does not provide tax advice or legal advice to customers. Consult a tax specialist regarding tax implications related to any product and specific financial situations.

Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

timothy rice
Timothy J. Rice Senior Vice President, Private Banking Team Leader Commerce Trust
Tim is a private banking team leader for Commerce Trust. As a member of the private client team and an experienced, tenured private banker, he and his dedicated client support staff are responsible for ensuring each client’s experience with Commerce Trust exceeds expectations. Tim’s specific responsibilities include management of our clients’ day-to-day banking, cash management, and credit needs, while also helping them navigate the wide array of our financial services to find the solutions that best fit their needs. Tim brings more than 32 years of banking experience to his current position. Prior to joining Commerce, Tim ran a large retail banking division for a major independent bank in eastern Jackson County. Additionally, he is a former president and chief executive officer of a Northland Kansas City community bank. His background includes commercial and real estate lending, senior bank management, and bank strategic planning. Tim received his bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration from Park College in 1976. Tim’s current and past civic involvement includes being a member of the board of trustees of Park University, Park University MPA Graduate School Advisory Council, Planned Giving Council, and FBI Citizen’s Academy and Foundation; co-founder of the Parkville Community Development Corporation, the Main Street Parkville Association (an award-winning downtown historic preservation organization), and Parkville’s Christmas on the River; and past president of the Parkville Fine Arts Association, Platte Senior Services, Inc., and Kendallwood Hospice. In 2011, Tim co-founded and chaired the Parkville Economic Development Council. Tim has received numerous awards for his civic involvement and leadership in the Parkville community for assisting in rebuilding and revitalizing downtown Parkville after the area was devastated by the flood of 1993.