Considerations in asset accumulation

The after-tax asset accumulation option requires "Warren Buffet" like skill and discipline, seed capital, and very friendly income tax rates. The government's choice of appropriate tax levels involves a variety of often contradictory considerations: public acceptance, progressivity -- the ability to pay dictates the amounts to be paid; the revenue needs of the Federal, state and local governments; and, the discouragement of tax evasion and the minimization of the distortion of market choices. Today, our society evidences a highly developed consumer demand and pressure to work harder to earn enough after-tax assets to achieve a higher standard of living with little concern to accumulate after-tax post-employment assets. In short, "live today"!