Tesla’s Musk gets it wrong

Tesla’s Musk gets it wrong
It’s widely accepted, because it’s true, that retirement planning lags significantly for most American workers. Musk and Tesla chose the wrong history to buck.
FEB 15, 2021

“Tesla had a banner year in 2020 … but the company did not provide a 401(k) match to its employees.” 

“Tesla announced in an SEC filing Monday that it has bought $1.5 billion worth of bitcoin.” 

Source: CNBC, Feb. 8

Elon Musk has skills that deserve esteem. In Tesla Inc., he has guided a brand that has created numerous jobs and become synonymous with launching a company that has filled a void in space. He has done well, and he’s done so in the manner of an iconoclast, breaking norms and established precedents. 

This quality has served him well to date. Agree with it or not, his unique style has worked for his shareholders and supporters.  

However, the decisions represented in the two quotes above indicate he’s picked the wrong idol to smash. 

It’s widely accepted, because it’s true, that retirement planning lags significantly for most American workers. And it’s just as widely accepted, because it’s also true, that companies that commit to their employees engender long-term success. When a company has had the level of success Tesla has achieved, and it has the chance to commit $1.5 billion to an investment, the choice between an investment in bitcoin and in the staff ought to be easy. 

Alas, in this case, whether through hubris or a simple lack of care, Musk and Tesla chose the wrong history to buck. 

Latest News

Newsom wants nationwide billionaires tax as presidential bid may loom on the horizon
Newsom wants nationwide billionaires tax as presidential bid may loom on the horizon

“It’s time for an economic reset,” wrote the California governor, in a post on X.

Maryland regulators spank fledgling art-focused RIA Masterworks over registration snafus
Maryland regulators spank fledgling art-focused RIA Masterworks over registration snafus

Masterworks was launched in 2017 but its RIA, Masterworks Advisers, is just three years old.

Investors allege Miami operator took over $1.5 million in EB-5 scheme
Investors allege Miami operator took over $1.5 million in EB-5 scheme

One 2017 form, no broker license, and a $42 million gap they say surfaced on a webinar.

Gen X, millennials lag in retirement confidence amid knowledge gap
Gen X, millennials lag in retirement confidence amid knowledge gap

Fewer than half of Americans in their peak earning years feel on track for retirement, while many say limited financial knowledge and access to professional guidance are holding them back.

Advisor moves: Veteran-led UBS team overseeing $460 million migrates to Merrill
Advisor moves: Veteran-led UBS team overseeing $460 million migrates to Merrill

Meanwhile, Wells Fargo hauled advisors overseeing $825 million in the West Coast, while Wedbush has welcomed a seasoned professional from Stifel in California.

SPONSORED Who builds the income when the pension disappears?

Dan Biagini of American Equity says the steady decline of pensions, longer lifespans and a reset in interest rates are rewriting how advisors build retirement income

SPONSORED Why direct indexing stopped being optional

Direct indexing is on pace to outgrow ETFs and mutual funds. Northern Trust's Ken Lassner explains why the advisors who get it wish they had started sooner.