You don’t have to be wealthy:

Homes get a step up basis on inheritance like any other capital asset, and home equity loans are quite popular.

Less common but not obscure financial options include borrowing against your 401(k) or other equities.

fer 2 hours ago | parent | next [-]

Talking about homes: if a wealthy person see a depreciation of the equity they have a parachute (more homes, stocks, etc), if middle class sees a depreciation of the equity they're on the street. The risk profile is absolutely not the same.

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Groxx 2 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

401k and home ownership count as "wealthy" in many circles. It's not "I can do whatever I want any time" wealth, but it does still mean "this is not an option for people who likely need it the most" which is the real issue.

	▲	twoodfin 2 hours ago \| parent [-]
		How are income taxes a serious burden on “people who likely need it the most”? Those who truly need it the most are typically well into the plus column on government transfer payments: On net, the government is paying them far more than they’re paying it.