But the point is that there is (and probably will continue to be) ways to beat the system.
Maybe today's system as you know it in Texas Zig. Try visioning tax schemes for all states being cherry picked and brought together. High state income tax. High real estate tax. High sales tax. High personal property tax. High inheritance tax. Etc. It would be hard to find a place to hide, despite the lifestyle you choose. The gov't is well aware of the "millionaire next door" types and dipping into their pockets could be easily done. Asset based means testing could be a function of the taxes you pay. If your investment income is "x" then ownership of investment assets is assumed and a phase out of you benefit subsidies begins. This could be similar to the phasing out of itemized deductions and personal exemptions that is returning to fed taxes next year.
Right now most of the "wealth taxes" are fairly avoidable. It may or may not be worth the lifestyle and/or opportunity costs of tax avoidance, but the ability is there. They'd have to close a lot of tax avoidance options if they don't apply a direct tax or means testing on assets or net worth.
Well, my point is that I'm planning on "them" closing a lot of the tax avoidance loopholes. They're going to need to. Or, let inflation jump up for a while.
There is little you own that cannot be taxed without much effort. Your house, your car, your investment assets (directly or through sharply increased investment income taxes).
Again, and we're each dealing with our own opinions here so no right or wrong, I think holding assets and reducing taxable income to reduce taxes and avoid means testing is a great goal. I'm not optimistic that it's going to work within a decade or so........
But I hope you're right. It will be frustrating to have lived a frugal, responsible life and have my family's retirement situation be only a tad better than someone who didn't save, invest, postpone consumption, etc.
Sometimes you bite the bear, sometimes...........