Whole Life Insurance policies are permanent solutions that offer a wide range of benefits and perks. They are financial tools that help solve needs like:
The cash value account is an investment vehicle within the policy where a portion of premiums are invested and accrues interest over time. The policyholder can access this money while still alive by taking out loans against the policy or cashing out the policy entirely if needed. Before doing anything with the cash value in your life insurance policy, consult your trusted life insurance professional and CPA to learn the consequences of cashing out your policy.
Whole Life Insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that is considered the safest place to put your money due to the guarantees set out in the contracts. These policies have a leveraged death benefit that accrues a cash value that you can utilize for outside investments while your money is still participating in the growth inside of the life insurance policy.
The main advantage of Whole Life insurance in your financial planning is SAFETY. Life insurance is a contract that comes with guarantees. The insurance company guarantees certain returns, benefits, and protections as long as the premiums are paid. Those benefits are on a case-by-case basis, and life insurance is about solving each client's specific issues, problems, or desires.
First, determine the death benefit amount. How much insurance are we buying in year one or over the course of the client's lifetime? This value is the determining factor for how much money is put into the policy. The death benefit also dictates the majority of the cost basis for the plan and controls how much money is distributed when the client dies.
Second, life insurance can be an investment vehicle and financial planning aide.
There are disadvantages to consider with whole life insurance policies, such as urrender fees and tax implications for early cash-out.
You have a few options to use the cash vaule in your policy. Each option has pros and cons outlined below.
Working with a knowledgeable, trusted, licensed, and educated insurance agent is the best way to get the outcome you desire.
Whole life insurance policies have several tax implications to be aware of:
One huge advantage of using the cash value component of a whole life insurance policy for real estate investors is that it can act as a source of financing:
This loan can be an attractive option for investors who need help securing financing through traditional channels, such as banks or mortgage lenders. Also, the policy loan is not considered income, so it does not incur taxes.
Policy loans are collateralized against life insurance. They do not count towards your DTI, so they don’t affect your ability to qualify for loans. In fact, life insurance can help you qualify for more loans as life insurance is in your asset column and makes you more able to pay for your debts.
Comparing the advantages and disadvantages of using the cash value component of a whole life insurance policy versus other investment vehicles is crucial for real estate investors:
These investment vehicles do not offer the guaranteed death benefit that whole life insurance policies provide.
A whole life insurance policy may be worth considering if you want to save your money safely, let it grow, utilize it while it grows, and pass it on in ways you would not otherwise be able to. Whole Life insurance provides a safe, guaranteed place for your money to be utilized, grow, and pass on.
Scott Royal Smith is an asset protection attorney and long-time real estate investor. He's on a mission to help fellow investors free their time, protect their assets, and create lasting wealth.
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