K.E.M. Strategic Partners LLC | 35 Village Road, Suite 100 | Middleton MA 01949 | P. 978-560-3404  |  F. 978.560.1623

 
 

Caring  |   Independent   |   Practical
Financial Services

Insurance Read Time: 3 min

A Look at Whole Life Insurance

Chart one

In exchange for fixed premiums, an insurance company promises to pay a set benefit when the policyholder dies, but also offers additional benefits as well. Whole life insurance policies can build up cash value — effectively a cash reserve that pays a modest rate of return, and the growth is tax-deferred. Guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuing company.

Chart two

Most whole life insurance policies allow policyholders to borrow a portion of their policy’s cash value. Access to the cash value can allow you to pay for things like college expenses, a home down payment, or any other needs you may have. Interest payments on policy loans go directly back into the policy’s cash value.

Chart three

When the policyholder dies, his or her beneficiaries receive the benefit from the policy. Depending on how the policy is structured, benefits may or may not be taxable.

Whether whole life insurance is the best choice for you may depend on a variety of factors, including your goals or circumstances.

When you borrow against this cash value of your policy, there are some important points to consider. Accessing the cash value of the insurance policy through borrowing — or partial surrenders — has the potential to reduce the policy’s cash value and benefit. Accessing the cash value may also increase the chance that the policy will lapse and may result in a tax liability if the policy terminates before your death.

As with all types of life insurance, several factors will affect the cost and availability of whole life insurance, including age, health, and the type and amount of insurance purchased. Life insurance policies have expenses, including mortality and other charges. If a policy is surrendered prematurely, the policyholder may also pay surrender charges and have income tax implications. You should consider determining whether you are insurable before implementing a strategy involving life insurance. Any guarantees associated with a policy are dependent on the ability of the issuing insurance company to continue making claim payments.

Life insurance is not insured by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation). It is not insured by any federal government agency or bank or savings association.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

Directors and Officers Liability Insurance

Directors and Officers Liability Insurance

Not only can D&O insurance provide financial protection, but it can help improve an organization’s decision-making.

Your Shifting Risk Tolerance

Your Shifting Risk Tolerance

Time and market performance may subtly and slowly imbalance your portfolio.

TIPS for Inflation

TIPS for Inflation

If you are concerned about inflation and expect short-term interest rates may increase, TIPS could be worth considering.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

Your Emergency Fund: How Much Is Enough?

Having an emergency fund may help alleviate the stress and worry associated with a financial crisis.

Making a Charitable Contribution

There are benefits and limitations when you decide to donate stock.

Protection Against Uninsured Drivers

You’re hit by an uninsured driver. Now what? Are you protected against financial losses?

View all articles

Disability Income

This calculator estimates your chances of becoming disabled and your potential need for disability insurance.

Federal Income Tax

Use this calculator to estimate your income tax liability along with average and marginal tax rates.

Paying Off a Credit Card

Enter various payment options and determine how long it may take to pay off a credit card.

View all calculators

Investment Strategies for Retirement

Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.

Principles of Preserving Wealth

How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.

5 Smart Investing Principles

Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.

View all presentations

Where Is the Market Headed?

We all know the stock market can be unpredictable. We all want to know, “What’s next for the financial markets?”

The Power of Compound Interest

Learn how to harness the power of compound interest for your investments.

The Cycle of Investing

Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.

View all videos