Attorney Tries to Convince Me IUL Is Better Than Whole Life Insurance
Welcome to a conversation that financial advisors and consumers alike have been eagerly anticipating. In this discussion, we're joined by Rocky DeFence-Sisco, a recovering attorney and writer of 13 books who is a strong advocate for Index Universal Life (I.U.L.). Rocky runs a company that assists advisors with helping clients, particularly focused on life insurance products like I.U.L. In today's discussion, we delve into the nuances of Index Universal Life versus Whole Life insurance, and why Rocky considers I.U.L. to be a superior product.
Debunking the Myths
Rocky addresses some common talking points and myths around I.U.L. and whole life insurance:
- Many whole life proponents claim that whole life insurance offers better value over time, but Rocky challenges anyone to show a mathematical scenario where whole life consistently beats I.U.L. in cash value returns.
- While there are concerns about I.U.L. products not being set up or funded properly, when done right, these plans face almost no liability because of the minimal risk from the insurance company.
Why Choose Cash Value Life Insurance?
The idea of cash value life insurance, according to Rocky, should be considered for its potential as a conservative asset class. He notes the benefits:
- Tax Advantages: Money can grow tax-free and be accessed tax-free under certain conditions.
- Flexibility: Unlike other retirement accounts, cash value life insurance policies do not adhere to a 59 and a half rule. You can access funds whenever needed.
Setting the Right Expectations
For Rocky, the focus is not on purchasing life insurance for death benefits but for leveraging cash value accumulation. The ultimate goal is maximizing cash flow in retirement. Rocky emphasizes that the setup should be outcome-focused and devoid of biases that many "gurus" manifest when discussing financial tools.
Comparing I.U.L. and Whole Life
Rocky explains the key differences between I.U.L. and Whole Life when used properly, focusing on:
- Growth Potential: I.U.L., when structured appropriately, can offer superior returns compared to whole life insurance.
- Loan Flexibility: I.U.L. loans are generally more flexible than whole life loans.
Cautious with Misleading Practices
He calls out misleading illustration practices, such as projecting borrowing till age 120, which unrealistically boosts the attractiveness of cash value policies.
The Real Question
The baseline question in this debate isn't simply "why I.U.L.?" but rather "why cash value life insurance?" The answer lies in its ability to grow and provide tax-free income during retirement, beating out whole life in most scenarios.
Conclusion
Choosing the right life insurance policy should involve understanding your end goals and evaluating which product optimally achieves those results. Rocky advocates for viewing and treating financial products like widgets, examining each for their pros and cons to determine the best fit for the client's needs.
Ultimately, Rocky invites skeptics and believers alike to compare strategies transparently, challenging them to a factual assessment of real-world outcomes.
