In this episode, we explore Kodak's surprising decision to terminate its well-funded pension plan, which has created a $585 million surplus. We discuss why private pensions like Kodak's tend to be better funded than public ones and what this termination means for current pension holders. We break down your options when facing pension changes, from …

In this episode, we examine surprising research about how retirees actually use their 401(k)s for retirement income. We share data from a recent study showing that only a small percentage of retirees rely on their 401(k)s and IRAs for significant income, despite decades of marketing suggesting these would be primary retirement vehicles. You'll lear…

In this episode, we explore how Indexed Universal Life Insurance (IUL) might perform in a potentially lower-return market environment. We discuss why IUL products could actually thrive during market downturns, especially in a high interest rate environment, and explain how their fixed account options provide additional flexibility. You'll learn abo…

In this episode, we examine some interesting predictions from Wall Street about the stock market's next decade. Several major firms suggest we might see much lower returns than we've grown accustomed to—possibly just 3% annually for the S&P 500. We explain why market concentration in just a handful of big tech companies might lead to this outcome a…

In this episode, we explore why whole life insurance remains a reliable financial tool despite market trends and flashy investment alternatives. We examine how conservative saving strategies often outperform risky investments over time and discuss why disciplined savers consistently build lasting wealth. You'll learn why whole life insurance serves…

In this episode, we tackle the trending claims about Indexed Universal Life Insurance (IUL) as a path to wealth. We discuss why IUL isn't a get-rich-quick scheme and explain its actual purpose as a conservative financial tool. You'll learn about IUL's real performance compared to whole life insurance and the stock market. Understand its role in tax…

We reveal five surprising truths about annuities that you rarely hear discussed online. Drawing on our decades of experience in financial services, we share why people actually embrace annuities when they understand their real benefits. We examine how annuities can provide tax-free income when paired with a Roth IRA, which typically criticizes annu…

Join us as we explore the often-misunderstood world of whole life insurance, challenging common internet criticisms with practical insights. We'll unpack why the "bad investment" argument oversimplifies a complex financial tool. You'll discover how whole life's built-in safety features can actually protect your financial future, and why its steady …

In this episode, we explore why the future of whole life insurance looks promising. We discuss how rising interest rates are positively impacting whole life insurance dividends and cash value growth. We break down the mechanics of how insurance companies invest premiums and how this affects policy performance over time. You'll learn about recent di…

In this episode, we explore how you can use whole life insurance as a retirement tool. We dive into the mechanics of leveraging your policy's cash value for income in retirement, discussing both withdrawals and loans. We break down the differences between direct and non-direct recognition policies and their impact on your retirement strategy. We al…

In this episode, we discuss the ongoing debate surrounding Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance. We address recent criticisms of IUL, including claims about its complexity and suitability for consumers. You'll hear our perspective on why many of these criticisms may be overblown or misplaced. We break down a recent court case involving IUL and pr…

Ever wondered if you're buying too much life insurance? In this episode, we challenge traditional methods for calculating how much coverage you need. We'll reveal why common approaches often leave you confused and resistant to purchasing adequate protection. You'll discover our fresh, practical method for determining the right amount of life insura…

In this episode, we explore how indexed universal life (IUL) insurance can serve as a powerful income play for your retirement planning. We dive into the mechanics of IUL, comparing it to whole life insurance and explaining why it offers potentially higher returns with a wider range of outcomes. You'll learn about the unique features of IUL that ma…

In this episode, you'll discover why whole life insurance is an often-overlooked but powerful tool for generating retirement income. Brandon and Brantley dive into the numbers, revealing how whole life policies can provide a steady 5-5.5% annual yield with minimal risk. They compare this to traditional investment strategies, highlighting the stabil…

Ready to shake up what you think you know about whole life insurance? In this episode, we're diving headfirst into the top five arguments against it—and we turn them on their heads. Ever heard that whole life is just too expensive? Or that the returns are laughably low? We're going to break down why these arguments don't hold water. And don't even …

In this episode, you'll discover how closed-end funds can revolutionize your retirement income strategy. From expert Steve Selengut, you'll learn about this often-overlooked investment vehicle that's been around since the 1800s. You'll explore: - What closed-end funds are, and how they differ from mutual funds and ETFs - Why closed-end funds are re…

In this episode, you'll discover how annuities can solve some of the most pressing concerns of retirees and those planning for retirement. You'll learn about five key issues that annuities are uniquely positioned to address: 1. Longevity: You'll understand how annuities can provide guaranteed income for life, eliminating the fear of outliving your …

In this episode, "Should Everyone Own an Annuity?", you'll dive into the often misunderstood world of annuities and explore whether they're a suitable financial tool for everyone. You'll learn about the different types of annuities, including immediate and deferred annuities, and how they function to provide guaranteed income. You'll discover: - Th…

Have you ever wondered what really drives changes in indexed universal life (IUL) insurance cap rates? This episode delves into the mechanics behind these complex financial products. You'll learn why company profitability isn't the main factor influencing cap rates, participation rates, and spreads in IUL policies. Instead, discover how market cond…

In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on a popular financial strategy that might not be all it's cracked up to be. Don't get us wrong – we're not saying Infinite Banking doesn't work. It does, in theory. But we're here to discuss why it might not be the golden ticket for everyone. We'll dive into those success stories you've probably hear…

In this episode, we dive into the intricate world of whole life insurance dividends and the investment trends that shape them. You'll learn why the recent rise in interest rates hasn't immediately translated to higher dividend payouts, and the factors behind this lag. You'll discover how we analyzed the five-year investment yield trends of ten majo…

In this episode, we explore the complexities and misconceptions surrounding one of the most versatile insurance products out there. Universal life insurance often gets a bad rap from agents who parrot outdated claims, but there's a deeper issue at play. The vast flexibility and customization options of universal life insurance make it both incredib…

In this episode, we explore the impact of asset variability on retirement income. We discuss why the 4% withdrawal rule has proven effective despite assumptions of higher returns, and how market volatility affects sustainable withdrawal rates. You'll learn about the challenges of retirement income modeling, using examples from Monte Carlo simulatio…

In this episode, "Whole Life Insurance Only Sucks When You Do It Wrong," we explore common mistakes people make with whole life insurance policies and how to avoid them. From buying the wrong type of policy to mismanaging loans, we’ll share real-life examples and offer practical advice to help you make informed decisions. We'll discuss the importan…

Today, we tackle a widespread but often misunderstood concept of retirement planning. Are you under the impression that time eliminates risk when it comes to your investments? Think again. In this engaging and informative episode, we break down why the common belief that "time in the market" reduces risk can lead to serious financial missteps, espe…

In this episode of the Insurance Pro Blog Podcast, we’re diving into the surprising benefits of whole life insurance. Have you ever wondered how much money you could actually accumulate with a whole life insurance policy? We’ve got some eye-opening stories from our clients that show just how powerful these policies can be. Unlike the rollercoaster …

Ready to retire richer? In this episode, we're back to build on last week's discussion about using tax-free income to beat inflation. We'll dive deep into cash value life insurance and other strategies that can help you achieve a financially secure retirement. We start by comparing a traditional retirement account growing at 8% annually with a $25,…

Ever wonder how you can beat inflation with tax-free income? In this episode, your favorite hosts dive into the world of cash value life insurance and its powerful potential to generate tax-free income during retirement. We break down how cash value life insurance can serve as a hedge against inflation, especially when compared to tax-qualified sou…

If you've bumped into the buzz that IULs are a bad bet, this episode is for you. We're going straight to the heart of the most common critiques. Rising costs? Let's talk about why that doesn't have to be the scare it's made out to be. The complexity of IULs? We'll break it down into plain speak. And those illustrated rates that seem too optimistic?…

Are you considering using your whole life insurance policy as a source of retirement income? While ledgers and assumptions made by agents can be misleading, the process of distributing money from a whole life policy is not as complicated as it may seem. In this episode, we'll dive into the practical aspects of using your whole life policy for retir…

What's old is new again. The U.S. Department of Labor has revived its "Fiduciary" Rule after 7 years. This rule was originally discussed and proposed in 2015-2016. However, it was tabled after Trump was elected, and the DOL dropped it. The new rule is no less confusing than the original. Perhaps even more so. In today's episode we discuss some of t…

We started talking about whole life insurance on the internet way back in 2012. At the time, the popular sentiment among the ever-growing cadre of financial bloggers was to attach all types of cash value life insurance--including whole life insurance. It was as if they had ripped a page out of Dave Ramsey's playbook, and their arguments were as thi…

Are you curious about the actual performance of an Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policy? In this episode, we dive into the details of an IUL policy put in force 9 years ago and address the common arguments against IUL. You'll learn about the static interest rate assumptions used in IUL illustrations, the concerns about cap rates, and how this policy…

As long as we've been around in the life insurance business, we've seen scams. Some are subtlle and some not so much. The one we are discussing today is new (as far as we know) and represents the worst kind...the one that solely seeks to enrich the agents promoting it. ___________________ If you'd like to work with agents who will not take advantag…

If you're tired of watching your hard-earned money disappear into the pockets of investment managers, this episode is a must-listen. You'll learn how many retirees unknowingly pay exorbitant fees for low-volatility investment strategies, particularly those heavily weighted toward fixed income. But what if there was a smarter, more secure alternativ…

It's time to get real about this crazy idea of mixing life insurance with bitcoin. In this no-holds-barred podcast episode, "Life Insurance is Better With Bitcoin," we'll pull back the curtain and show you why this scheme is about as secure as a sandcastle in a tsunami. Picture this: you've got an insurance company operating out of Bermuda, a place…

In this eye-opening episode, you'll discover how cash value life insurance (whole life or indexed universal life) has proven to be a reliable and effective long-term financial strategy. With over a decade of experience and hundreds of satisfied clients, we share our insights on this approach's success. Join us as we delve into the reasons behind ou…

Are you worried about market volatility eroding your hard-earned retirement savings? In this episode, we reveal a powerful strategy to help you protect your assets and generate reliable, tax-free income in retirement. Discover how strategically moving a portion of your portfolio into whole life insurance can provide guaranteed returns, minimize ris…

Are you looking for a way to outperform the market with a risk profile similar to bonds? In this episode, we dive into the world of indexed universal life insurance and explore how its unique features, such as the zero percent floor and annual reset, can give you an edge during certain market periods. While we don't expect indexed universal life in…

In this episode, we'll break down the advantages of whole life insurance that accrue over time, illustrating why the best time to buy might actually be now. We'll explain how a policy purchased today can grow and potentially yield higher dividends in the future, putting you in a better position as rates rise. You'll get an in-depth comparison throu…

You might think that simplifying the purchase of life insurance would make it more accessible, but as you'll discover, this approach has led to a series of high-profile failures. From MetLife's kiosk experiment to the fall of Select Quote, we'll explore the reasons behind these missteps and the importance of expertise in this field. You'll learn wh…

Unlock the secrets to building your wealth while keeping it away from the taxman in this eye-opening episode of our financial series! "How to Create Tax-Free Wealth with Tax-Free Income" is your personal guide to understanding how you can leverage a municipal bond portfolio to generate income that's not only stable but also tax-exempt. Dive deep in…

You've been told life insurance is there to protect your family financially upon your untimely departure, but that's barely scratching the surface. You're about to learn how these policies harbor a wealth of untapped potential that can serve as a powerful tool in your personal finance arsenal. Imagine unlocking a reservoir of tax-free cash that bur…

In this episode, we delve into the financial landscape and explore why cash value life insurance could be a smart move for your portfolio.Vanguard's recent forecasts suggest that U.S. equities are expected to return between 4-6%. While this might seem like a decent return, we'll discuss how you could potentially match or even exceed this with a cas…

We understand that navigating the path to a well-funded retirement portfolio can be challenging, especially when market fluctuations cause your account balance to swing wildly. This can be particularly distressing if the majority of your retirement assets are concentrated in one account, like a 401(k). But don't worry, we have a solution for you: L…

You know that life insurance serves an important purpose, but did you realize it can also be part of your investment strategy? In this episode, you'll learn how your current age and stage of life can significantly impact how you leverage life insurance for investing. Whether you're young and looking to build cash value, middle-aged and want to supp…

In this episode, we delve into the nuanced world of whole life insurance as a strategic component in retirement planning. You'll discover how diversification isn't just about spreading your investments; it's about balancing risk and return. We explore a compelling scenario where shifting funds from a traditional 401(k) to a whole life insurance pol…

Here is a draft podcast episode description about the potential failings of 401k plans and alternatives, written in an active voice using second person: Are you betting your retirement dreams solely on your 401k? This week's eye-opening episode explores why that might be a mistake. We break down the little-known pitfalls plaguing many 401k accounts…

Do you have lingering questions about life insurance? In this myth-busting episode, you’ll learn why life insurance isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly. We’re tackling misleading ideas about cost, coverage, and who needs it. Get empowered as we debunk notions that your employer policy is enough or that life insurance is complicated. You’ll discov…

Are you looking to maximize your retirement savings and become savvier with your year-end tax planning? Join us as we share five advanced strategies aimed at turbocharging your Roth IRA conversions over the next few years. Learn how to coordinate deductions and tax credits to your advantage. Discover clever ways to offset the increased tax bite fro…