The Value of Life Insurance
Life insurance is a crucial step in planning for your future and the future of your loved ones. It can fulfill promises made to your family if you are no longer around by providing a death benefit to your beneficiaries in return for premiums paid to the insurance company. Life insurance can also provide benefits while you are living.
Advantages of the Death Benefit
Provides income tax-free money to your named beneficiary(s) that can be used to pay funeral expenses, debt, tuition, estate taxes or virtually any financial need you leave behind.
Can provide business security by enabling partners to buy out the interests of a deceased partner and prevent a forced liquidation.
Advantages of Living Benefits
The cash value growth of a permanent life insurance policy is tax-deferred (1), which means you do not pay taxes on the growth of the cash value unless the money is withdrawn.
Loans (2) or withdrawals can be taken against the cash value of a permanent life insurance policy to help with expenses, such as college tuition or the down payment on a home.
(1) Accumulated growth may be taxable upon withdrawal. If the policy is a Modified Endowment Contract (MEC), tax penalties may apply prior to age 59 ½. Consult a tax advisor on your specific situation.
(2) Policy loans and withdrawals reduce cash value and the death benefit and may be subject to other charges outlined in the contract.