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 the details as we understand them. More importantly, we opine about the absurdity of making rules to enforce ethical behavior. It just doesn't work and it never has.  ______________________ If you'd like for us to help you find the right ca ..read more

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 thin as a communion wafer. The incentive was clear. The bloggers were incentivized by advertisers that were largely in the "buy index funds and ETFs" because they always outperform cash value life insurance. We've never argued against the "outperformanc ..read more

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 has performed over time. Despite the assumption of a 6.3% static index credit at inception and the cap rate falling from 12% to as low as 7.5%, the policy has exceeded its original projection of $183,119, with an actual cash value balance of $198,96 ..read more

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 advantage of you or pitch you on some "pie in the sky" silliness, please click here to get in touch with us.  ..read more

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 alternative? Enter annuities: the unsung heroes of retirement income planning. Throughout this episode, you'll explore how annuities can provide a stable, less volatile foundation for your portfolio, all while offering guaranteed income benefits that last a li ..read more

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 known for its relaxed attitude towards rules and regulations. It's like having a lifeguard who's more interested in working on their tan than watching the water if you catch my drift. Now, throw Bitcoin into the mix, and you've got a recipe for a fi ..read more

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 our confidence in cash value life insurance and why our clients continue to benefit from it. We'll discuss these policies' stability and growth potential and how they've consistently delivered on their promises. Throughout our 12 years working together ..read more

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 risk, and offer greater flexibility in your golden years. We'll walk you through two compelling scenarios that demonstrate the potential of this approach. First, we'll explore how a 50-year-old can safeguard $500,000 of their assets by transferring them ..read more

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 insurance to beat stock market indices consistently over the long term, it can be a compelling alternative to bonds and bond indices offered as ETFs or mutual funds. Join us as we compare indexed universal life insurance performance and risk characteri ..read more

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 why life insurance is not just another product to be sold through a quick online transaction. We'll discuss the complexities behind underwriting, the pitfalls of rushing the buying process, and why a personal touch makes a significant difference. You'l ..read more