Is Whole Life Insurance A Bad Investment?

  1. 61667 POINTS
    Steve Savant
    Syndicated Financial Columnist, Host of the weekly talk show Steve Savant's Money, the Name of the Game, Scottsdale Arizona
    The operative word here is investment. Participating whole life can be a savers vehicle but not an investment. For long term conservative savers, who desire guarantees, participating whole life insurance can provide returns generally greater than ten year Treasuries. The cash value accounts accumulate tax deferred and may be able to generate tax free income via withdrawals to basis and policy loans of gain.
    Answered on August 18, 2013
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  2. 21750 POINTS
    Jim Winkler
    CEO/Owner, Winkler Financial Group, Houston, Texas
    That is a great question! Like all investments, for some the investment is the greatest thing since sliced bread, and for others that same investment is like a tack in your shoe. Life insurance is really not an investment per se, as it isn't going to make you any money; it will pay to your beneficiary, and you will receive none of it, as you won't be here. Many people are led to think of life insurance as an investment in that sense, but it truly isn't. It is an investment in peace of mind, you are assured that your family will be provided for when you pass and your whole life policy pays them. But other than leaving a chunk of tax free money behind, you aren't going to see any returns from your policy. If you have large amounts of money laying around that you can pass on to your loved ones tax free and probate safe, you don't need life insurance at all. If you don't, then a whole life policy is a good "investment" in the protection of your family, and in your peace of mind. I hope that helps, please feel free to contact me with any questions that you may have, okay? Thanks for asking!
    Answered on August 29, 2014
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  3. 37376 POINTS
    David G. Pipes, CLU®, RICP®
    Business Development Officer, T.D. McNeil Insurance Services, Fresno, California
    The value of a whole life policy is not based upon the stock market.  It is a legal contract in which the company assumes guarantees for the death benefit, cash accumulation and price.  Declining markets do not affect those promises.  A whole life policy is a stable part of a financial plan.  A whole life insurance policy performs quite well when compared to other high-quality, fixed return investments.  Whole Life also has significant income tax advantages, the greatest being that the full face amount can pass to your beneficiary free of income tax, and could escape estate taxes.
    Answered on August 29, 2014
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