How Much Does a Max-Funded IUL Insurance Policy Cost? (2024)

What will it cost you…a properly structured, maximum-funded Indexed Universal Life policy?

Let’s start with how much these policies give you: unparalleled liquidity, safety, predictable rates of return, and tax advantages (tax-free income, and income-tax-free transfer to your heirs upon death). Will your IUL policy incur any expenses? Like most financial vehicles, of course it will–your policy costs will include premium charges, admin fees, expense charges, and cost of insurance.

So the real question is what can a max-funded IUL make you (assuming it’s properly structured)?

To understand this further, let’s compare that to owning your own business. Let’s say you hire a CTO to oversee your technology operations. Will that CTO cost you money? Of course. But will her salary, say $200,000 be worthwhile when her innovative leadership nets the company $2 million this year? Absolutely.

DIVE DEEPER

Let’s dive in a little deeper to explore the issues around cost of insurance.

You might have heard that maximum-funded Indexed Universal Life policies (what I call LASER Funds) are too expensive to use as a capital accumulation tool. But this is one of the biggest misperceptions. In the book I co-authored with my sons, “The LASER Fund,” we discuss that many uninformed financial professionals repeat this “insurance is too expensive” myth, without stopping to really understand and compare the costs.

They often point to the first few years of a LASER Fund, when the costs are higher than many other financial vehicles during that time-frame. But as we illustrate in “The LASER Fund,” in Section I, Chapter 10, LASER Funds are a long-term financial vehicle, and when you treat them as such (properly structuring and funding your IUL policy over time), they can yield cost-effective results.

Once you get into Years 3 to 6, the LASER Fund often begins to pay for itself. In the long run, it’s among the least expensive vehicles, with an average of 1% to 2% in policy charges.

Properly structured, maximum-funded IUL policies have earned historical average returns of 5% to 10%. So let’s say this year your policy earns 10% and your charges are around 1%, you’re netting 9%. Returns can even be higher in some years, like when our clients earned 16% and netted 15%.

Essentially, that one percentage point is paying for all the fees AND the insurance (which can grow tax-free and pass along to your heirs income-tax-free). To me, that’s not a cost. That’s an opportunity.

Because of LASER Funds’ superior tax advantages, if I’m earning 11% in a given year and netting 10%, I’m happy. I’d have to be earning 15% in a tax-deferred account, like an IRA or 401(k), to be able to net 10% after-tax–and after fees I’m only netting 9. In a properly structured IUL, I only have to earn 10% to net 9%, and personally I’ve done that predictably for 25 years.

COMPARING TO OTHER FINANCIAL VEHICLES

In “The LASER Fund” book, in Section I, Chapter 10, we delve into comparisons between maximum-funded IUL policies and traditional financial vehicles, like a 401(k) and an after-tax account with tax-deferred growth and LIFO distribution–like a brokerage account or a managed money account.

You might find that comparison helpful, to see illustrations of how fees and taxes impact the performance of each vehicle over time. Most important, you can compare how each vehicle can provide for retirement income, since that’s what most of us wonder: What kind of supplemental retirement income can I count on during my golden years?

When it comes to the benefits of tax-free growth, tax-free access to income, AND income-tax-free transfer of wealth to your heirs…the way I see it, the cost of your IUL policy is paying for itself. So again, it’s not a matter of “What does it cost?” It’s all about “What does it make you?”

If you want to see how to make an insurance contract get cheaper as you get older, it’s all in the book. I invite you to explore it for yourself.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Watch the Video – Watch the related YouTube video to see me explain “How Much Does a Max-funded IUL Insurance Policy Cost?” (and while you’re there, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don’t miss a thing!).

Elevate Your Financial Dimension – Find out how you can improve your Financial Dimension journey and seize the liquidity, safety, predictable rates of return, and tax advantages of a LASER Fund. Explore the in-depth financial strategies and learn from real-life client experiences by claiming your free copy of “The LASER Fund” book at LASERFund.com. Just pay for shipping and handling, and we will send it to you, absolutely free.

Join a Webinar – Want to find out if a LASER Fund (a maximum-funded, properly structured indexed universal life insurance policy) is right for you? Join us for an upcoming webinar where you can explore these strategies.

How Much Does a Max-Funded IUL Insurance Policy Cost? (2024)

FAQs

How Much Does a Max-Funded IUL Insurance Policy Cost? ›

In the long run, it's among the least expensive vehicles, with an average of 1% to 2% in policy charges. Properly structured, maximum-funded IUL policies have earned historical average returns of 5% to 10%. So let's say this year your policy earns 10% and your charges are around 1%, you're netting 9%.

How much can you contribute to an IUL? ›

IUL has no fixed upper limit to annual contributions (premiums). If you qualify, insurance companies often allow annual contribution limits well over $100,000. And unlike your 401(k), if you can't make the maximum contribution this year, you can come back at any time in the future and make it up.

What are the downsides of an IUL? ›

Cons of Indexed Universal Life (Growth)
  • “IUL's doesn't include stock market dividends”
  • “IUL has caps so they can keep excess profits”
  • “IUL carriers can squash caps whenever”
  • “IUL illustrations are exaggerated”
  • “What if IUL gets multiple 0% years?”

Can IUL lose money? ›

It is unlikely you will lose money in an IUL because insurance agencies set a guarantee to your principal to protect it against losses in the market. However, there is often a cap on the maximum amount you can earn.

Is IUL a good idea? ›

Is indexed universal life a good investment? IUL is not the best investment for most people. There is potential for large investment gains, but performance can be unpredictable compared to traditional investing and it will cost more than a term policy.

Is IUL better than 401k? ›

A 401(k) allows you to invest money on a tax-deferred basis while also enjoying a tax deduction for contributions. Indexed universal life insurance allows you to secure a death benefit for your loved ones while accumulating cash value that you can borrow against.

Do you pay tax on IUL? ›

Tax-free growth and distributions: “IUL distributions are tax-free versus tax-deferred in the other vehicles,” says Chris Abrams, an IUL expert at Abrams Insurance Solutions. That means you don't have to pay taxes on the money you eventually draw from the cash value of the IUL.

When can you withdraw from an IUL? ›

No Minimum Withdrawal Age Requirements

Again, unlike retirement plans such as IRAs or 401(k)s, IULs don't require you to reach a certain age before withdrawing funds.

Can I move my 401k to a IUL account? ›

How to Move a 401k to an IUL Life Insurance Policy - YouTube

Which is better whole life or IUL? ›

Whole life is generally the safest route for those looking for something predictable and reliable, while IUL policies provide an interesting retirement-planning vehicle with greater upside potential and tax advantages.

How do I sell my IUL? ›

How to Sell IULs
  1. Determine if you want to be captive or independent agent.
  2. Identify the best IUL agent or Brokerage General Agency (BGA) that can best support your business.
  3. Study your market and put together a marketing plan.
Sep 28, 2020

How do I start an IUL? ›

Six Key Steps to Setting up an IUL the Better Money Method Way
  1. Not every IUL is set up to deliver the benefits outlined in The Better Money Method. ...
  2. Secure the lowest possible amount of insurance. ...
  3. Set a floor on loss. ...
  4. Make sure your policy has a lock and re-set. ...
  5. Choose the right person(s) to insure. ...
  6. Find the right provider.
Mar 5, 2018

Should I get an IUL for my child? ›

The Better Way

An IUL (indexed universal life insurance policy) for a child gives you the opportunity to leverage a small amount of after-tax money while your child is a child into a LIFETIME of tax-free financial benefits. To maximize the benefits for college, the policy should be bought ASAP after the child's birth.

Do banks invest in IUL? ›

Banks invest billions into high cash value life insurance. Surprisingly, for many banks, life insurance is their largest asset class. The amounts that banks invest in life insurance are large and quickly growing.

What does Suze Orman say about universal life insurance? ›

Suze believes that when whole or universal life insurance is looked at as a savings tool instead of just an insurance policy, the money that is contributed to a whole or universal life insurance policy could be earning a better rate of investment return elsewhere.

What are the pros and cons of indexed universal life insurance? ›

Indexed universal life (IUL) insurance policies provide greater upside potential, flexibility, and tax-free gains. This type of life insurance offers permanent coverage as long as premiums are paid. Some of the drawbacks include caps on returns and no guarantees as to the premium amounts or market returns.

How does an IUL work? ›

Indexed universal life (IUL) insurance is permanent, which means it lasts your entire life and builds cash value. An IUL policy allows for some cash value growth through an equity index account, unlike other universal policies that only grow cash value through non-equity earned rates.

How are insurance commissions calculated? ›

Take the premium paid on an insurance policy and multiply it by your base commission amount. Then, take the premium and multiply it by your override amount. Add the two together. This represents your total commission.

How much can you make selling final expense insurance? ›

On average, a final expense insurance coverage plan results in $600 per sale in first-year commission to the insurance agent. Every year the policy is renewed brings in another $50-60 per year in commission. The national average salary of an agent is $103,000.

How can I make money with IUL? ›

How Much Money Do You Need To Start An IUL Policy ... - YouTube

Does Fidelity have an IUL? ›

Universal Life products available at Fidelity are issued by third-party insurance companies, which are not affiliated with any Fidelity Investments company.

Is the IUL a safe investment? ›

As with any product tied to equities, IUL isn't 100% safe. IUL insurance carries greater risk than standard universal life insurance, but less than variable life insurance policies (which do actually invest in stocks and bonds). “The additional client risk is due to interest rate crediting fluctuations,” says Niefeld.

At what age should you stop term life insurance? ›

If you want your life insurance to cover your mortgage, consider how many years you have left until you pay off your house. You don't want your policy to expire after 20 years if your mortgage payments will last another decade after that.

What is a Roth IUL? ›

The Roth IRA and Indexed Universal Life (IUL) Policy are both tools that can be used to build substantial retirement savings. Because the money invested in these products has already been taxed, withdrawals can be made tax-free.

How do you put money into an IUL? ›

Six Key Steps to Setting up an IUL the Better Money Method Way
  1. Not every IUL is set up to deliver the benefits outlined in The Better Money Method. ...
  2. Secure the lowest possible amount of insurance. ...
  3. Set a floor on loss. ...
  4. Make sure your policy has a lock and re-set. ...
  5. Choose the right person(s) to insure. ...
  6. Find the right provider.
Mar 5, 2018

Can you roll a 401k into an IUL? ›

How to Move a 401k to an IUL Life Insurance Policy - YouTube

Is IUL better than whole life? ›

Whole life is generally the safest route for those looking for something predictable and reliable, while IUL policies provide an interesting retirement-planning vehicle with greater upside potential and tax advantages.

Should I get an IUL for my child? ›

The Better Way

An IUL (indexed universal life insurance policy) for a child gives you the opportunity to leverage a small amount of after-tax money while your child is a child into a LIFETIME of tax-free financial benefits. To maximize the benefits for college, the policy should be bought ASAP after the child's birth.

What is better than an IUL? ›

401(k)s offer more investment options than IULs, and employers often match a portion of employee contributions. It's important to consider your needs and goals when deciding which is better for you. Start saving for retirement as soon as possible – the earlier you save, the more time your money has to grow.

Do banks invest in IUL insurance? ›

Banks invest billions into high cash value life insurance. Surprisingly, for many banks, life insurance is their largest asset class. The amounts that banks invest in life insurance are large and quickly growing.

Is IUL better than Roth IRA? ›

If you might need permanent life insurance coverage and want to have the flexibility and possibility of using the death benefit of the policy for retirement income while you are still alive, nothing is better than an IUL policy. If you don't need permanent life insurance, a Roth IRA account might suffice.

How do I convert IRA-to-IUL? ›

An IRA-to-IUL conversion is a process by which you withdraw a portion of your IRA funds, pay taxes on the proceeds, and use the net amount to purchase a permanent life insurance policy that builds cash value.

How does an IUL work? ›

Indexed universal life (IUL) insurance is permanent, which means it lasts your entire life and builds cash value. An IUL policy allows for some cash value growth through an equity index account, unlike other universal policies that only grow cash value through non-equity earned rates.

Can I roll an IRA into an IUL? ›

Is an IRA-to-IUL conversion strategy sound? The answer is yes, with important qualifications. Like many financial strategies, IRA-to- lUL conversions can be beneficial for some, while not appropriate for others.

When can you withdraw from an IUL? ›

No Minimum Withdrawal Age Requirements

Again, unlike retirement plans such as IRAs or 401(k)s, IULs don't require you to reach a certain age before withdrawing funds.

What does Suze Orman say about universal life insurance? ›

Suze believes that when whole or universal life insurance is looked at as a savings tool instead of just an insurance policy, the money that is contributed to a whole or universal life insurance policy could be earning a better rate of investment return elsewhere.

What are the pros and cons of indexed universal life insurance? ›

Indexed universal life (IUL) insurance policies provide greater upside potential, flexibility, and tax-free gains. This type of life insurance offers permanent coverage as long as premiums are paid. Some of the drawbacks include caps on returns and no guarantees as to the premium amounts or market returns.

At what age should you stop term life insurance? ›

If you want your life insurance to cover your mortgage, consider how many years you have left until you pay off your house. You don't want your policy to expire after 20 years if your mortgage payments will last another decade after that.

What is the right amount of life insurance? ›

Most insurance companies say a reasonable amount for life insurance is six to ten times the amount of annual salary. If you multiply by ten, if your salary is $50,000 per year, you'd opt for $500,000 in coverage. Some recommend adding an additional $100,000 in coverage per child above the 10x amount.

What is the age limit for child life insurance? ›

Children's life insurance coverage lasts until at least age 18 and may continue until age 25, depending on the carrier and type of policy you have. Death benefits are fairly low, $50,000 or less in most cases.

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