Life insurance is an important part of an overall financial plan. Regular life insurance reviews performed by an experienced professional can determine whether the policy is performing according to expectations and meeting financial objectives.
There are many factors to consider that may impact the performance and suitability of a life insurance policy. It is important to review and determine that both product and planning objectives are being met. Some of the most significant reasons to conduct regular life insurance policy reviews include:
Product Considerations
Policy Funding Adequacy - Policies that have been underfunded may require additional premiums, adjustments to the benefits, or other corrective action. Overfunded policies may require fewer premiums.
Loans & Withdrawals - Lifetime distributions from permanent cash value life insurance products will affect policy performance. Periodic monitoring and review is essential to help ensure policies are meeting the intended objectives and to help avoid unexpected tax consequences.
Crediting Rate & Charge Assumptions - Life insurance policies are illustrated under certain assumptions that may change over time, both positively and negatively. This may impact policy performance.
Product Enhancements - New product types, features, and riders may provide increased planning opportunities.
Policy Maturity - Older life insurance policies may have a maturity date of age 95 or 100. A policy review can help mitigate this problem.
Favorable Tax Treatment on Exchanges - Life insurance is a unique asset that receives special treatment under the Internal Revenue Code. If an opportunity exists to improve on an existing life insurance policy, in most instances, a permanent life insurance policy may be exchanged, allowing the policyowner to obtain a new permanent life insurance policy while continuing to defer income taxation on any accumulated gain.
Planning Paradigms
Changes to Needs & Objectives - Risk tolerance can change over time and life insurance should be reviewed periodically to make sure the product type and design continues to be appropriate. Additionally, it is important to review policy ownership and beneficiary designations to ensure the objectives of the life insurance policy will be met.
Regulatory Changes - State and Federal laws change over time and may impact planning objectives and results.
Carrier Financial Strength - Like other major financial institutions, life insurance companies are reviewed by rating agencies to analyze strength and stability.
Medical Advances - Improvements in how conditions are detected and treated may impact the underlying mortality assumptions used to price life insurance products. Newer products may provide superior overall financial performance.
Contact us today if you are interested in a life insurance review. You can also learn more under Services.
