In life it is healthiest not to dwell on the woulda, coulda, shouldas... but it is hard not to. One of my biggest regrets financially is that I never got life insurance. We didn't have money to pay for life insurance in the past, and now that I might actually have money for it, no one will insure me because of my disabilities and I'm too fat. (Even though the fatness doesn't cause any medical issues for me other than contributing to my pain level, but hey, that's fatphobia in medicine that rolls over into other things. And my disabilities aren't life threatening, they just cause me lots of pain.) But for those of you who haven't missed the boat, life insurance is a great thing to have, especially if you have children. But what type? Term life insurance? Universal? Do you know the difference even? I must admit I don't. Read on to learn more about universal life insurance.
Are you considering purchasing a life insurance policy? If so, you might wonder if universal life insurance suits you. Keep reading to discover the pros and cons of this type of policy.
What is Universal Life Insurance?
Universal life insurance is a permanent life insurance offering a cash value component. Meaning that part of the premium paid goes into an account, accumulating interest over time. This cash value can be used to pay premiums or withdrawn as needed. Universal life insurance also offers the flexibility to adjust the premium payments and death benefits.
Pros of Universal Life Insurance
Flexibility
Universal life insurance offers flexibility in premium payments and death benefits. Policyholders can adjust their premium payments based on their financial situation, and they can also adjust the death benefit amount based on their changing needs. This makes it a great option for people with fluctuating incomes.
Affordable Life USA offers universal life that is guaranteed.
Cash Value
Universal life insurance offers a cash value component, meaning that a portion of the premium paid goes into an account that accumulates interest over time. This can be used to pay premiums, or it can be withdrawn as needed. This feature makes it a good option for people who want a life insurance policy that also serves as an investment vehicle.
Estate Planning
Universal life insurance can be an effective tool for estate planning. The death benefit can help provide for loved ones after the policyholder dies. Additionally, the policy's cash value component can provide liquidity to the estate, which can help cover expenses such as taxes and other debts.
Tax Benefits:
Get affordable rates on a 1,000,000 life insurance policy. Universal life insurance offers tax benefits, making it an attractive option for many people. For example, the policy's cash value component grows tax-deferred, meaning taxes are not owed until the funds are withdrawn. The death benefit is generally not subject to income tax.
Cons of Universal Life Insurance
Complexity
Since universal life policies offer a cash value component and the ability to adjust premiums and death benefits, it can be difficult to understand how the policy works and how to make the most of it.
Fees
Universal life insurance policies often come with fees and charges that can affect the policy's cash value component. For example, there may be surrender charges if the policy is terminated early or administrative fees for managing the policy.
Interest Rates
The interest rate on the cash value component of a universal life insurance policy is not guaranteed. This means that the policyholder may not earn as much interest as they had hoped, which can affect the policy's cash value over time.
Investment Risk
Universal life insurance policies often offer investment options that can be risky. The policy's cash value can be affected if the investments don't perform as expected. It may result in the policyholder needing to pay higher premiums to keep the policy in force.
Is Universal Life Insurance Right for You?
Whether or not universal life insurance is the right policy depends on your needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether or not to purchase a universal life insurance policy:
Your Financial Situation
Universal life insurance can be a good option if you have a fluctuating income or want a policy that also serves as an investment vehicle.
Your Risk Tolerance
Universal life insurance policies often offer investment options that can be risky. If you are uncomfortable with investment risk, you may want to consider a different type of policy.
Your Estate Planning Needs
Universal life insurance may be a good option if you want to use life insurance as a tool for estate planning.
Your Age
Universal life insurance can be more expensive than term life insurance, especially for older individuals. A universal life insurance policy may be more affordable if you are young and healthy.
The bottom line
Those who desire versatile coverage that functions as both a life insurance policy and an investment vehicle may find that universal life insurance is a good choice.
Speaking with a financial counselor or insurance expert is always a good idea if you are uncertain whether universal life insurance is the best option for your circumstances.