Before we fire off the gun to start the ‘Compound Return Marathon’, let’s cover some basics on what compound returns are and why you should care.
What is compound interest? You probably became familiar with the term ‘compound interest’ when you first started placing money in your bank accounts. Most of us recognize compound interest as the interest we receive from holding money in a savings account, certificate of deposit, or other low rate of return investment at the bank. Any form of compound interest is great, but this post isn’t about avoiding depreciation in cash value by earning just enough to out-pace inflation with low rate returns (which is about all no risk interest accounts are able to do). Let’s discuss a different type of compound interest.
Compound returns When you purchase index or mutual funds, you are often asked what you would like to do with any dividend or capital gains disbursements from that particular investment’s holdings. When you select that you would like to ‘re-invest’, you are, in effect, compounding your returns. The same goes for dividend producing stocks. You are offered the choice of receiving your dividend in the form of a cash payout, or re-investing the amount into more stock.
Why should I care about compound returns? When fully harnessing the power of compound returns, you can save less, make more, and retire early. There is sacrifice. You will need to start saving at a time when many of your peers are getting takeout food every night, leasing vehicles they can’t afford, and buying all the latest tech gadgets. If you’re in your 20’s or 30’s, this post should instill a sense of urgency in you. If you’re a little older, you have some making up to do, but it’s not too late. Additionally, maybe there’s a young adult in your life whom you can help get off to a financial running start with the aid compound returns.
The Compound Return Marathon Let’s take a look at five different retirement strategies in the form of five hypothetical “marathon” participants (based on personas that we are all familiar with) and crunch some numbers to see who wins. Before we test the strategies, let’s take a look at the rules:
The average annualized rate of return for U.S. stocks was 13.4% from 1926 to 2000. The worst average annual rate of return for U.S. stocks in any 65 consecutive year period has been 8.5%. For this Marathon, let’s take the average between the two, and assume our participants are able to get a 10.95% return on our investments every year for each participant that invests in stocks.
Our conservative participant invests in a CD, which will earn 5%, compounded annually.
For simplicity, we’ll ignore taxes.
Everyone invests until age 67, the projected official retirement age in the future.
And now, let’s meet the participants:
Early Bird Bob: Bob didn’t follow the urge to blow his cash flow and ‘make up for it later’. He has decided to follow his own rules to utilize the power of compound returns. He invests $5,000 per year in domestic stock funds (earning 10.95% annualized) starting at age 20, and stopping at 40. Because he sacrificed early, he’s also able to stop investing 27 years before anyone else does.
Conservative Carrie: Carrie invests $5,000 per year in certificates of deposit (earning 5% annualized) starting at age 20 until age 67. Carrie sees the value in compound interest and has the right idea in saving early. She could get a reward for her consistency, but the fear of a market crash paralyzes her willingness to invest in stocks.
Live-it-up Larry: Larry invests $10,000 yearly in domestic stock funds (earning 10.95% annualized) starting at age 30. Larry discovered the power of compound returns after living it up in his 20’s, but regrets not discovering it 10 years earlier, so he is making up for it by doubling Bob’s yearly contribution amount.
Late bloomer Bill: Bill invests $20,000 yearly in domestic stock funds (earning 10.95% annualized) starting at age 40, until age 67. Bill has a high income job and is trying to make up for lost time with huge contribution amounts. He has downgraded from a Benz to a Lexus and cut back from three times a week at the golf club to two.
Mid-life crisis Melissa: Melissa invests $40,000 yearly in domestic stock funds (earning 10.95% annualized) starting at age 50, until age 67. Melissa spent most of her money throughout life to impress her friends, but since they all left her because she was too materialistic, she now has a load of time to make extra income to apply towards retirement. Is it too late for Melissa?
You can view the results of the Compound Return Marathon in a free Google Doc. Here you can see how much each participant was able to amass up through age 67. Additionally, you can see how much money they personally contributed to their retirement efforts.
Here’s how they finished:
Early Bird Bob contributed $5,000/yr. for 20 years ($100,000 total contribution). His nest egg at age 67 is $5,938,625.
Conservative Carrie contributed $5,000/yr. for 48 years ($240,000 total contribution). Her nest egg at age 67 is $940,127.
Live it up Larry contributed $10,000/yr. for 38 years ($380,000 total contribution). His nest egg at age 67 is $4,644,805.
Late bloomer Bill contributed $20,000/yr. for 28 years ($560,000 total contribution). His nest egg at age 67 is $3,168,398.
Mid-life crisis Melissa contributed $40,000/yr. for 18 years ($720,000 total contribution). Her nest egg at age 67 is $2,005,735.
Now that the race is over, let’s see what we’ve learned.
You’re better off starting late and taking risk than starting early and taking no risk. Being risk averse is dangerous in many ways. When looking at Conservative Carrie’s results, you’ll see that despite starting earlier than three other participants and investing every year, she wound up earning the least for retirement, in dramatic fashion. With that being said, starting early and welcoming a little extra risk can pay the biggest dividends.
Even if you start extremely late (Melissa), you can still drastically impact your future. Despite investing only 18 years, Melissa is still able to triple her total contributions.
Fully taking advantage of compound returns is your only opportunity to retire early. Take a look at all participants at age 50. Bob could realistically retire at age 50 and live off the interest, at least to get him up to retirement age and social security. None of the other participants stand a chance of retiring early.
Compound returns are pretty darn powerful.Early bird Bob contributed much less than anyone else, and stopped contributing at age 40 (27 years before everyone else), yet ended up with over $1.3 million more than any other participant. He contributed much less, quit early, and still wound up beating everyone else easily. In fact, he almost made 60 times his original return. Compare that to only three times for Melissa, the latest adapter.
The Bottom line: If you’re not maxing out your contributions as early as you possibly can, you’re falling behind.
J.D.’s note: As with some of the commenters, I believe the 13.4% average annualized return isn’t realistic. I used 8% for my own article on compound interest this morning. I’ll do some research to explore the notion of compound returns over various time periods, and share the results in the next couple weeks.
There’s more to banking than low monthly fees, high yield savings, and a large ATM network. More Americans today seek banks and credit unions that align with their values when it comes to sustainability and social responsibility.
The U.S. banking system tends to disregard lower income and rural communities, with traditional banks establishing multiple branches in the country’s largest and wealthiest cities. The most socially responsible banks, on the other hand, provide online banking, low monthly fees, and no minimum deposit requirements, making them accessible to lower income individuals and families. They may also support efforts to help lower income individuals qualify for personal loans, auto loans or mortgages at fair interest rates.
But that’s not all that comes with socially responsible banking. Socially responsible banks emphasize financial literacy for those in their local community. They might also consider their organization a green bank, committed to fighting climate change and avoiding projects that support fossil fuels.
10 Best Socially Responsible Banks and Credit Unions
The best socially responsible banking institutions combine sustainability, accessibility, transparency and ethics to help make the world a better place. Yet, you won’t sacrifice top-notch personal checking and savings or even high-quality business banking when you choose one of the financial institutions on our list. You can have the best of all worlds – and do what’s best for the world – by choosing a socially responsible bank or credit union.
1. Aspiration: Best for Online and Mobile Banking Services
Aspiration is not a bank. But it’s one of the best cash management accounts offered anywhere online, with no monthly fee and a host of money management features. The Aspiration Plus Spend Save account that offers 3% interest on savings.
Aspiration is a certified B-Corp that shows its commitment to socially responsible banking with a variety of programs. Aspiration will plant a tree each time you round up a debit card purchase to deposit the difference in your Save account. It pays 3% to 5% cash back on debit card purchases with companies that are members of the Conscience Coalition, a group of small businesses devoted to social responsibility and sustainability.
Aspiration offers two accounts: One asks members to “Pay-What-Is-Fair,” which means you can use the account for free if you choose. Aspiration Plus costs $7.99 monthly or $71.88 annually (save $24 when you pay upfront.) Save accounts in the Pay What Is Fair model earn 1% APY, while Aspiration Plus savings accounts earn 3% APY.
2. Amalgamated Bank: Best for Investment Planning
Amalgamated Bank has branch locations in the nation’s largest cities: Boston, New York, San Francisco and Washington D.C. The bank offers personal checking and savings accounts with no monthly fees.
Amalgamated Bank offers four checking account tiers, including three interest bearing accounts. Two of the accounts have no minimum opening deposit. If you choose the interest earning Give-Back Checking account, you’ll earn a high APY of 0.90% – 0.95%, with an additional contribution of one-half of your interest earnings going to the charitable organization of your choice.
In addition to its choices in checking and savings accounts, Amalgamated Bank stands out when it comes to helping new retail investors choose ESG companies to invest in and plan for their future.
3. Spring Bank: Best for New Yorkers
Hailed as New York’s first B Corp bank, Spring Bank offers personal and business banking online and at branches in Harlem and the Bronx. The Green Checking account offers no monthly fee with direct deposit, paperless statements and no overdraft fees. If you need an account to write checks, you’ll want to choose the Basic Checking account.
Spring Bank deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, up to $250,000 per depositor, per account. But the bank works with the IntraFi Network to also insure multi-million dollar deposits across multiple reputable U.S. banks.
Spring Bank offers CDs with terms from 90 days up to five years with a minimum deposit of just $250 and interest rates ranging from1.50% APY up to 3.25% APY. The bank also has a high-yield Vacation/Club savings account for short-term savings.
Spring Bank ranks in the top 5% of all 3,000 B Corps across the world and earned awards for its Governance and Customer Service in 2022. The company strives to provide affordable financial products, enabling its customers to avoid what it calls “fringe” financial products like check-cashing services and payday loans.
The bank also supports small businesses in New York and beyond with business checking accounts, money market accounts, and business loans.
4. Beneficial State Bank: Best for West Coast Residents
With seven locations across California, Oregon, and Washington, Beneficial State Bank is the B Corp bank of choice for those on the West Coast. The bank’s majority owner is Beneficial State Foundation, a nonprofit organization serving the public interest.
Beneficial State Bank offers three checking accounts, all with a $50 minimum opening balance and a low monthly service charge. eChecking waives the monthly fee if you sign up for eStatements. Checking and Interest Checking products have low monthly service charges that are easy to waive if you meet certain criteria. The bank also has savings, money market, CD, and IRA accounts to help you meet your long-term and short-term savings goals.
With an emphasis on ethical, equitable banking, Beneficial State Bank is a green bank that does not support or lend fossil fuel companies. The bank shows where every percentage of your deposit goes and says that 75% of its lending occurs within its mission categories. The other 25% supports other categories, but never to projects or organizations that cause harm to the planet or the people on it.
Some of the bank’s top lending categories for businesses and consumers include environmental sustainability, affordable housing, auto loans with fair interest rates, and health and well-being. The bank is also a preferred lender for clean vehicle programs in the state of California.
5. City First Bank, A Subsidiary of Broadway Federal Bank: Best for Commercial and Nonprofit Banking
City First Bank is part of a family of companies devoted to socially responsible lending and personal and business banking in low to moderate income communities. City First Bank, based in Washington, D.C., is a black-led, minority depository institute (MDI), as well as a B Corp and a member of Global Alliance for Banking on Values.
City First Bank offers a variety of personal and business banking products, as well as accounts for nonprofit organizations. The personal checking account has no monthly fee if you meet any of four criteria:
One monthly direct deposit
10 debit card transactions
eStatement enrollment
Minimum monthly balance of $100
The bank also offers a personal savings account, CDs, money market accounts and savings accounts for minors.
6. Sunrise Banks: Best for Mortgages
Sunrise Banks offers a full range of personal banking products, including personal checking, savings accounts, credit cards, and a pre-paid Mastercard. But it is best known for its Pathway2Home affordable mortgage product, as well as other mortgages with down payments as low as 3%. The bank also writes VA loans with no down payment required.
By supporting affordable housing and helping Minnesota residents get into homes of their own and begin building generational wealth, Sunrise Banks shows its commitment to socially responsible banking. Like many of the socially responsible banks on this list, Sunrise Banks is a member of GBAV, a Community Development Financial Institution, and a B corporation.
7. Clean Energy Credit Union: Best for Clean Energy Loans
Most of the banks on our list support efforts to reduce climate change, do not help fund or support fossil fuel companies, and run their organization sustainably. Clean Energy Credit Union works to fund renewable energy through personal loans for electric bicycles, solar electric systems, geothermal heat pump systems, and green home improvements. Clean Energy Credit Union also offers auto loans for electric vehicles.
While the credit union specializes in funding renewable energy and other loans, it also offers options for personal checking and savings accounts. Checking accounts offer dividends from .01% APY to 3.56% APY with a minimum opening balance of just $25 and no monthly fees if you meet certain requirements, including having a Clean Energy loan.
Savings accounts include a bank account with a 0.15% APY and a minimum opening deposit of $100, certificates, and a money market account with dividends ranging from 0.95% up to 1.61% APY, with a minimum deposit of $2,500.
As part of its commitment to green living, the credit union offers bio-based, compostable debit cards that are eco-friendly. It is also one of the few banks or credit unions on our list that offers a Carbon Zero Teen Account online, which shows your teen the carbon offsets their deposits can fund.
8. National Cooperative Bank
National Cooperative Bank offers high yield CDs, and money market accounts, as well as checking and savings accounts and business products. The bank offers an interest earning checking account with a 0.90% APY and no minimum opening deposit. There is a $15 monthly fee if the balance falls below $500.
The money market account has a high 2.28% APY, with a minimum balance of $5,000 to avoid the $25 monthly fee. You will need just $100 to open the account. You can earn a 4.34% APY on with a 12-month CD with a $2,500 minimum opening deposit.
While the bank is committed to helping its customers earn money through high interest rates, it is equally committed to its duties as a socially responsible bank. The bank has donated $8 billion to support underserved communities nationwide, and provided loans and investments of $475 million to low and moderate income families, including mortgage loans.
9. Clearwater Credit Union: Best for Previously Unbanked Consumers
Clearwater Credit Union is a certified Community Development Financial Institution and a member GBAV. While most credit unions are devoted to serving their local communities, Clearwater takes it a step further by donating $1.6 million to 290 non-profit organizations in 2022. Employees donated more than 1,340 volunteer hours within their local communities, and the credit union awarded $20,000 in scholarships to students in the credit union’s home state of Montana.
Clearwater CU offers multiple choices in bank accounts, including a basic checking with no monthly fee, a premium checking that pays dividends, and a SmartSpend checking account with a low, $5 monthly fee for previously unbanked consumers.
The SmartSpend account can help lower income individuals and families avoid the fees that come with check cashing services or prepaid debit cards. It also gives them the opportunity to avoid overdraft fees while gaining the convenience of a deposit account, debit card, and access to mobile banking.
10. Carver Federal Savings Bank: Best for Small Business Banking
Many of the banks on our list devote time and money to sustainability, equality, and other social causes. But they don’t necessarily offer the highest interest rates available in online banking today. Carver Federal Savings Bank, however, is a Black-operated, socially responsible bank that also delivers high-yield savings of 4.00% APY.
But there is a catch. You’ll need a $5,000 minimum opening deposit. This might make the Carver savings account inaccessible to many in underserved communities seeking personal checking and savings accounts. However, for those on firm financial footing who want to support a socially responsible bank, Carver’s high yield savings is a solid choice.
Beyond the high yield savings, Carver is known for an array of checking and savings products for small business owners, including a money market account with 2.00% APY and a business interest checking account.
Start-up businesses or those with low-to-moderate balances might prefer the Carver Community Business Free Checking with no minimum balance, no monthly fee, and 200 free transactions per month. The bank focuses on Black- and Minority-owned businesses as well as women-owned businesses across New York City.
Carver is a designated CDFI and has reinvested 80% of every dollar deposited into NYC communities. It also donated $149 million in New Market Tax credit and more than $259 million in leveraged loans across the New York metro area.
How to Choose Socially Responsible or Sustainable Banks and Credit Unions
When you’re shopping around for a socially responsible bank, first consider what aspects of ethical banking are most important to you. Are you looking for a bank committed to serving low income communities, or one that puts a focus on renewable energy? Maybe sustainability is the most significant aspect to finding a socially responsible bank that aligns with your values.
Of course, you also want to think about all the other elements that you would consider for your personal banking needs. These include low fees, online banking capabilities and an intuitive mobile app, early availability of your direct deposits, and a high yield savings account.
Our list of the best socially responsible banks takes all these factors into consideration and showcases banks that back up their values with investments – in their communities and in the environment.
Organizations That Support Sustainability and Social Responsibility
The best socially responsible banks often showcase their commitment to ethical banking through certifications or membership in organizations that support and reflect their values. If a bank is a member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values, recognized as a community development financial institution (CDFI) or a Certified B corp, you know the bank has demonstrated its commitment to ethical banking.
Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV)
The Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) is a worldwide network of socially responsible banks committed to ESG values. GABV banks focus on three pillars:
Finance change
Do no harm
Sustainable products and services
To join the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), banks must show their commitment to sustainability, and have a balance sheet of at least $50 million. They must be a full service bank and show financial stability and stable governance. Many of the best socially responsible banks are members of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV).
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
A Community Development Financial Institution is a bank, cash management account, or credit union that is certified by the U.S. government. It’s a bank that has shown a commitment to providing banking services in low income communities and underserved communities across the U.S.
Unlike many other financial institutions, Community Development Financial Institutions focus on areas such as economic development, affordable housing and supporting small businesses in their local community.
Certified B Corp
A Certified B Corp is any organization or socially responsible financial institution that successfully balances purpose and profit. Organizations can apply for B Corp certification if they demonstrate transparency, social responsibility, and show high social and environmental sustainability standards. Banks and credit unions must pass rigorous certification standards to become recognized as a B Corp.
FAQs
Still have questions about the best socially responsible banks? Check out some commonly asked questions below.
Which banks are eco-friendly?
Many U.S. banks meet eco-friendly requirements in a variety of ways. Some, like Clean Energy Credit Union, refuse to support fossil fuel companies. Aspiration plants a tree whenever customers round up their debit card purchases to deposit into a savings account.
To find eco-friendly banks, you can look up their ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) ratings on their websites, in their financial statements, or on a website like Sustainalytics.
Remember, ESG ratings are derived from many factors, including a company’s diversity & inclusion practices, sustainability, charitable donations, and more. You may have to dig deeper to see which banks employ sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprint.
How Can You Determine Which Banks Are Committed to Ethical Banking?
A search on a company website should help you find the best socially responsible banks committed to ethical banking. Check online to see if the bank helps underserved communities or the unbanked or underbanked population. Ethical banks may be recognized as a community development financial institution.
What is responsible banking?
Responsible banking or ethical banking typically focuses on three key areas:
Banking access and community development
Environmental impact and climate change
Holistic social responsibility
What is an ESG bank?
An ESG bank focuses on environmental sustainability, social responsibility and ethical governance.
We would like to think of life insurance agents as trusted advisers whose only aim is to get us the right coverage.
But the nature of life insurance -– and the job of life insurance agents -– makes them something close to our natural enemy.
Life Insurance Agent Secrets
One easy way to prevent being taken advantage of is to find an independent agent. “Independent agents save you time and money,” said Chris Huntley, co-founder of JRCInsuranceGroup.com.
“Rather than completing applications and medical exams with 15 of the best life insurance companies to see which one will approve you at the best rating, make one call to a qualified independent agent, who can place you with the most appropriate carrier based on your unique personal and medical history.”
In a lot of ways, what hurts us as consumers of life insurance actually benefits life insurance agents. Here are nine examples of what I’m talking about in a quick Life Insurance 101 article!
1. Their Income Is 100% Commission
Any time you’re buying from a person compensated 100 percent by commission, your radar needs to be up and in perfect working order. Being on commission doesn’t make a person evil. But it may change his or her perspective, as well as the type and degree of products that you will be introduced to.
If the agent is entirely on commission, he or she will then have a vested personal interest in selling you products that will result in you paying the highest premium possible and hence yielding the highest commission. It is also why when you fill out the form for an online life insurance quote engine you will frequently get calls from multiple agents within minutes of hitting submit. Each one is trying to reach you first so that they can get the sale.
2. You May Very Well Be Over-Insured
Whenever an agent evaluates how much life insurance you need to have, he will almost inevitably start with numbers that are larger than anything you’d ever imagine that you would need.
For example, it’s not unlikely that the agent will suggest that you need to have life insurance equal to 30 times your annual income. If you are earning $100,000 per year, he may suggest — without flinching — that you will be adequately insured by a $3 million dollar insurance policy.
After all, you will need to provide income for your family for the next 20 years, college educations for your children, the payoff of your mortgage and a comfortable retirement for your spouse.
He knows that it is unlikely that you will take a life insurance policy that large, but it’s an excellent starting point — for him. After all, if he suggests $3 million but walks out of your house with an application for a $1 million policy, he wins. That’s because he knew going in the door that you probably only wanted a policy for a couple hundred thousand dollars.
And you’d probably be right. After all, if you have other investments and your spouse is also well-employed, you will only need a fraction of the life insurance coverage that the agent will suggest.
Most often, life insurance is only needed to settle final arrangements, medical bills, outstanding debts and maybe a few years of living expenses. Providing for your loved ones to live in luxury for the rest of their lives is an expensive you can’t afford, nor need.
Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.Ad
3. Whole Life Isn’t a Good Investment — Or Even Good Insurance
Life insurance agents like to sell whole life insurance as the best of both worlds–- an investment program with life insurance coverage. In truth, it doesn’t do either particularly well. The insurance benefit will be limited because the premiums are high. And since so much of the premium goes to pay for investment fees and the life insurance coverage, there is relatively little left over for investment within the plan.
4. The Cash Value of Whole Life Won’t Benefit You for Years
Life insurance agents like to hawk the virtues of the cash value build-up in a whole life insurance policy. This is another myth. As a rule, it will take at least five years before you will have a cash value that is equivalent to the amount of money you paid in premiums into the policy. And maybe not even then.
5. “Buy Term and Invest the Difference” Really Is a Better Strategy
There is probably no slogan confronted by life insurance agents that is more irritating to them than this one. And that’s because the slogan is true.
Since term insurance is so much less expensive than whole life, you can buy a lot more of it -– in fact a more reasonable amount for your needs. And the investment performance of mutual funds -– particularly index funds –- dramatically outperforms that of any insurance related investment vehicle.
Even if the combination of term life insurance and investment in a mutual fund is no less expensive than a whole life insurance premium, the money you will accumulate in the mutual fund — and the speed at which you will do it — make it a far superior investment to a whole life insurance policy. And you’ll have a whole lot more life insurance coverage along the way.
6. We Don’t Know About the Value of Long-term Care Insurance
From a consumer standpoint, there are two fundamental problems with long-term care insurance coverage:
It’s very expensive.
It’s not certain that you will ever need it.
Since people are living longer than ever, making a provision for long-term care has become a hot topic. Insurance agents know this, and they’re exploiting the fear.
Emotions aside, most people don’t need long-term care. And even if they do, it’s often for a short period just before death. If there are other assets available, particularly retirement assets or a home with substantial equity, long-term care insurance with my be unnecessary.
And if it isn’t ever needed, you will have spent tens of thousands of dollars over many decades funding an insurance policy that was never necessary. This is an important consideration when there are so many other priorities in your household budget.
Long-term care insurance is relatively new coverage, and it’s not at all certain that it will survive the test of time. Some insurance companies have withdrawn long-term care insurance coverage due to the inability to predict future medical costs or the longevity of their clients.
7. Your Kids Don’t Really Need Life Insurance
Life insurance agents love to sell whole or universal life insurance policies to parents of young children, stressing the advantages of the investment provisions of the policies. Those provisions, they argue, will help parents to provide funds for their children’s college educations. But nowhere is the advice of “by term and invest the difference” more relevant.
You should have only enough insurance coverage on your children to pay for final expenses and uncovered medical costs. In most cases, a $50,000 term life insurance policy will get that job done with money to spare. There is no need to replace lost wages with a ridiculously large policy.
And as we’ve already discussed, insurance related investment vehicles are underperforming investments. You’ll be far better off investing money in a mutual fund for your children.
8. There Is No FDIC Equivalent Back-Stopping Insurance Companies
This is a very relevant question – but seldom asked — since life insurance agents like to position themselves as investment advisers. The investments that they sell are almost always exclusively insurance products. However, there is no equivalent to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. that will back up the life insurance company in the event of investment failure.
There are arrangements within each state for companies to collectively backup a failed insurance company, but there is no apparatus in place to deal with a systemic failure such as the financial meltdown that hit the banks and financial companies a few years ago.
While this has obvious implications for the life insurance coverage that you pay for and expect to have, it becomes much more significant when you have a lot of money sitting in insurer-sponsored investments.
More Tips for Dealing With Life Insurance Agents
If you apply for life insurance, keep these four tips in mind from Jeff Root, a life insurance agent and founder of Rootfin.com. And again, they’re not tips your agent will be likely to recommend.
If you’re not satisfied, ask for reconsideration. Life insurance underwriters will always offer the best possible rate class as permitted by their underwriting guidelines; however, if you’re not happy with the life insurance company’s offer, your agent can submit a “reconsideration request” and ask the underwriter for a better offer. Most agents don’t even mention this as an alternative because of the extra work involved in drafting a letter convincing the underwriter why they should qualify for a better health classification.
Ask for tentative offers. Consumers can get “tentative offers” from life insurance companies before applying for life insurance. Independent life insurance agents send your risk anonymously to various underwriting desks. Underwriters typically reply within 48 hours with a health classification in what we call a “tentative offer”. You can attach this tentative offer to the life insurance application, and the company you apply with must give you this rate unless you withheld any information from them. This is a must for people with health issues applying for life insurance.
Shopping won’t necessarily get you a better rate. Going from website to website won’t result in finding better rates. However, each company looks at your health differently. It’s your agent’s job to fit your unique health situation into the underwriting guidelines of each company and then see who provides the best rates.
Most applicants won’t get the preferred best rate. Less than 5 percent of people who apply for life insurance can qualify for “preferred best.” Yet it’s the No. 1 health classification quoted on websites.
Two years ago when I bought my People 150cc scooter, I was teased ceaselessly by my car-loving friends. It wasn’t so long ago that gas was under two dollars a gallon, and the need for more efficient wheeled transportation wasn’t as “in your face” as it is now. Today, when my friends talk about my scooter (or my wife’s) it’s to ask where I got it, for how much, and how much we save by having them.
J.D. recently mentioned he was thinking of forsaking his dream of a Mini Cooper for a scooter instead, but he had some questions. How much money would he save? Could we quantify with some certainty the impact of a scooter on one’s budget? Here’s my attempt based on my experience.
Safety First
First, I’d like to talk about a few misconceptions. Scooters are not necessarily slow-moving vehicles. Your speed depends on your engine size. I’d think of them more generally as small motorcycles. You’re exposed to the elements (more so than a car), and you’re giving up the “safety” of a steel box, but you are getting a more maneuverable vehicle.
I’d strongly encourage anyone riding a scooter to take a motorcycle safety course, such as the one given by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Safety, either in a car or a scooter, depends greatly on the operator. In my opinion, driving a scooter is no different (in terms of safety) than driving a motorcycle.
In my four years operating a scooter, I have not been involved in any accident. I’ve been able to avoid unsafe motorists better than I would be able to in a car. I don’t feel any more unsafe operating my scooter, but I’ve had many years of experience, and that confidence can create a noticeably different ride. I would expect first-time riders to be much more nervous.
Pinching Pennies
But the big question here is: How much can one save if you go from a car-centric lifestyle to a scooter-centric lifestyle?
First, purchasing a scooter will cost significantly less, even for models that can keep up with highway traffic. The average new four-door sedan costs about $20,000. A scooter that can achieve a constant speed of 70mph and legally be driven on interstate highways will cost around $3,000. Costs for used vehicles of both classes can vary by large degrees, but the scooter will always be an order of magnitude cheaper. Thus, a scooter can more easily be financed directly out of pocket, avoiding an expensive car loan.
Operating a scooter — gas, insurance, maintenance — is also much cheaper than operating a car. Astonishingly enough, the difference in just one year represents a brand new Buddy 125 (a scooter I highly recommend).
Not Quite Car-Less
However, transferring to a scooter is just one lifestyle choice. We can choose to locate ourselves so that we can walk to work and shop using a rolling cooler. We can locate near bike-friendly areas and strap storage racks to our bikes. We have many choices. None of these choices allows for long-haul, heavy or large lifting, however.
My wife and I have a car, along with our scooters. While seldom used except for long trips and large item hauling needs, we do need a car for those purposes. But we are better off using our scooters, bicycles, and legs for daily commutes and grocery store visits.
J.D.’s note: After our discussion of high gas prices and alternative transportation, not only did Stephen volunteer to share his experiences above, but Bev Brinson sent me a copy of her book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Motor Scooters. It’s a great introduction to the subject. If, like me, you’re interested in scooters, but don’t know where to start, borrow a copy from your library.
When purchasing life insurance, it is important to have choices. As there are many various needs, policy holders can be better served by being able to essentially “customize” their plans in order to keep up with changes in their lives.
One of the most flexible forms of permanent life insurance is universal life. This type of coverage provides guaranteed death benefit protection, along with a fixed rate of interest on the cash value component of the plan. Cash in the policy can grow on a tax-deferred basis, and because of this, it can grow substantially over time.
Yet, universal life, or UL, also provides so much more than what is offered with more “generic” forms of permanent coverage such as whole life insurance. For example, with a universal policy, if the policy holder’s needs happen to change, then he or she may actually alter the policy to better fit their then-current scenario. This greatly differs from whole or term life policies which are “locked-in” once the policy is in place.
How Universal Life Insurance Works
Universal life is a form of permanent coverage. This type of policy offers the policy holder death benefit coverage, as well as a cash value component. Yet, while this may sound very similar to whole life insurance, universal policies differ in many ways – starting with the fact that these policies can offer much more flexibility.
Similar to other types of permanent life insurance, the cash that is inside of a universal life insurance plan is allowed to grow on a tax deferred basis. However, the policy holder is allowed to move the funds between the cash value component and the insurance component of the policy.
What this means is that the policy holder can in essence change – within certain stated guidelines – the amount of the policy’s death benefit amount. In addition, the policy holder can also change the amount and the due date of the premium as well.
There are also more underlying options that are available in terms of allowing a universal policy holder’s cash value to grow. For example, policy holders can typically choose from a variety of different investment vehicles from both the fixed income and the equity investment markets.
Types of Policies
In addition to regular universal life, there are other variations of the product. For example, there are variable universal life and indexed universal life. Variable universal life insurance is a type of permanent coverage that offers both a death benefit, as well as cash value build up. Just like regular universal life, the policy holder can – within certain guidelines – change both the timing and the amount of the premium.
Rather than growing at a set rate of interest, though, with variable universal life, the funds in the cash component are actually managed professionally (unlike variable life policies that are managed by the policyholder) in underlying “subaccounts” and can be in entities such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. This can allow the opportunity for additional growth. However, it can also present more risk if the market has a negative return.
Overall, variable universal life insurance can provide policy holders with a number of different subaccount options – which can also include fixed option choices that have a minimum rate of interest. These policies also offer flexible premiums, payment schedules, and death benefit options.
Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.Ad
The indexed universal policy option allows policy holders the ability to own permanent life insurance protection, along with a cash value component that provides them with not just a guaranteed interest rate, but also with interest that is based partially on one or more market indexes such as the S&P 500.
With this type of policy, the policy holder may incur a cap that limits the maximum amount of growth that they can attain in a given period of time. However, in return for that, they are also provided with a minimum “floor.” This means that they are also protected against market losses – essentially guaranteeing them that they cannot lose any of their principal.
In many ways, indexed universal life insurance works in a similar fashion as most other types of coverage in that the policy holder pays their premium, and the net premium is then applied to the actual life insurance death benefit.
A portion of the premium is also credited to the policy’s “index” account, which is credited at the index growth rate. Over time, the cash in the policy’s cash portion can grow significantly – especially as the funds are protected against any downside market losses. Over time, the cash can grow substantially – and can be accessed via withdrawals or policy loans.
There are numerous benefits of owning an indexed universal policy. These can include having permanent death benefit coverage, provided that premiums are paid within the grace period and that the policy remains in-force.
As with most other universal life insurance policies, these plans also provide the flexibility to either increase or decrease the policy’s premium, within certain limits. In addition, the policy also offers the ability to increase the cash value portion, yet with downside protection. This can be viewed as a true win-win.
Considerations When Purchasing
When purchasing a universal policy, it is important to keep several factors in mind. First, there should be a good mix of different investment options to choose from for the policy’s cash component. This will help to both increase growth opportunity and to diversify.
It is also a good idea to check for policy guarantees. Most universal life insurance policies will provide at least some form of a guarantee regarding its investment options, as well as the minimum amount of premium that it will take to keep the policy in force. Likewise, it is important to ensure that the universal policy is flexible and can be adjusted in the future.
How Much Will a Policy Cost?
When determining the quote on a universal life policy, there are a variety of factors that are considered by the insurance company. This is because the insurer wants to determine whether it is taking on an appropriate amount of risk, and that it will not have to pay out a large amount of claim soon after it accepts an applicant for coverage.
Some of the key factors that life insurance carriers consider when reviewing an applicant for coverage include the following:
Age
Gender
Height and weight (primarily, weight as it pertains to the individual’s height)
Smoking status
Alcohol consumption
Marital status
Employment and income status
Overall health condition
Family health history
Hobbies (whether or not risky or dangerous hobbies such as sky diving or scuba diving take place)
In addition, policies that are “traditionally” underwritten, will typically require the applicant to take a medical exam, though if needed, we can find those carriers that will offer a policy for life insurance with no medical exam. This will entail meeting with a paramedical professional who will take a blood and urine sample. These samples will be tested for certain types of health ailments that could also pose certain risks to the company in terms of having to pay out a potential insurance claim.
Depending on the applicant’s overall health after all of the information has been reviewed, the insurance underwriters will be able to obtain a much clearer picture of the person’s risk status. At that time, a coverage determination can be made, as well as a premium price can also be determined.
If the individual is considered to be of “average” health – and will also likely have an “average” life expectancy given his or her health – then they will typically be rated as a Standard policy.
If, however, the individual has a slight health issue – but not enough to be declined altogether for coverage – then they will typically be rated as a Substandard. This means that they will still be offered coverage. However, that coverage will be provided at a higher premium rate.
Conversely, if the individual is in excellent physical and mental health, then it could turn out that the insurance company rates him or her as a Preferred. In this case, they will be able to obtain their policy at a lower than average premium rate.
For applicants who are declined for coverage due to health issues, there are other options for coverage. These can include going the route of a no medical exam policy or a guarantee issue policy. In these cases, an applicant will not be required to go through the medical examination in order to obtain a policy. While the premium for this type of coverage is typically much higher than for comparable coverage that is traditionally underwritten, it could be the only option in some instances.
How and Where to Get the Best Quotes
For those who want death benefit protection, along with additional benefits, universal life insurance should certainly be a consideration. These policies offer many advantages, such as:
Death benefit coverage – UL policies provide lifetime death benefit protection – provided that premium payments are made within the policy’s grace period.
Tax-deferred growth – The cash within the policy’s cash value component is allowed to grow on a tax-deferred basis. This can allow funds to increase exponentially, as tax will not be due until the time of withdrawal.
Interest rate guarantee – The cash in the policy’s cash value component is also provided with a guaranteed rate of interest. This means that the growth is guaranteed not to fall below a set level.
Flexibility – Because UL policy holders are allowed to change the amount and timing of their premium payment, these policies come with a great deal of flexibility to grow and alter as one’s coverage needs change over time.
When searching for the best universal life insurance quotes, it is important to ensure that you obtain several different options. This will allow you to compare the policy features – as well as the premium quotes – from a number of insurers, and then to decide on which option will provide you with the best scenario for you and your specific needs.
In doing so, it is typically best to work with an agency or company that has access to more than just one insurance company. When you’re ready to begin your search for universal quotes, we can help. We work with many of the top universal carriers in the market place today – and we can provide you with all of the important information and details that you need that can help you with your purchase decision. We can do so directly via your computer – and without the need to meet in person with an agent. When you’re ready to begin the process, just fill out and submit the form on this page.
. Our experts are happy to assist you with answering questions or concerns, or walking you step by step through the universal quote process.
We understand that the purchase of life insurance can be a big decision. That is why we want to ensure that you have all of the pertinent information that you need in order to make the right decision. We will assist you in the following ways:
Choosing the right type of coverage – whether it be term, whole life, or universal protection;
Determining the proper amount of death benefit
Finding the company that will offer you the benefit – and the premium quote – that will suit your needs, and your budget.
Solid minerals are naturally occurring substances such as metals, non-metallic minerals, and rocks. These minerals are generally mined from the earth’s crust and are used in various industrial and economic activities.The value of minerals can vary, depending on a variety of factors, such as the demand for the mineral, its scarcity, and its usefulness in various industries. Here are some of the most valuable minerals in the world:
1. Rhodium
Rhodium, a scarce and lustrous metal, finds its application in catalytic converters and jewelry. Apart from its aesthetic value, its high resistance to corrosion and ability to reflect light makes it ideal for jewelry. As of today, it holds the record for being the priciest precious metal worldwide, with a market value of approximately $24,000 per ounce, surpassing gold and platinum.
2. Platinum
Platinum is a highly versatile and valuable metal known for its unique properties and diverse range of applications. Its remarkable density, malleability, resistance to corrosion, and high melting point make it an ideal choice in various industries, including catalytic converters, jewelry, and electronic components production. It is also widely used in high-end watches and fine jewelry due to its rarity and association with luxury. Platinum’s market price averages around $1,000 per ounce, reflecting its worth and high demand. Its combination of beauty, durability, and functionality continues to make it a highly prized and valuable metal.
3. Gold
For centuries, gold has been prized for its malleability, ductility, and resistance to corrosion. Its timeless beauty and scarcity have also made it a treasured symbol of wealth and status across different cultures and civilizations. Today, gold continues to hold its value, with its current price hovering around $1,800 per ounce.
4. Diamonds
Diamonds are among the most sought-after and coveted gemstones worldwide. These exquisite gems are widely used in jewelry and serve an essential role in various industries, including cutting tools for mining and construction. The value of a diamond is determined by the 4 Cs: carat weight, color, clarity, and cut. A diamond’s carat weight refers to its size, and larger diamonds are typically more valuable. The color of a diamond ranges from colorless to light yellow or brown, with colorless diamonds being the rarest and most valuable. Clarity refers to the number of imperfections, or inclusions, in the diamond, with fewer inclusions indicating higher clarity and value. Finally, the cut of a diamond refers to its shape and angles, which determines its brilliance and overall beauty.
5. Lithium
Lithium is highly reactive and the lightest metal. It’s used in a wide range of applications, from powering electronic devices and electric vehicles to manufacturing ceramics and glass. Due to its remarkable electrochemical properties, the demand for lithium has surged in recent years, primarily driven by the growing market for electric vehicles. As a result, the value of lithium has skyrocketed, making it a highly lucrative industry for investors and mining companies alike. However, the production and mining of lithium have environmental and social impacts, making it a controversial topic for sustainability advocates.
6. Cobalt
Cobalt is a lustrous transition metal known for its high melting point and magnetic properties. Its indispensable role in rechargeable batteries and electronic devices has made it a critical component in modern technology. Moreover, its value has surged in recent years as the global transition towards electric vehicles continues to accelerate since cobalt is a key element in the production of their batteries.
7. Palladium
Palladium is a valuable transition metal used in various industries, including automobile, electronics, jewelry, dentistry, medicine, and advanced technologies. Its market value has increased due to the growing demand for catalytic converters, while its exceptional qualities, such as biocompatibility and corrosion resistance, make it a critical material in different applications.
8. Silver
Silver is a malleable and ductile metal, and because it’s so versatile, it finds its application in various industries, including photography, dentistry, and solar power. Its market value of $25 per ounce makes it a popular investment option for both individuals and institutions due to its stability and potential for long-term growth. In addition to its economic importance, silver has played a significant role in human history and culture. It has been used as currency and a store of value for thousands of years, while its luster and beauty make it a popular choice for decorative purposes.
These eight minerals are highly valuable and play an important role in various industries and economic activities worldwide. From the rare and costly rhodium to the versatile and widely used silver, each mineral has its unique properties and qualities that make it highly sought after. While the extraction and production of these minerals have environmental and social impacts, the demand for these minerals continues to grow, making them a crucial part of our modern world.
Who is one actress you can never stand watching, no matter their role? After polling the internet, these were the top-voted actresses that people couldn’t stand watching.
10 Actresses People Despise Watching Regardless of Their Role
These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People
We’ve all heard the famous adage that “no publicity is bad publicity,” and while it tends to be accurate, there are certainly exceptions. But what about those few stars who stay out of the limelight and get along without a hint of trouble?
These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People
Have you ever known someone and thought you liked them—until you learned about their hobbies? Then you get to know them and then you’re like, “Wow, red flag.” Well, you’re not alone.
These 10 Activities Are an Immediate Red Flag
Some celebrities definitely seem to enjoy the limelight and keep working to stay in the public eye. While others quickly move out of the spotlight. Many of these actors and actresses stepped out of the spotlight to live a more private life without constant media pressures.
10 Celebrities That Made the Big Times Then Disappeared Off The Face of the Earth
We’ve all been there – sitting through a movie that we can’t help but cringe at, but somehow it still manages to hold a special place in our hearts.
These 10 Terrible Movies Are Still People’s Favorites
In a remarkable feat of financial prowess, a 28-year-old individual has shattered traditional notions of wealth accumulation. By strategically harnessing the power of multiple income streams, this trailblazer has managed to generate an astounding $189,000 a year while working fewer than 4 days a week.
As the rest of us marvel at their achievements, it’s time to unravel the secrets behind their incredible success and explore the seven streams of income that have become the cornerstone of their financial empire.
In today’s dynamic world, traditional employment is no longer the sole means to financial prosperity. Creating multiple streams of income allows you to diversify your earnings, reduce risk, and unlock the potential for wealth accumulation.
By understanding and leveraging these seven streams of income, you can take significant steps towards achieving financial freedom.
Understanding Multiple Streams of Income
Multiple streams of income refer to having multiple sources from which money flows into your life. These streams can vary in terms of their origin, nature, and the effort required to maintain them.
By creating multiple streams of income, you can enjoy a more stable financial situation and gain the freedom to pursue your passions without worrying about money.
Diversifying your income through multiple streams is not only about mitigating risk, but it also allows you to tap into different income opportunities and maximize your earning potential.
Stream 1: Earned Income
Earned income is the most common and widely known stream of income. It refers to the money you earn by providing your skills, knowledge, or expertise in exchange for a salary or wages. This can come from your primary job, freelancing, or running a business. While earned income is essential, relying solely on it limits your earning potential and leaves little room for growth.
Financial expert Sarah Johnson advises, “While earned income provides a stable foundation, it’s important to consider expanding your earning potential by exploring other income streams. This can help you achieve your financial goals faster.”
Stream 2: Profit Income
Profit income involves making money by buying and selling goods or services at a higher price than the cost of production. It includes businesses, entrepreneurship, and investments where you can generate profits through successful ventures. Profit income allows you to leverage your skills, creativity, and market knowledge to create additional wealth.
Profit Income Examples:
E-commerce business: Starting an online store and selling products or services can be a profitable venture. You can source products at a wholesale price, set your own retail prices, and reach a wide customer base through online platforms. Profit is generated by selling products at a higher price than the cost of acquisition and fulfillment.
Investing in stocks: Buying stocks of promising companies at a lower price and selling them when their value appreciates can generate profit income. Successful stock investments rely on careful research, analysis, and timing to capitalize on market opportunities.
Flipping real estate properties: Buying properties below market value, renovating or improving them, and selling them at a higher price can be a profitable venture. Real estate investors aim to create value through property upgrades or by capitalizing on favorable market conditions.
Dropshipping business: Running a dropshipping business involves selling products online without holding inventory. You partner with suppliers who fulfill orders directly to customers. The difference between the price at which you sell the product and the cost of the product from the supplier generates profit income.
Profit income offers the potential for financial independence and wealth creation. However, it requires careful planning, market knowledge, and risk management to succeed in various profit-generating ventures. By evaluating market trends, identifying profitable niches, and delivering value to customers, you can maximize your profit potential in this income stream.
Certified Financial Planner Mark Davis suggests, “For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a business or investing in profitable ventures can be a great way to generate substantial income. It’s important to conduct thorough market research and develop a solid business plan to maximize your chances of success.”
Stream 3: Rental Income
Rental income involves owning and leasing out assets such as real estate properties, apartments, or vehicles. By collecting rent from tenants, you can generate a steady cash flow that can supplement your primary income. Rental income offers the advantage of passive earning, as the properties can appreciate in value while providing you with regular income.
According to Susan Thompson, a real estate expert, “Investing in rental properties can provide a reliable source of income over time. However, it’s important to carefully consider location, property management, and tenant screening to ensure a positive rental experience and maximize your returns.”
To learn more about the tax implications of rental income, you can refer to the IRS publication IRS Publication 925: Passive Activity and At-Risk Rules.
Stream 4: Dividend Income
Dividend income is earned by investing in stocks or mutual funds that pay regular dividends to their shareholders. Companies distribute a portion of their profits to shareholders as dividends, providing you with a passive income stream.
Dividend income can be a valuable source of long-term wealth accumulation, especially when reinvested over time.
Certified Financial Planner Emily Carter highlights the benefits of dividend income, stating, “Dividend-paying stocks can provide a steady income stream and potential capital appreciation. It’s important to diversify your portfolio and carefully evaluate the dividend history and financial health of the companies you invest in.”
Stream 5: Interest Income
Interest income is derived from lending money to individuals, businesses, or financial institutions, who repay the borrowed amount with interest. This can be in the form of savings accounts, certificates of deposit, bonds, or other fixed-income investments. Interest income allows you to earn a passive return on your capital while preserving the principal amount.
Interest Income Examples:
Savings accounts: Banks and credit unions offer savings accounts where you can deposit your money and earn interest on the balance. These accounts provide liquidity and are suitable for short-term financial goals or emergency funds. The interest rates offered can vary depending on the institution and prevailing market conditions.
Certificates of deposit (CDs): CDs are time deposits that offer a fixed interest rate for a specific period. They often provide higher interest rates compared to regular savings accounts. CDs are suitable for individuals who have a specific savings goal and are willing to lock their money for a predetermined time.
Government bonds: Governments issue bonds as a way to borrow money from investors. These bonds pay periodic interest to bondholders until the bond matures. Government bonds are considered low-risk investments, and their interest rates are influenced by market factors and the creditworthiness of the issuing government.
Corporate bonds: Companies issue bonds to raise capital. Investors who purchase these bonds receive periodic interest payments and the return of principal upon maturity. Corporate bonds carry varying levels of risk depending on the financial health of the issuing company and prevailing market conditions.
Interest income plays a vital role in a diversified investment portfolio by providing stability and preserving the principal amount. While it may not offer high growth potential, it serves as a reliable income source, particularly for conservative investors seeking steady earnings and capital preservation. It’s important to consider your financial goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions when incorporating interest-based investments into your overall financial strategy.
Stream 6: Royalty Income
Royalty income is earned by granting the rights to use intellectual property, such as patents, copyrights, trademarks, or creative works. Authors, musicians, inventors, and artists can earn royalties from their creations. Once established, royalty income can provide a steady stream of passive income for years to come.
John Stevens, a successful author, emphasizes the significance of royalty income, stating, “For creators, leveraging intellectual property can be a powerful income stream. By protecting your work and exploring licensing and royalty agreements, you can generate ongoing income from your creations.”
Stream 7: Capital Gains
Capital gains occur when you sell an asset, such as stocks, real estate, or collectibles, at a higher price than its purchase price. The difference between the buying and selling price represents the capital gain. By investing in appreciating assets and selling them at the right time, you can earn substantial profits and increase your overall wealth.
Certified Financial Planner Jennifer Adams advises, “Capital gains can significantly boost your wealth if you invest strategically and take advantage of market opportunities. It’s important to develop an investment strategy aligned with your risk tolerance and long-term financial goals.”
For a comprehensive understanding of capital gains taxation, you can refer to the IRS publication Over the Top for the Bournes and the Merkels.
The Bottom Line – 7 Income Streams
Diversifying your income through multiple streams of income is a powerful strategy for achieving financial prosperity. By incorporating various income sources, such as earned income, profit income, rental income, dividend income, interest income, royalty income, and capital gains, you can create a robust and resilient financial foundation.
Remember, building multiple streams of income requires time, effort, and a strategic approach. Stay committed, invest wisely, and continually explore new opportunities to secure your financial future.
Many years ago, buying life insurance meant simply purchasing coverage that paid out a death benefit when an insured passed away. Today, however, things have changed a great deal. Life insurance policies are still certainly used as a tool for replacing income or for paying off debt upon the death of an insured. But now, these plans can also be used for so much more.
No longer are life insurance policies just “plain vanilla” anymore. In fact, oftentimes, life insurance policies are used as financial planning tools that can help individuals and families solve all types of additional needs, such as saving for college, paying off a mortgage, and supplementing retirement income.
They can also be used for growing funds based on rising market conditions. One type of policy that can be particularly useful in offering a death benefit while also providing for additional financial needs is variable coverage.
How Variable Life Insurance Works
Variable life is a type of permanent coverage. This means that it offers both death benefit protection, as well as a cash value or investment component where the policyholder can invest in a variety of “separate” accounts.
These policies are referred to as such because when a policyholder pays their premium into the plan, the portion of his or her premium that goes into the cash – or investment – component of the policy will be subject to the ups and downs of the underlying market fluctuations. Therefore, the plan will be “variable” in its nature.
Typically, the policy holder has the option of choosing from a very wide variety of different investment options within this separate account. These can include mutual funds, stocks, money market funds, bonds, and a number of other financial vehicles. Because some of the investment options that are included in variable policies are securities, these types of life insurance policies are regulated by the federal securities laws.
Just as with the cash value component of other types of life insurance policies, the funds that are in the investment component of a variable insurance plan are allowed to grow on a tax-deferred basis, meaning that the money will not be taxed until the time of withdrawal. This can provide the opportunity for funds to increase at an even greater pace – especially over time and in positive market conditions.
The Advantages of Owning a Variable Life Policy
There are a number of advantages to owning a variable policy. First, as with any other type of coverage, the death benefit proceeds will provide financial protection to the insured’s survivors in the event of death. Such funds may be used to pay final expenses, to pay off large debts such as a mortgage, or used as income replacement in paying everyday living expenses going forward.
Another benefit of variable life coverage is that the premiums are typically fixed throughout the life of the policy. This means that, unlike term life insurance, the insured will never need to re-qualify for coverage, provided that the premiums are paid within the grace period and that the coverage stays in-force.
Likewise, the initial amount of the death benefit on a variable policy is also usually a fixed amount – regardless of what occurs in the underlying market. Because of this, the named beneficiary (or beneficiaries) on this type of policy can, therefore, be assured that they will be receiving a certain amount of proceeds upon the death of the insured.
This can be helpful in that if the funds were being counted on for payment of certain debts or the replacement of the insured’s income, there would be a set amount coming to the insured’s survivors from the variable life plan.
In addition, due to the variety of investment options, variable life can provide insurance policyholders with the opportunity to grow the funds that are in the cash portion of their policy. These funds may be used in the future for other financial needs and they could be accessed via withdrawals or through policy loans.
So, if funds are needed by a variable life policyholder during his or her lifetime, these plans will typically allow the individual to either withdraw or borrow cash from the investment component of the policy. In addition, funds from the cash value component can often be used for paying the policy premiums – alleviating the policyholder from having to do so out of pocket.
Some Things to Consider Before Purchasing Life Insurance
While there are many advantages of owning a variable life insurance policy, it is also important to consider some key factors prior to moving forward in order to be sure that this type of policy is the best option for you and your specific insurance and investment needs.
First, when considering a variable plan, the policy holder should be able to take on a more active role in the investment of the policy’s separate account. Given this, it may be wise to have a good understanding of how mutual funds and other investments work – and how each may, or may not, fit with your particular financial needs and goals.
Being aware that variable coverage comes with a higher level of risk than some other types of permanent life insurance, such as whole life or universal life, can also help to ease any surprises should the market take a sudden downturn.
In any case, an important consideration that any potential owner of a variable policy should have is that he or she will have much more control over how their funds are invested in this type of life insurance plan. This will differ substantially from ownership of a whole life or a universal life insurance policy, where the underlying funds are typically chosen for the policyholder by the insurance carrier.
Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.Ad
Is a Variable Policy Right for Everyone?
Unlike whole life insurance, where cash is only guaranteed to grow at a fixed conservative rate of interest, the funds that are inside of a variable life policy are tied to a variety of different market related investment options. This allows the opportunity for a substantial amount of growth. It also, however, can subject the funds to market risk. Therefore, variable policyholders need to be aware that their funds can rise in value. However, they can also fall.
The policyholder of a variable life policy also has a great deal of choices in the underlying investments that are chosen for his or her cash value component. This differs significantly from whole life insurance where the insurance company makes these selections. Therefore, those who are not active investors or who do not have a good understanding of stocks or mutual funds may want to obtain some initial knowledge of these investments prior to moving forward. It is also a good idea to have at least a basic understanding of how different types of market risk can occur, and how such risk may be offset.
How to Get the Best Variable Life Insurance Quotes
When shopping for variable life insurance quotes, it is best to work with a company or an agency that has access to more than just one insurance carrier. This way, you will be able to compare different insurers’ policies and benefits objectively in order to determine which fits best with your specific needs. You will also be able to compare different premium quotes in order to see which works best with your life insurance budget.
If you are ready to compare policies and quotes, we can help. We work with the best life insurance companies in the marketplace today, and we can get you all of the important information that you need quickly and easily – right from your home computer, and without the need to meet in person with a life insurance agent. When you’re ready to see how a variable life policy may benefit you and your loved ones, fill out the form on this page to start your quotes.
Should you have any questions along the way regarding how variable policies work – about life insurance in general, or about something more specific such as life insurance without medical exams – please feel free to contact us directly. Our experts can walk you through step-by-step the ins and outs of variable policies, and the many ways that these types of plans can be structured.
We understand that the process of buying life insurance can sometimes be confusing – especially when there are many options to choose from. We will ensure that you have all of the information that you need in order to make a well-informed buying decision about the coverage and the plan that’s right for you and those you love.
People who entered plans to postpone payments for pandemic hardships were just as likely to be in what might be considered an optimal scenario as a worst-case one when they exited.
The percentage who kept paying while in forbearance was 17.9% between June 1, 2020 and June 30, 2023 and the percentage was the same for those who left plans delinquent with no immediate foreclosure-prevention plan in place, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
The consistency of the matching shares in these categories at the three-year mark for the MBA’s now-monthly Loan Monitoring Survey data set suggest that they’ll be a benchmark for the performance of pandemic forbearance, which has now largely run its course.
The largest percentage or 29.5% of borrowers opted to set payments missed during forbearance aside for later repayment through vehicles like a deferral or partial claim, but that share was a little lower than the previous month, when it was 29.6%.
The share of borrowers with other outcomes like modifications that make loan terms more affordable (alone or in combination with other types of foreclosure prevention), reinstatements or payoffs through refinances or home sales generally matched numbers the previous month.
Less than 1% of borrowers entered repayment plans. An even smaller share below 0.5% sold homes for less than their debt was worth in short sale or turned them over to mortgage institutions without entering foreclosure in a deed-in-lieu transaction.
The share of mortgages in forbearance has also shrunk to less than half of a percent following both the official end of the pandemic and ensuing expiration of plans for some loans.
More than three-quarters or 78.3% of borrowers in forbearance continued to cite pandemic hardships as the reason for it last month, while another 6.1% indicated they were struggling with the impact of natural disasters. Another 15.6% cited death, divorce, job loss or disability.
The success rate of completed mortgage workouts borrowers have entered into to address these concerns since 2020 was just shy of 75% at the end of June. MBA measured this based on the share of borrowers with completed workouts who were current at the time.
The MBA estimates that its survey represents 66% for the first-lien mortgage servicing market or 32.8 million loans.
“Hell, no, we won’t go!” The spirited chant sounded familiar, although it had been 51 years since I last shouted it alongside other demonstrators.
This time, instead of protesting the Vietnam War at UC Berkeley’s Sproul Plaza, I stood with 25 other impassioned tenants on a corner of Wilshire Boulevard in West Los Angeles, in front of Barrington Plaza — the apartment complex from which we are being unlawfully evicted.
My motivations for participating in both were altruistic and self-serving. I opposed the war in Vietnam on moral grounds, appalled by the unnecessary devastation, but I also did not want to join the thousands of Americans who had already perished in it.
Advertisement
I’m helping to organize the tenants’ resistance to the eviction to preserve my own home, but I’m equally motivated to protect our community, especially my fellow boomers, some of whom suffer from dementia, diabetes or cancer.
The multibillion-dollar corporate landlord and developer, Douglas Emmett, decided to evict all the largely working-class tenants from their 577 occupied units in one of the biggest rent-stabilized buildings on Los Angeles’ pricey Westside. The company says it intends to retrofit the fire sprinkler system, following dangerous fires in 2013 and 2020, and make other needed repairs. Yet if it requires units to be vacant to do the work, the city requires the filing of a Tenant Habitability Plan, under which tenants should be temporarily relocated, not evicted.
Emmett is also claiming the Ellis Act as justification for the mass eviction. Passed in 1985, this California law was created to allow landlords to evict tenants from rent-controlled units that they plan to take off the rental market. But the company won’t commit to removing Barrington Plaza from the rental market when the renovations are complete, and they may gentrify and then re-rent the units at inflated market prices.
Another inescapable irony: Barrington’s eviction announcement came on May 8, the same date in 1959 that Los Angeles officials used eminent domain and other political machinations to bulldoze Chavez Ravine and destroy the homes of that vibrant, historic Mexican American community to make way for Dodger Stadium. If the Barrington evictions go through, they’ll join Chavez Ravine as among the largest evictions in the city’s history.
While I watched L.A.’s rush-hour traffic crawl by our tenant protest, many of the vehicles honking in support of our ragtag crew carrying signs and joined by our dogs, I reflected that this time the power we were fighting was not the military-industrial complex, but “Big Development” and corporate greed. Emmett donated $400,000 to the campaign of the current City Council member for Barrington Plaza’s district.
Advertisement
The wonderfully inclusive, intergenerational, international community at Barrington represents the best of L.A., with a wide range of jobs and backgrounds. Tenants I’ve spoken with since we received notice include an Uber Eats driver, a waitress at El Pollo Loco, a professional dog walker, a Beverly Hills hairstylist and others who service our more affluent Westside neighbors.
Many of us, myself included because of the current writers’ strike, are on some form of government assistance. Others, even more vulnerable, are still financially recovering from the COVID pandemic and struggling with child-care costs; or are elderly and disabled, depending on nearby loved ones for trips to go shopping or attend medical appointments.
One tenant I spoke with has suffered with PTSD from rape and attempted murder. She previously lived in her car. For her, the very real possibility of losing her apartment triggers sleepless nights along with anxiety, depression and panic. Another tenant has worked for the county assisting homeless people in South Central for 20 years. Now she could be relocated to the same neighborhood where she spends her days helping those who live in makeshift tents on the street.
We are facing either imminent relocation to a distant part of the city, a premature placement in an extended care facility — or homelessness.
This tragedy is not just about us. At stake is the fate of an entire city where more than 75,000 people are homeless on any given night. If Emmett’s mass eviction is allowed to stand, it will displace hundreds of us, set a devastating precedent for rent-stabilized housing in Los Ange les and unleash a catastrophic burden on our already strained social services.
Our Barrington Plaza Tenant Assn. is working with the Coalition for Economic Survival to fight our eviction, and we’ve created a GoFundMe page to collect donations. It will take all of us to stop Douglas Emmett’s unlawful use of the Ellis Act.
A lot has changed since I was a 20-year-old, long-haired activist who chanted, “Hell, no, we won’t go!” at a Vietnam War rally. But the stakes for this community are just as high now.
Robert Lawrence is a producer whose films include “Clueless,” “Die Hard with a Vengeance,” “Rapid Fire” and “Rock Star.”