A: Whole life insurance offers guaranteed cash value growth at a fixed rate. An IUL, on the other hand, ties your cash value growth to the performance of a market index. This means you can benefit from upside potential while still being protected from negative market returns.

A: No. Your cash value is not invested directly in stocks or mutual funds. Instead, growth is linked to the performance of an index, such as the S&P 500®. This allows for potential growth without the risk of losing money in a market downturn.

A: Yes. You can use policy loans or withdrawals to access cash value for things like retirement income, education costs, or emergencies. Accessing cash value may reduce your death benefit, so it’s important to plan carefully.

A: IULs are designed with flexibility. As long as there’s enough cash value in your policy, it can cover the cost of insurance. However, if the cash value is depleted and premiums aren’t paid, the policy could lapse.

A: Yes. Cash value grows tax-deferred, and you may be able to access funds tax-free through loans if the policy is structured properly. Death benefits are generally income tax-free to beneficiaries.

A: Not always. IULs work best for people who want life insurance protection plus the opportunity for growth and flexibility. If you only need simple coverage for a short period, term life insurance may be a better fit.

A: It’s best to review your policy annually or whenever you experience major life changes, such as marriage, the birth of a child, or a change in financial goals.