It's not uncommon for life insurance to be something of an afterthought. Yes, you know you should have it. You might even have a good sense of why you should. But for some people at least, getting a policy in place can seem like another task you'll eventually get around to.
Here's why you might want to think again. The right life insurance strategy can help provide protection and flexibility for you and your family. In particular, cash value life insurance can provide you with a range of options.
In a nutshell, cash value life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance with a cash value savings component. It also offers a pair of different benefits.
The cash value can be used as supplemental retirement income, a down payment on a house or an emergency fund.
Many contracts allow you to take a tax-free withdrawal up to what's known as your basis in the contract.4 What's your basis? It's the amount of premiums you have paid, minus any withdrawals or paid dividends. You already paid income tax on those dollars, so you won't be taxed again. Withdrawing money may come in handy later in life when you face expenses like college tuition or a parent's health care needs.4
Here's another key point to note: There are numerous different forms of cash value life insurance, and each provides additional benefits the contract owner can use during his or her lifetime. To make an informed buying decision, it's critical to understand those differences and how they may align with your goals and needs.
That's not always an easy process, particularly if you're not up to speed on the nuances of each. But that's also where a Thrivent Financial professional can help you work through different scenarios and understand the type of insurance that works best for you.
Term life insurance is typically the most affordable way to secure coverage for a set period of time. You can lock in a rate for a specified term – usually between 10 and 30 years.
Whether you're a savvy investor or just starting out, we can help you tailor your portfolio to your needs and goals.
With our fee-based Financial Planning Services, you'll work with a Thrivent Financial professional who can provide ongoing, objective advice and help you create a holistic, personalized plan.
Some term life insurance contracts allow you to convert your term contract into permanent insurance. Term life contracts expire after a set time period, or "term." Permanent life insurance can last for your lifetime. Should you convert?
You can't necessarily call unexpected expenses "unexpected." They arise for all of us. If you're not prepared for such pitfalls, they can quickly derail your financial life. Having an emergency fund in place can provide valuable protection.
1 While Thrivent does not provide specific legal or tax advice, we can partner with you and your tax professional and/or attorney.
2 Dividends are not guaranteed.
3 Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future returns.
4 Loans and surrenders will decrease the death proceeds and the value available to pay insurance costs which may cause the contract to terminate without value. Surrenders may generate an income tax liability and charges may apply. A significant taxable event can occur if a contract terminates with outstanding debt. Contact your tax advisor for further details. Loaned values may accumulate at a lower rate than unloaned values.
This contract has exclusions, limitations, reductions of benefits and terms under which the contract may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of coverage, contact your Thrivent Financial professional.
If requested, a licensed insurance agent/producer may contact you and financial solutions, including insurance may be solicited.
THRIVENT IS THE MARKETING NAME FOR THRIVENT FINANCIAL FOR LUTHERANS. Insurance products issued by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Not available in all states. Licensed agent/producer of Thrivent. Thrivent.com/disclosures.