A different way to think about long-term money.

Some people want maximum upside. Others want steadier growth with protection. This short video explains the second approach.

Watch the 2-minute explanation Take the 30-second financial fit check

Educational only. Not financial or tax advice.

No hype. No pressure. Just context.

This tends to resonate with people who:

  • Think long-term
  • Prefer stability over speculation
  • Want clarity before committing

If that doesn’t describe you, there’s no pressure to continue.

Download the comparison (CSV/PDF)

Educational only. Not financial or tax advice.

Comparison preview

Four highlights from the full retirement and accumulation comparison.

Market risk exposure

  • 401(k) High — directly tied to investment performance
  • 403(b) High — directly tied to investment performance
  • IRA High — directly tied to investment performance
  • Roth IRA High — directly tied to investment performance
  • IUL Low — downside protection with a 0% floor (policy-specific)

Access before retirement

  • 401(k) 10% penalty before 59½ in most cases
  • 403(b) 10% penalty before 59½ in most cases
  • IRA 10% penalty before 59½ in most cases
  • Roth IRA Contributions anytime; earnings subject to rules
  • IUL Access cash value through loans with no IRS penalty

Required minimum distributions (RMDs)

  • 401(k) Yes, starting at age 73
  • 403(b) Yes, starting at age 73
  • IRA Yes, starting at age 73
  • Roth IRA No RMDs for the original owner
  • IUL No RMD requirement

Family protection

  • 401(k) Only the accumulated account balance
  • 403(b) Only the accumulated account balance
  • IRA Only the accumulated account balance
  • Roth IRA Only the accumulated account balance
  • IUL Includes an income-tax-free death benefit for beneficiaries

Education & context

Open only the sections you want to read.

An IUL policy is a form of permanent life insurance. It provides a death benefit for the people you care about while also offering the potential to build cash value inside the policy. Instead of investing directly in the market, the policy’s cash value can earn index-linked credits based on the movement of a selected financial index, all while remaining inside the insurance contract.

Each year, the policy compares the chosen index’s performance with the crediting rules in the contract. When the index is positive, credits may be applied up to certain caps or participation limits set by the insurer. When the index is negative, the contract’s floor can help protect the cash value from a negative index year. All crediting happens on a periodic schedule—often annually—and past results never guarantee future credits.

People often explore IUL for permanent life insurance protection, long-term cash value accumulation, flexible funding options, supplemental income planning through policy loans, and legacy or estate considerations. IUL policies are not designed for short-term use.

Cash value growth is never guaranteed. Policy charges, cost of insurance, and other deductions apply. Actual results depend on how you fund the policy over time, how long it stays in force, and how the chosen index performs. Accessing cash value through loans or withdrawals reduces the death benefit and may create taxable consequences if not managed properly.

Indexed Universal Life insurance is not suitable for everyone. Product features, costs, and benefits vary by policy and carrier. All guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

Submitting the fit check does not issue a policy, make a recommendation, or guarantee approval. It simply opens an educational conversation. A licensed agent may follow up, and any illustrations or recommendations will only come later if it appears appropriate for your situation.

Step 1: Submit the questionnaire. Step 2: Receive educational follow-up materials. Step 3: Discuss suitability with a licensed professional. Step 4: Review an illustration only if the strategy appears appropriate.