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Life Insurance
- 1. all about lifeprotection: an introduction to life protection strategies
- 2. important notes Pleasebe advised that this presentation is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal or tax advice. Accordingly, any tax information provided in this presentation is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. The tax information was written to support the promotion or marketing of the transaction(s) or matter(s) addressed, and you should seek advice based on your particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. AXA Equitable life insurance products are issued by AXA Equitable Life Insurance company, NY, NY. AXA Equitable variable life insurance products are distributed by an affiliate, AXA Advisors, LLC. All guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company. AXA Equitable, AXA Advisors, LLC, and their agents and representatives do not provide tax and legal advice. You should consult with your attorney and/or tax advisor before making final investment or planning decisions.
- 3. overview The roleof life insurance What life insurance provides that no other financial product is able to deliver by itself How much life insurance do you need or want? Understanding different types of life insurance
- 4. what is lifeinsurance? A life insurance policy is … a contractual agreement … in which premiums are paid … to an insurance company … in return for a benefit … to be paid to a beneficiary if the policy remains in force … until the insured’s death
- 5. the role oflife insurance Life insurance can potentially: CREATE an “estate” to help provide financial dignity and independence for loved ones, or to create a legacy for heirs or for a charity PRESERVE an estate or the vitality of a business by helping to settle financial obligations that arise at death, such as estate and state death taxes, and to fund the transition of a business interest to a successor owner PROTECT from income taxation (permanent policies only) the potential accumulation of cash value within the policy
- 6. the role oflife insurance What life insurance cannot do: NOT an investment — First and foremost, it is primarily a protection product NOT a tax shelter — Life insurance is accorded certain tax advantages, but there are restrictions NOT a speculation or a gamble — The risk is certain: everyone will eventually die, but no one can be sure of when. Life insurance transfers the “economic risks” associated with death to the insurance carrier, which in turn spreads the risk among all insureds
- 7. no other financialproduct delivers all these benefits Prudent and economical assurance of a cash estate at death Federal- and state-income-tax-free death benefits (if paid lump-sum) Estate-tax-free death benefits (if owned by a named party other than the estate of the insured and payable to a beneficiary other than the estate) Not subject to probate (if paid to a beneficiary other than the estate) Generally not subject to the lien of creditors of the insured or beneficiary (subject to state variation) Fast payment (usually within days of receipt of notice and death certificate if death occurs after two years)
- 8. beneficial tax treatment of cash value If premiums and transactions keep within certain IRS guidelines... Tax deferral of policy cash value Tax-free withdrawals until basis (cumulative premiums) is recovered, if not a modified endowment contract Tax-deferred loans of policy cash value — even if total policy loans exceed basis
- 9. beneficial tax treatment of cash value Tax-free stream of retirement income using withdrawals up to basis, and then switching to loans — this assumes the policy remains in effect until the insured’s death, with any loan balance being repaid from the policy’s death proceeds. No set IRS limit on premiums (unlike qualified plan retirement savings vehicles) or cash value limits as long as minimum death benefit amounts are met in order to satisfy IRS prescribed ratio of premiums to death benefit. Under current federal tax rules, you generally may take income-tax-free withdrawals up to your basis (total premiums paid) in the policy or loans for a life insurance policy. If the policy is a modified endowment contract (MEC), all distributions (withdrawals or loans) are taxed as ordinary income to the extent of gain in the policy, and may also be subject to an additional 10% premature distribution penalty, prior to age 59 1/2, unless certain exceptions are applicable. Withdrawals reduce the policy’s cash value and death benefit and increase the chance that the policy may lapse. 1 2
- 10. how much lifeinsurance do you need?
- 11. the “quick” answers“ Quick ” answers… 5 to 7 times your gross income, as a bare minimum 1 The U.S. Department of Justice used the following criteria to calculate the amount of compensation to distribute to the families of 9/11 victims: 2 12 times annual income to couples without children 20 times earnings to those who were survived by a spouse and minor children Sources: 1) Based on industry associations, including the American Council of Life Insurance and Life Underwriter Training Council. 2) Explanation of Process for Computing Presumed Economic Loss (Revised April 2, 2002), Department of Justice, September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001.
- 12. the “short” answerThe “ short ” answer… Life Insurance Needs Analysis A self-assessment of needs worksheet
- 13. the “short” answerTake into consideration… Income Needs Current Income Family Income Goal Other Income Survivor’s Earned Income Income-Producing Capital Liquid Assets Existing Life Insurance Cash Needs Final Expenses Emergency Funds Education Funds Mortgage Other Debt
- 14. the “comprehensive” answerThe “ comprehensive ” answer… Requires completion of a comprehensive questionnaire A detailed analysis is then prepared Financial professional can then present you with the printed analysis showing and explaining: The financial risks you are exposed to The recommended strategies for those risks The options that are available to you to address your needs
- 15. types of life insurance
- 16. types of lifeinsurance products TERM : Level Term Annual Renewable Term PERMANENT : Universal Life Variable Universal Life Survivorship Life
- 17. the role ofterm insurance For temporary protection needs Temporary does NOT mean how long you can keep policy in effect, but how long is it economically efficient to keep Typical examples of temporary needs To cover specific debts Until the youngest child reaches age 21 Additional coverage while dependent parent is still alive Alternative role: When the budget simply will not allow consideration of an adequate amount of permanent life insurance
- 18. level term Premiumsremain level and are guaranteed for a period of time, usually 10, 15 or 20 years depending on choice of plan; thereafter, premiums increase dramatically every year Generally, 10- and 15- year plans are best suited to temporary protection needs that will last between 7 and 14 years Generally, 15- and 20- year plans are best suited to situations when it is unlikely that the policy holder can ever afford an adequate amount of permanent life insurance Many insurance companies allow policy holders to convert Term policies to other plans
- 19. annual renewable termInitial premium is generally the lowest Premiums increase every year and will become very expensive over time Most offer conversion to Permanent Life within limited time Evidence of insurability may be required depending on policy terms and amounts of insurance, and the addition of optional benefits Best used For the shortest-term needs (5–7 years) and/or IF conversion to permanent is likely in 5–7 years
- 20. the role of permanent life insurance For people who need or want… Long-term death protection — usually 15 or more years; AND A guaranteed level premium for guaranteed level protection for a longer period than is practical or economical using term insurance; AND/OR To accumulate cash value, tax deferred, over a period of 15 or more years; AND Who are currently in at least a 15% income tax bracket and expect to remain there or in a higher bracket over the long term. * Guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the individual insurance carrier.
- 21. Universal Life Insurance (UL) Premium flexibility within company and IRS limits Choice of death benefit options — Level or Face Amount + Policy Account Value Ability to increase face amount, decrease face amount and change death benefit options (subject to policy limits, insurability requirements and potential charges) Policy Account Value subject to “surrender charges” if policy is surrendered or values withdrawn; typically during the 10th to 20th years, varying by the type of policies of insurance carriers
- 22. Universal Life Insurance (UL) Cash Value (Policy Account Value less surrender charges, if any) may be withdrawn or “borrowed” Variety of riders, features and optional benefits may be added for additional cost Coverage lasts for as long there is enough cash value in the “Policy Account” to cover the monthly deductions
- 23. Variable Universal LifeInsurance (VUL) Just like universal life insurance, but allows you to allocate a portion of your premium dollars to a separate account comprised of various investment portfolios Variety of investment subaccount choices and can change investment choices — usually liberally, subject to reasonable restrictions Values fluctuate based on the underlying investments Best for: People who are willing to take investment risks for the long-term potential rewards of the equity market
- 24. Variable Universal LifeInsurance (VUL) Variable universal life insurance is a security. You should not send money or make an investment without first carefully reading the prospectus , which contains: The investment accounts into which you may allocate your premiums and accumulated value The investment objectives of the investment subaccounts The investment fees and expenses that will be deducted from the investment accounts Important information, terms, conditions and limitations of the investment accounts and the policy, as well as any services that may be offered within the product
- 25. before purchasing a variable life insurance policy Variable life insurance investors should carefully consider the charges, risks, expenses and investment objectives of these products before making their purchases and investments. For a prospectus containing this and other information, please ask your financial professional. Read it and consider this information carefully before you invest or send money. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original value. All guarantees, including death benefits, are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing company.
- 26. survivorship life insurance For two co-insureds — on one policy — who want long-term death protection to meet those financial liabilities or special needs that arise only upon the death of both co-insureds. Estate Preservation Business Insurance Needs “ Special Needs”
- 27. optional riders andbenefits Availabilities of optional riders and benefits vary from company to company at additional cost. The most common ones are: Long-Term Care Benefit — Enables insured to receive a portion of death benefit during lifetime in the event insured is unable to perform 2 or more “Activities of Daily Living” (ADLs)* Disability Premium Waiver — Waives the monthly deduction charges if the insured meets the definition of disability and other conditions stated in the policy Accidental Death Benefit — Pays mostly twice the death benefit if death occurs by accident Children’s Term Rider — Provides convertible term life insurance protection on juvenile (0–17) children of the insured There are conditions and limitations that apply. All should be carefully reviewed before purchase. * ADLs include bathing, dressing, eating, continence, toileting, and transferring.
- 28. summary No BESTsolution for all But most appropriate strategy for YOU
- 29. where do yougo from here? Do it yourself Work with others Work with us Don’t procrastinate; timing is important
- 30. workshop evaluation Pleasecomplete evaluation form and hand it in before you leave Schedule time to meet for a personal consultation
- 31.
Editor's Notes
- #2 Welcome to our workshop — “All About Life Protection.” My name is _____________ and I am with AXA Advisors, LLC. Before we start the main part of our presentation, let me take a minute or two to outline what we will be talking about today.
- #4 [Read slide]
- #5 [Read Slide] Life insurance policies have exclusions, limitations and terms for keeping them in force. Various types of life insurance policies have certain types of charges and fees, which may typically include some or even all of the following: cost of insurance charges, surrender charges, administrative fees, mortality and expense risk charges, charges for optional benefits and, in the case of variable life insurance products, investment management fees.
- #6 [Read slide with additional examples below] Examples of CREATE an estate: A sum of money that may be used to help accomplish any one or more or even all of the following: Pay off mortgage, car loans, credit card debt, etc. Replace the lost income of the deceased to protect a family’s standard of living Provide for child care while surviving spouse works Provide for the college education of children Endow a favorite charity or school Equalize inheritances among two or more children when certain property or a business interest will be inherited by fewer than all of them Examples of PRESERVE an estate or business: Payment of estate taxes, state death taxes, probate costs — all of which may dilute/diminish the assets remaining for heirs. In case of the death of a business partner, life insurance can be used to fund the purchase of the business by the surviving business owner, who buys the deceased owner’s business interest from the heirs or estate. Example of PROTECT from income taxation: Any cash value accumulation of life insurance is tax-deferred. The death benefit is passed generally tax-free to beneficiaries. Withdrawals and loans will reduce the policy death benefit.
- #7 Life insurance is not an investment — not even variable insurance products. It is primarily a protection product. For people who are interested in protection and who would also like to accumulate cash — perhaps even taking advantage of the equity markets — life insurance may be an efficient means for accomplishing both. But it is still always primarily a protection product, and there is a cost for having that protection. Life insurance helps preserve and protect the dignity and financial independence of the surviving beneficiaries, but it is not a tax shelter. There are federal limits on the amount of premiums that can be put into a life insurance policy. When you gamble, you are taking a speculative risk: you might win or you might lose! Death on the other hand is a certainty. Everyone will eventually die. But when? Life insurance is a risk management/risk transfer device that enables carriers to spread the uncertainty of when death will occur and the economic impact of dying among all of the insureds.
- #8 Purchasing a life insurance policy may not be as attractive as having a vacation trip; but who wouldn’t want as much of the following strategic benefits they are able to afford: Prudent and economical assurance that a certain amount of cash will automatically be created upon the death of an insured person, regardless of how soon or unexpectedly death occurs. • Federal and state income tax free to the extent that death benefits are paid in lump-sum to the beneficiary. • Estate tax free if the policy is owned by a named party (other than the estate of the insured). • Not subject to probate to the extent that death proceeds are paid to a named beneficiary (other than the estate of the insured). • Generally not subject to the lien of creditors of the insured or beneficiary (it varies by state). • Fast payment of the death proceeds to the beneficiary — usually within days* of receipt of the death-claim notice and death certificate (assuming death occurs after the two-year incontestable period). Please note that withdrawals and loans reduce the policy’s cash value and death benefit, increase the chance that the policy may lapse, and may cause tax consequences. Life insurance is the ONLY financial product that delivers all of these benefits. *[Note to presenter: In case audience ask how many days to be exact, AXA Equitable records show three business days in general, five to seven business days in some cases. Other insurance carriers may be different.]
- #9 Cash Value The primary reason to purchase life insurance is for the death benefit it provides beneficiaries. However, certain policies also provide cash value. Under current tax law, if premium payments and certain policy transactions stay within IRS guidelines, permanent life insurance is the only financial product that enjoys all these key tax advantages . . . for as long as the policy remains in effect: • Tax deferral of policy cash value • Tax-free withdrawals until basis (cumulative premiums) is recovered, if not a modified endowment contract • Tax-deferred loans of policy cash value — even if total policy loans exceed basis • Tax-deferred stream of income (i.e., retirement income) using withdrawals up to basis, then switching to loans — not subject to income taxation for as long as the policy remains in effect • Tax-free stream of any income and gains if the policy remains in effect until the death of the insured • No IRS limit on amount of life insurance you can own, and you can enjoy all the above tax advantages — provided your premiums and cash values do not exceed a certain ratio to policy death benefits Note that under current federal tax rules, you generally may take income-tax-free partial withdrawals under a life insurance policy that is not a modified endowment contract (MEC)** up to the basis in the contract. Additional amounts are subject to federal income tax. Loans taken will be free of current income tax as long as the policy remains in effect until the insured’s death, does not lapse and is not a MEC. This assumes the loan will eventually be satisfied from income-tax-free death proceeds. Loans and withdrawals reduce the policy’s cash value and death benefit and increase the chance that the policy may lapse. If the policy lapses, is surrendered or becomes a modified endowment, the loan balance at such time would generally be viewed as distributed and taxable under the general rules for distributions of policy cash values. Pre-age 59 1/2 penalty tax provisions apply to contracts classified as MECs. Withdrawals from MECs, prior to age 59 1/2 may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. ** The tax-advantages accorded life insurance cash values are governed by the Internal Revenue Code and IRS regulations. IRS regulations limit the amount of premium that can paid into a life insurance policy. They also require that a certain amount of death benefit be provided by the policy in relation to its cash value. Adverse tax consequences could result if these limits or certain other conditions required by the regulations are not adhered to, the most common of which is the policy becomes classified by the IRS as a "Modified Endowment Contract." AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company and its affiliates in the US administer policies on a basis that prevents policyowners from unintentionally overstepping these limits.
- #10 Cash Value The primary reason to purchase life insurance is for the death benefit it provides beneficiaries. However, certain policies also provide cash value. Under current tax law, if premium payments and certain policy transactions stay within IRS guidelines, permanent life insurance is the only financial product that enjoys all these key tax advantages . . . for as long as the policy remains in effect: • Tax deferral of policy cash value • Tax-free withdrawals until basis (cumulative premiums) is recovered, if not a modified endowment contract • Tax-deferred loans of policy cash value — even if total policy loans exceed basis • Tax-deferred stream of income (i.e., retirement income) using withdrawals up to basis, then switching to loans — not subject to income taxation for as long as the policy remains in effect • Tax-free stream of any income and gains if the policy remains in effect until the death of the insured • No IRS limit on amount of life insurance you can own, and be eligible for all the above tax advantages — provided your premiums and cash values do not exceed a certain ratio to policy death benefits Note that under current federal tax rules, you generally may take income-tax-free partial withdrawals under a life insurance policy that is not a modified endowment contract (MEC) up to the basis in the contract. Additional amounts are subject to federal income tax. Loans taken will be free of current income tax as long as the policy remains in effect until the insured’s death, does not lapse and is not a MEC. This assumes the loan will eventually be satisfied from income-tax-free death proceeds. Loans and withdrawals reduce the policy’s cash value and death benefit and increase the chance that the policy may lapse. If the policy lapses, is surrendered or becomes a modified endowment, the loan balance at such time would generally be viewed as distributed and taxable under the general rules for distributions of policy cash values. Pre-age 59 1/2 penalty tax provisions apply to contracts classified as MECs. Withdrawals from MECs, prior to age 59 1/2 may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. 1
- #12 [Read slide]
- #13 [Refer everyone to the Needs Analysis Worksheet handout]
- #14 [Quickly walk through the calculations]
- #15 [Read slide] Since every individual’s financial situation and goals are different, a comprehensive analysis is an essential part of determining the appropriate strategy for each. If you are interested, an AXA Advisors financial professional could provide a complimentary review for you.
- #17 [Read slide]
- #18 [Read slide plus notes below] If the need for protection is temporary, a term product could be the most economical vehicle. The terms of Term Life policies vary from company to company. Each has different restrictions on renewal age cap, etc. You need to select carefully to ensure that the policy you purchase really suits your needs.
- #19 [Read slide]
- #20 [Read slide]
- #21 [Read slide along with the following notes] • Federal tax regulations prescribe limits on the amount of premiums that can be paid into life insurance polices. If kept within those limits, cash values accumulate tax deferred. • Even if a lot of gain is taken out of the policy on a tax-deferred basis, if the policy remains in effect until death, then the income that was received tax deferred becomes permanently tax free upon death of the insured. • However, if the policy ever lapses, any gain becomes immediately taxable as ordinary income.
- #22 [Read slide along with the following notes] • Premium flexibility is great, but should be regarded cautiously, since the policy only lasts for as long as there is a Policy Account Value to cover the monthly deductions. Until the policy has accumulated a significant Policy Account Value, reducing or skipping premium payments may not be advisable.
- #23 [Read slide along with the following notes] • Note that the policy loan is NOT interest free.
- #24 Variable universal life insurance is a type of life insurance that provides permanent protection to your beneficiary upon your death. This type of life insurance allows you to allocate a portion of your premium dollars to a separate account comprised of various investment portfolios, such as an equity fund, a money market fund, a bond fund, or some combination thereof. You can make your own choices of the allocation on a variety of choices and can change them under certain restrictions. Variable life insurance values will fluctuate based on the underlying investment options. Your Policy Account Value may be worth more or less than the premiums you paid. It is best for people who have a tolerance and willingness to accept the (very real) investment risks in order to participate in the long-term potential rewards of the equity market. Unlike UL, where the consumer would at least get the guaranteed interest rate (typically 2 to 3%) credited to his or her policy’s Policy Account Value, with VUL, consumers can actually lose all of their principal (and possibly their insurance as well) as a result of adverse market performance unless there are no-lapse features. All variable life insurance investors should carefully consider the charges, risks, expenses and investment objectives of these products before making their purchases and investments. 1 2
- #25 [Read slide]
- #26 [Read slide]
- #27 Survivorship life insurance is one policy for two co-insureds. In a survivorship policy, the death benefit is not payable until the second death occurs. No benefit is payable on the first death. Typically, a survivorship policy requires 35% to 55% less premium than purchasing individual polices on each of the two insureds,* but taking advantage of these savings is only practical if the death benefit is not needed at the time of the first death. Who would want this type of coverage? People who want to preserve their estates. Upon someone’s death, assets left to a surviving spouse are not taxed — which results in estate taxes being paid on the second death. Life insurance can be a prudent and efficient source of funds to pay the taxes, thereby preserving the most for the heirs. Using survivorship life insurance in this instance can be the most prudent and efficient form of life insurance to meet this particular need. Note that under EGTRRA, the estate tax disappears in the year 2010; but unless Congress makes the estate tax repeal permanent, the estate tax reappears in 2011. How about those two-income families where either spouse’s income alone is sufficient to support the family? They could take advantage of the savings and have the insurance protection if both spouses were to die prematurely. Another example would be a situation where two family members insure themselves with a trust set up to provide for a special needs family member as the beneficiary. * Based on comparison of AXA Equitable policies.
- #28 [Read slide with notes below] ADLs include: • Bathing, dressing, eating • Continence — being able to maintain bowel and bladder control • Toileting — getting to and from the toilet and being able to perform the associated personal hygiene • Transferring — being able to move from a bed to a chair, for example
- #29 As you can see, there are many different types of insurance. Each has its own particular features. There is no BEST solution for all. Everyone has a different financial situation and different protection goals and needs. The most appropriate strategy for YOU may be a combination of the policies mentioned.
- #30 What do you do with the new information you’ve learned today? You can make it a point to devote yourself to making your own decisions about your protection strategies. But you may not know all of the products and strategies to implement your decisions. In my role as an AXA Advisors financial professional, that’s where I come in. Our aim is to empower you to make informed decisions toward pursuing your specific goals. We help you identify and prioritize your financial aspirations, and offer guidance specific to you. You choose the strategies that work best for you, and we’ll help you implement them. We know that planning is more than talk, it’s about you and your family, your dreams and aspirations.
- #31 Finally, I (we) have two favors to ask of you. The first favor is that you complete the evaluation form provided both honestly and candidly so that we might improve our workshop for others. The second favor is that you sign up for an initial consultation with us. I’ll explain more about this after the presentation, but we provide a no-cost, no-obligation consultation for you to determine if we can be of service to you on an individual basis. We find that many of those who attend our briefings do sign up for an initial consultation. We are interested in forming working relationships with many of you, and many of those who come in, do become clients. Thank you, and we look forward to working with you.