Planning for Retirement Begins with Insurance
When planning for retirement, one of the first steps many investors take is to participate in a company-sponsored 401K plan or put money into a personal individual retirement account. In fact, many Americans contribute to these accounts and then do not pay much attention to their retirement strategy until they reach the senior years. This is a mistake. Planning for retirement involves more than opening up a savings account. There are other financial vehicles that should be considered, based on your individual circumstances and retirement strategy.
Insurance as a retirement planning tool
For many, the priority when planning for retirement is to simply save as much money as possible. But a proper financial plan also protects against potential risks. Some financial advisors recommend that insurance be incorporated into a retirement planning strategy. Various forms of insurance, from life insurance and long-term care to homeowner insurance and long-term disability, can be utilized to manage risk and contribute to your overall retirement portfolio.
Term life insurance for retirement planning
Term life insurance can be an effective retirement planning tool. The policy provides insurance for a set length of time and, in the event of your death prior to the expiration of the policy, your beneficiaries receive the money. Term life insurance can provide financial protection to those with a spouse or young children who depend upon your income or who depend upon a stay-at-home parent. It can also be relatively inexpensive depending upon your age, health and the individual policy. This also leaves other income for setting up an emergency fund or putting money in low-cost investments.
Many employers provide a life insurance benefit. Review the policy carefully to determine if you need to purchase an additional policy on your own. If so, look for one that is guaranteed renewable and non-cancellable. This is a policy that cannot be cancelled by the insurance company and, as long as the necessary payments are made, they cannot reduce the benefits or increase the premiums.
Permanent life insurance to supplement retirement savings
While term life insurance plans have a set expiration date, permanent life insurance never expires. For that reason, permanent life insurance policies are sometimes utilized as a way to supplement retirement savings. How does this work? When purchasing a permanent life insurance plan, some of the premiums you pay will be placed into a separate account that builds cash value alongside or in addition to your death benefit.
Permanent life insurance also provides the ability to withdraw funds or borrow against the value of the funds in the account. For example, you may choose to withdraw funds to make a mortgage payment, to pay expenses in the event of a job loss, or to pay for retirement. Money is not free, however. Unless these loans or withdrawals are repaid, your death benefit will be reduced accordingly and the policy could lapse if more than the surrender value is borrowed.
Retirement planning advice
Developing a proper financial plan before and during retirement is an important tool for all investors. It is important to make informed decisions to ensure you have the funds you need to support your lifestyle through retirement and prepare for the unexpected. Our team can help.
The St. Louis insurance specialists at Senior Health Solutions, LLC can help guide you through the retirement planning process and provide assistance in determining what insurance coverage best suits your individual needs. Our experienced life insurance professionals are available to answer your questions and offer advice. Contact us at (636) 244-4415 or online. If you would like to schedule an appointment but cannot come to us, we will come to you. Do not postpone this important life decision. Contact us today.
