The Money Advantage Podcast

Why the Indexed Universal Life lawsuit is a wake-up call The headlines about the Kyle Busch vs Pacific Life indexed universal life lawsuit sparked the same question I hear from thoughtful families: is my policy designed to serve me, or to serve a sales incentive? This isn’t tabloid noise. It’s a real-world reminder that choices around products, product design, and behavior determine outcomes. When insurance gets framed like an investment, confusion wins—and families pay for the confusion later. https://www.youtube.com/live/3aLnzmv2dlc Behind the headlines is a deeper issue many families face: when insurance starts getting pitched as an investment, people get hurt. This indexed universal life lawsuit isn’t just celebrity drama. It’s a cautionary tale about design choices, incentives, and behavior—three ingredients that make or break outcomes. Why the Indexed Universal Life lawsuit is a wake-up callWhy this Indexed Universal Life lawsuit matters to you1) What actually happened in the Kyle Busch vs Pacific Life case2) What Indexed Universal Life is designed to do (and why the moving parts matter)3) Why Indexed Universal Life is usually a poor fit for Infinite Banking4) The commission conversation: what really matters5) Red flags to spot in any IUL illustration6) The behavior factor: decisions drive outcomes7) Where IUL can make sense—and where it doesn’t8) How to review your current policy or a proposal in 20 minutesWhat this Indexed Universal Life lawsuit teaches usListen to the full episode on the Indexed Universal Life lawsuitBook A Strategy CallFAQWhat is the Kyle Busch vs Pacific Life indexed universal life lawsuit about?Is an indexed universal life policy a good fit for Infinite Banking?Are whole life policies safer than IUL for building cash value?How do agent commissions affect IUL performance?What red flags should I look for in an IUL illustration?Can IUL still make sense for estate planning?What’s the simplest way to protect myself before buying?Is life insurance an investment?What should I do if I already own an IUL? Why this Indexed Universal Life lawsuit matters to you Here’s the premise: The Kyle Busch vs Pacific Life indexed universal life lawsuit is shining a bright light on how certain policy designs and sales incentives can set people up for disappointment. Our goal in this article is to unpack what happened at a practical level, explain why it happened, and give you a simple framework to evaluate your own policy or a policy you’re considering. What you’ll get: A clear understanding of indexed universal life (IUL) mechanics—caps, participation rates, floors, and charges Why IUL is often a poor fit for Infinite Banking, and where it can make sense How agent compensation and death benefit decisions impact performance The difference between marketing hype and durable guarantees A short checklist of questions to ask before you sign anything We’ll speak plainly. We’ll respect your intelligence. And we’ll give you steps to protect your family and your capital. 1) What actually happened in the Kyle Busch vs Pacific Life case Bruce here. Based on the widely discussed analysis from respected product designer Bobby Samuelson, the policy at the center of this story was a complex indexed universal life contract. The pitch focused on future “income.” The design featured a very high death benefit, which increases internal charges and agent compensation. It also appears the early-year cash value was constrained by both high expenses and allocation choices, and that funding didn’t match the schedule the clients initially expected. The result: heavy costs, lower-than-expected performance, and ultimately a policy lapse after substantial premiums were paid. Rachel again. Two principles jump out. First, when life insurance is positioned as an investment promising tax-free income, the conversation gets blurry fast. Second, the higher the initial death benefit, the higher the internal costs—especially for a client with added risk factors. Costs matter most in the early years. If they consume the lion’s share of premiums, policy cash value will suffer, and a lapse risk can rise. Takeaway: A policy can look good on a spreadsheet and still be fragile in real life if the design incentives and assumptions don’t align with your actual goals. 2) What Indexed Universal Life is designed to do (and why the moving parts matter) Bruce here. IUL ties crediting to an index such as the S&P 500 with caps and participation rates. You don’t get the full index return. You get a portion, limited by the carrier’s rules. You also don’t take index losses; there’s usually a 0% floor for crediting. But there’s a critical nuance: while the index credit can’t go below zero, charges—cost of insurance, policy expenses, riders—still come out. A zero-crediting year can still set you back if expenses outpace gains. That’s why illustrations are tricky. They show a hypothetical average crediting rate over time. Real markets don’t move in averages, and caps, participation rates, and expenses can change. If early-year charges are high, the policy needs time, consistent funding, and sufficiently strong credited returns to catch up. Rachel here. I love simplicity and transparency. That’s why, for Infinite Banking, I prefer whole life. You get contractual guarantees on cash value and death benefit, plus the long history of dividends. Is it flashy? No. Is it dependable? Yes. 3) Why Indexed Universal Life is usually a poor fit for Infinite Banking The Infinite Banking Concept relies on stable, accessible cash value, simple mechanics, and predictable loan behavior. Here’s where IUL struggles for banking use: Volatility in crediting. Caps and participation rates can shift. Policy loans can stress the design. Loan interest plus uneven crediting can turn small missteps into big problems. Moving parts multiply complexity. If you want banking simplicity, fewer moving parts beat more every time. Could IUL fit some estate-planning use cases? Sure, for certain objectives where the focus is death benefit and there’s no plan to rely on policy loans or income. But for banking—using policy cash value as your family’s capital base—whole life’s guarantees create the clarity and control most people actually want. 4) The commission conversation: what really matters Bruce here. Let’s talk compensation without the drama. In any life insurance policy, there are upfront costs. Over long horizons, those upfront costs spread out and matter less if the policy is designed and funded well. But design still matters a lot in the early years. A very high base death benefit can push up the target premium and the commission. It can also raise internal charges precisely when you need cash value efficiency. Rachel again. Ask this one question: How does this design minimize commissions and early-year drag while keeping the policy MEC-safe? In and IUL, like the one mentioned in the lawsuit, that means using a blend structure and, when appropriate, term riders like ART to support premium without bloating long-term costs. If an agent can’t explain—in plain English—how they’re minimizing commissions and internal drag, press pause. 5) Red flags to spot in any IUL illustration A few practical signals you can use immediately: The illustration calls life insurance an “investment” or implies market-like returns with no meaningful discussion of costs and moving parts. Year-1 cash value is tiny relative to premium with no clear rationale. The design amps the death benefit far above what’s needed to keep the contract non-MEC, without using low-cost term blending when available. Income projections look aggressive while early-year charges eat most premiums. Allocations default to a fixed account for years while the pitch centers on index crediting. The plan depends on perfect behavior—no missed funding, no changes, no down years—for it to work. 6) The behavior factor: decisions drive outcomes Bruce here. Nelson Nash reminded us: your behavior matters more than the policy. If the plan assumes consistent premium funding, or specific timing for loan repayment, those behaviors must be realistic for your family. A design that only works in a perfect world isn’t a plan; it’s a hope. Rachel again. Behavior plus guarantees is where confidence grows. I want you to be able to look at your numbers, understand them, and know what to do next—especially when life happens. 7) Where IUL can make sense—and where it doesn’t We’re not absolutists. IUL can be used intentionally in estate planning when: The primary goal is death benefit, not banking or policy loans Funding is reliable and stress-tested You’re comfortable with moving parts and the absence of whole life guarantees You’ve pressure-tested outcomes under lower caps and participation rates For Infinite Banking—where the priority is guaranteed, steadily compounding cash value with simple loan mechanics—whole life wins on clarity, control, and durability. 8) How to review your current policy or a proposal in 20 minutes Use this mini-checklist: Purpose: Is this for death benefit, banking, income, or estate planning? Guarantees: What’s guaranteed vs projected? Look at guaranteed cash value and death benefit. Early cash value: What percentage of the premium shows as cash value in years 1–3? Does it make sense? MEC safety: How is MEC testing handled? Is an ART or blend used to control costs? Commission drag: How is the design minimizing commission and internal charges while meeting your goal? IUL Allocation: Where is the premium allocated in years 1–3? Fixed vs indexed? Why? IUL Stress tests: What happens if caps/participation rates fall or a funding year is missed? Loan modeling: If banking or income is the goal, are loan assumptions conservative and clearly explained?

“It’s not the math. It’s the mindset.” When Bruce recorded this episode solo, he opened with something we’ve learned after thousands of client conversations: the biggest Infinite Banking mistakes aren’t about policy illustrations or carrier choice. They’re about us—our habits, our thinking, and the quiet patterns we bring to money. https://www.youtube.com/live/tvSGb9GkRG4 I remember Nelson Nash repeating, “Rethink your thinking.” That line annoys the part of us that wants a clean spreadsheet answer. But it’s also the doorway to everything you actually want—control, peace, and a reservoir of capital that serves your family for decades. In today’s article, I’m going to unpack those human problems—Parkinson’s Law, Willie Sutton’s Law, the Golden Rule, the Arrival Syndrome, and Use-It-or-Lose-It—and connect them to the most common Infinite Banking mistakes we see. Most importantly, I’ll show you the behaviors that fix them.  “It’s not the math. It’s the mindset.”What you’ll gain (and why it matters)Infinite Banking Mistakes #1 — Treating IBC like a sales system, not a lifelong conceptInfinite Banking Mistakes #2 — Short-term policy design (and base vs. PUA confusion)Infinite Banking Mistakes #3 — Misunderstanding uninterrupted compoundingInfinite Banking Mistakes #4 — Ignoring the five human problems Nelson taughtParkinson’s Law: “Expenses rise to equal income”Willie Sutton’s Law: “Money attracts seekers”The Golden Rule: “Those who have the gold make the rules”The Arrival Syndrome: “I already know this”Use It or Lose It: “Habits decay without practice”Infinite Banking Mistakes #5 — Forgetting that illustrations aren’t contractsInfinite Banking Mistakes #6 — Not paying policy loans back (on purpose)Infinite Banking Mistakes #7 — No written strategy or scorecardListen To the Full EpisodeBook A Strategy CallFAQsWhat are the most common Infinite Banking mistakes?Should I prioritize PUAs or base premium to avoid Infinite Banking mistakes?Do I have to repay policy loans in Infinite Banking?How does Parkinson’s Law cause Infinite Banking mistakes?Are policy illustrations reliable for Infinite Banking decisions?What did Nelson Nash mean by “think long range”?How do taxes relate to Infinite Banking mistakes? What you’ll gain (and why it matters) If you’re new here, I’m Rachel Marshall, co-host of The Money Advantage and a fierce believer that families can build multigenerational wealth with wisdom, not stress. The primary keyword for this piece is “Infinite Banking Mistakes,” and we’re going to name them, explain why they happen, and give you practical steps to get back on track. You’ll learn: Why behavior beats policy design over the long term How short-term thinking shows up in base/PUA decisions The right way to think about uninterrupted compounding How to use loans and repay them without sabotaging growth The five “human problems” Nelson warned us about—and how to overcome them If you can absorb the mindset, the math becomes simple. If you skip the mindset, no design hack will save you. Let’s go there. Infinite Banking Mistakes #1 — Treating IBC like a sales system, not a lifelong concept The mistake: Looking for a quick fix—“set up a policy, borrow immediately, invest, done”—and calling it Infinite Banking. Why it happens: Our culture loves shortcuts. We’re used to products, not principles. But IBC isn’t a product; it’s a way of life. Nelson was explicit: it’s not a sales system. When we treat it like a gadget, we ignore the behaviors that made debt a problem in the first place. What to do instead: Adopt a long-range view. Commit to capitalization for years, not months. Build rhythms. Premium drafting, policy reviews, loan repayment schedules. Measure behavior. Not just cash value growth; also repayment habits, added PUAs, and opportunity filters. Infinite Banking Mistakes #2 — Short-term policy design (and base vs. PUA confusion) The mistake: Designing a very small base with heavy PUAs purely to juice early cash value, or, conversely, insisting on an all-base design without considering your funding capacity and behavior. Why it happens: Short-term thinking. People want maximum day-one access or fear they “won’t be able to fund later,” so they underbuild the foundation. On the other side, some rigidly push all-base as a rule rather than a fit. Bruce says that behavior is more important than design. He’s seen small-base policies work when owners think long range, repay loans, and continue capitalization. He’s also seen all-base work beautifully when owners behave like bankers—disciplined repayments and consistent additions. What to do instead: Design for you, not a trend. Balance base and PUAs to match your cash-flow reliability, target capitalization, and intended uses. Think in decades. Will this design still serve you when the economy changes? Stress-test with loans. Don’t just stare at year-by-year illustrations. Model loans, repayments, and changing rates. Illustrations aren’t contracts; they’re snapshots. Infinite Banking Mistakes #3 — Misunderstanding uninterrupted compounding The mistake: “I’ll borrow against my cash value, toss it into an investment, and because it’s ‘my money,’ I don’t need to pay it back.” Why it happens: People grasp the idea that dollars can continue compounding inside the policy while you borrow against them—but miss the second half: policy loans have a cost, and not repaying them has a bigger cost. Fix the thinking: Opportunity cost cuts both ways. Spending cash has a cost; taking a loan has a cost; not repaying has a compounding drag. Repay like a banker. Principal + interest. Treat added PUAs as “extra interest to yourself.” Match loan terms to asset behavior. Shorter paybacks for consumptive uses; structured, documented paybacks for productive investments. Infinite Banking Mistakes #4 — Ignoring the five human problems Nelson taught Nelson’s “human problems” aren’t theory; they show up in daily decisions. Let’s link each one to your IBC habits. Parkinson’s Law: “Expenses rise to equal income” Three expressions Bruce highlighted: Work expands to the time allowed. A luxury enjoyed once becomes a necessity. Expenses rise to equal income. How it breaks IBC:You design a policy to capitalize, then lifestyle creep absorbs the margin that was supposed to repay loans and fund PUAs. Loan repayments “can wait,” and soon the policy feels like a burden instead of a bank. Actions: Ring-fence capital. Automate premiums/PUAs the day income lands. Name the luxuries. Write them down. Decide which remain luxuries. Give raises a job. Allocate a percentage of every raise to capitalization before you see it. Willie Sutton’s Law: “Money attracts seekers” Willie Sutton robbed banks “because that’s where the money is.” Today, the biggest “robber” is taxes—completely legal and entirely predictable. The more efficient you become, the more attention your dollars attract—from marketers, litigators, and the tax code. IBC response: Be tax-intentional. Coordinate with your CPA before year-end. Where can after-tax dollars be channeled into assets that grow efficiently and can be accessed strategically? Protect liquidity. Keep capital where it is visible to you and less vulnerable to others. Say “no” more. High-income earners are targeted with “shiny” offers. Your bank gives you patience to wait for the right opportunities. The Golden Rule: “Those who have the gold make the rules” With cash, you negotiate better, move faster, and sleep deeper. Bruce calls this the awareness effect: once you hold capital, you see opportunities others miss—and you’re not forced to take them. IBC response: Accumulate patiently. Opportunities find cash. Price from strength. Ask for discounts, better terms, or favorable contingencies. Use cash as a filter. If the deal doesn’t clear your bar, keep compounding. The Arrival Syndrome: “I already know this” This one is rampant. When you think you’ve “arrived,” you stop learning, stop imagining, and start defending yesterday’s views. In IBC, Arrival Syndrome shows up as rigid design rules (“only this company,” “only this base/PUA ratio”), or dismissing Nelson’s “think long range” as old-fashioned. IBC response: Be a student, always. Re-read Becoming Your Own Banker. Review your policy annually. Ask better questions each year. Invite challenge. If a practitioner says “only X works,” ask why and request proofs across cycles. Protect imagination. IBC is an exercise in imagination—fund it. Use It or Lose It: “Habits decay without practice” People fund policies for a few years, never borrow, compare to a market chart, and conclude “this isn’t working.” They forget the purpose: to control the banking function—store cash, deploy it, repay it, repeat—without external permission. IBC response: Create usage plans. What will you fund? What will you finance? How will you repay? Build cadence. Quarterly loan reviews, monthly repayments, annual PUA targets. Measure the right thing. Compare to your prior debt/interest outflows, not a naked index. Infinite Banking Mistakes #5 — Forgetting that illustrations aren’t contracts The mistake: Treating the illustration as a guarantee, especially in loan scenarios. Fix it: Pre-commit behaviors. If X happens, I’ll reduce PUAs by Y, increase repayment by Z, or pause deployments for N months. Document the banking policy. Yes—write a one-page “family banking policy” with usage rules, repayment schedules, and review dates. Infinite Banking Mistakes #6 — Not paying policy loans back (on purpose) The mistake: “It’s my money; I’ll let the interest ride.” Or, using loans for consumptive items without a repayment plan. Why it matters: Banking is a system—inflows, outflows, and disciplined loan cycles.

If you want to increase your savings, don’t start with your budget—start with your lifestyle.Your lifestyle isn’t about how much you spend.It’s about what you prioritize.It’s the visible result of invisible decisions—what you say yes to, what you say no to, and what you're building quietly behind the scenes. https://www.youtube.com/live/wZIJnteQW-g Too many people let lifestyle be the engine of their money—chasing comfort, appearances, or upgrades without ever asking: Does this reflect the values I want to pass on?Does this build up my family or just maintain an image? You don’t need a bigger house or fancier car.You need a bigger vision.You need a coordinated plan that reflects your values in how you live today—and what you leave behind tomorrow. The quiet thief of financial progress: lifestyle creep. We don’t see it coming. It’s the subtle shift that happens every time our income rises. We eat out a little more, upgrade our phone, take an extra trip, and before we know it, our expenses grow in lockstep with our income. We think we’ve moved forward—but our savings tell a different story. And that’s why Bruce and I recorded an entire podcast about this topic: how to increase your savings without reducing your lifestyle. Because true wealth isn’t about deprivation—it’s about design. Why You Can’t Save Your Way to Wealth—Without a PlanWhat Is Lifestyle Creep—And Why Is It So Dangerous?Why We Overspend—And How the Mind Tricks UsThe Savings Crisis—And What It Means for YouThe Secret Weapon—Your Wealth Coordination AccountHow to Increase Your Savings Without Reducing Your LifestyleThe Compounding Effect of Intentional SavingWhy Simplicity Beats ComplexityMargin Is the Measure of StewardshipBook A Strategy CallFAQWhat is lifestyle creep?How can I increase my savings without reducing my lifestyle?What is a Wealth Coordination Account?Why is lifestyle creep harmful?What savings rate should I aim for? Why You Can’t Save Your Way to Wealth—Without a Plan Most people try to willpower their way to saving more money. They cut lattes, cancel subscriptions, and create color-coded budgets that last about two weeks. But here’s the truth: you can’t build lasting wealth on discipline alone. You need a system—one that helps you automatically grow your savings while maintaining the lifestyle you love. In this article, Bruce and I will show you: What lifestyle creep really is and why it sabotages your wealth How Parkinson’s Law explains your struggle to save The practical tool we use with clients called a Wealth Coordination Account How to rewire your habits to save more—without cutting joy out of your life When you finish this article, you’ll see that increasing your savings doesn’t mean living smaller. It means living smarter. What Is Lifestyle Creep—And Why Is It So Dangerous? We live in a consumption-driven world. Everywhere we look, there’s an ad convincing us we need something new. Apple doesn’t ask what we want—they tell us what we didn’t know we needed. The next iPhone, the next upgrade, the next experience. That’s lifestyle creep. It’s the pattern of spending more simply because we earn more. Bruce calls it “the hidden drain on your future.” Because when every new dollar gets consumed by an upgraded lifestyle, none of it turns into wealth. And here’s the sneaky part: it doesn’t feel reckless. It feels normal. Everyone around us does the same thing. We raise our standard of living instead of our standard of saving—and we end up with more stuff but no margin. Lifestyle creep makes you rich on the outside but broke on the inside. Why We Overspend—And How the Mind Tricks Us Our culture makes spending effortless. Credit cards, one-click shopping, social media retargeting—these are all designed to bypass logic and hit emotion. As I said on the show, “It’s the sea we swim in.” Most people don’t realize how much marketing is shaping their sense of “need.” A simple scroll through Instagram can make you feel behind—like you’re missing something everyone else has. That emotional gap drives impulsive spending. But here’s the truth: spending more rarely fills what’s missing. Bruce said it best: “Stores are designed to make your brain react. That’s why milk and eggs are at the back of the store—you walk past temptation twice.” To overcome this, you need something external to your willpower—a structure that makes intentional spending the easy choice. The Savings Crisis—And What It Means for You Let’s look at the numbers. The U.S. personal savings rate has hovered between 4–5% for years. During COVID, it spiked, but as soon as the economy reopened, savings plummeted again. The average American spends nearly everything they earn. That means if you save 5% of your income, you’re already ahead of the national average. But if you want to build real wealth, 5% won’t cut it. In our experience, families who save 25–30% of their cash flow are the ones who move from financial stress to financial freedom. And the good news? You don’t have to cut your lifestyle to get there. You just need a plan that directs your dollars intentionally. The Secret Weapon—Your Wealth Coordination Account Here’s the system we use and teach: The Wealth Coordination Account (WCA). Think of it as a savings autopilot—a separate account designed to catch your money before you can spend it. When your income hits your main account, a set percentage automatically flows into your WCA. You don’t see it, you don’t touch it, and you don’t rely on willpower. This isn’t about deprivation—it’s about direction. Bruce shared his personal setup: he uses a separate bank for this account, no debit card, no online transfer, and he even keeps the checks locked away. That friction creates intention. In our household, Lucas and I treat our life insurance cash value the same way—it’s our long-term wealth coordination system. Money flows there automatically, ready to fund investments, opportunities, and family goals. The point isn’t where you store it. The point is that it’s untouchable for spending. This is not your “rainy day fund.” This is your future wealth account. How to Increase Your Savings Without Reducing Your Lifestyle Here’s the part most people get wrong: they think saving more means cutting back. But that’s a scarcity mindset. Instead, focus on widening the gap between what you earn and what you spend—intentionally. Here’s how to do it: Track where your money is flowing.Awareness is the first step. Use a simple spreadsheet or even a notebook to see where every dollar goes. Decide your “enough.”Be honest about what truly adds value to your life—and what’s just noise. Automate your savings.Set up a recurring transfer into your Wealth Coordination Account right after every paycheck. Increase your savings rate gradually.Every time your income rises, increase your savings by at least 1% more than your spending. Protect your progress.Avoid raiding your savings for convenience or impulse. Money in your WCA should serve one purpose: to grow your family’s wealth and stability. You’ll be amazed at how much freedom comes from structure. The Compounding Effect of Intentional Saving Bruce said something in the episode that stuck with me: “Every dollar you spend is a dollar that will never earn another dollar for you.” Think about that. When you spend $500 on a television, you don’t just lose the $500—you lose what that $500 could have earned over time. If you had saved that same amount monthly and earned even 3% annually, you could have built over $1.6 million in 20 years. That’s the cost of lifestyle creep. It’s not just today’s purchase—it’s tomorrow’s potential. Saving isn’t about restriction. It’s about redemption—redeeming the future you’re called to build. Why Simplicity Beats Complexity You don’t need fancy software or complex budgets. Simple works. Your Wealth Coordination Account can be: A savings account at a separate bank A money market account at a brokerage The cash value of a whole life insurance policy The form doesn’t matter. What matters is the discipline of separation—keeping your wealth creation money apart from your spending money. When you make saving invisible and automatic, you build wealth without effort. That’s how you increase your savings without reducing your lifestyle. Margin Is the Measure of Stewardship You don’t have to cut joy to build wealth.You don’t have to live smaller to create more impact. By designing a system that honors your values and automates your savings, you’ll create margin—and margin is the measure of true financial stewardship. Because lifestyle is not about what you own.It’s about what you prioritize. And when you prioritize increasing your savings first, you don’t just build wealth. You build freedom—for yourself, your family, and generations to come. Book A Strategy Call This article has given you a framework for how to choose the right life insurance agent—one who will guide you, educate you, and help you build a financial legacy. If you’re ready to explore working with an advisor who understands Infinite Banking and multigenerational planning, I invite you to book a call with our team at The Money Advantage. We offer two powerful ways to help you create lasting impact: Legacy Strategy Call – If you want to uncover your family values, mission, and vision, and create a legacy that’s about more than just money, we can guide you through the process of financial stewardship and family leadership. Save time coordinating your family’s finances while building a legacy that lasts for generations. Book a Legacy Strategy Call to learn more about how we can help. Financial Strategy Call – Discover how Privatized Banking, alternative investments, tax-mitigation,

Premium financing life insurance for estate planning is one of those strategies that sounds impressive—and sometimes is. But for most families, it introduces more complexity and risk than benefit. https://www.youtube.com/live/8Dav7pQVOrc At The Money Advantage, we don’t lead with premium financing, and we rarely recommend it. But in a recent conversation with a client facing an eight-figure estate tax liability, the question came up: “Is there a way to fund a large life insurance policy without disrupting my investment portfolio or using my own capital?” That opened the door to a serious conversation about premium financing—what it is, who it’s for, and where it can go wrong. If you’ve ever wondered about this strategy—or had it pitched to you without the full picture—this breakdown is for you. Let’s take an honest look. When Premium Financing Life Insurance Might Make SenseWhat Is Premium Financing Life Insurance?When Does Premium Financing Make Sense?1. You Have Estate Tax Exposure2. You Want to Preserve Liquidity3. You Have the Right Collateral4. You Have the Cash Flow or Exit StrategyWhy Some Premium Financing Strategies FailThe Right Way to Structure Premium FinancingOur Perspective: Leverage Is a Gift—If You Steward It WellRe-Summarizing the Big PictureWant to Learn More? Listen to the Full Podcast EpisodeBook A Strategy CallFAQ: What to Know About Premium Financing Life Insurance for Estate PlanningWhat is premium financing life insurance?Who is premium financing best for?Is premium financing life insurance risky?What types of life insurance are used in premium financing?How is the loan repaid in premium financing?Can premium financing be used with Infinite Banking?Does premium financing impact estate planning? When Premium Financing Life Insurance Might Make Sense While it’s not our go-to recommendation, premium financing can be useful for a small subset of high-net-worth individuals—if it's thoughtfully structured, clearly understood, and fully aligned with legacy goals. In rare cases, it allows a bank to fund large insurance premiums while the client preserves liquidity and keeps other investments in play. Here’s when it may be worth considering: You have a $10M+ net worth You face substantial estate tax exposure You want to avoid liquidating investments or business assets You can post strong collateral And you have a clear, realistic repayment strategy Used responsibly, premium financing can provide leveraged protection without draining capital. Still, this isn’t about chasing leverage. It’s about stewardship. And for 99% of families, we’d guide them to simpler, more stable solutions. What Is Premium Financing Life Insurance? At its core, premium financing is when you use a third-party loan (usually from a bank) to pay the premiums on a permanent life insurance policy—typically a large whole life or indexed universal life (IUL) policy. Here’s the simplified flow: You apply for a large life insurance policy. A lender agrees to loan you the premiums (often millions of dollars). You pledge collateral—often the policy’s cash value and/or outside assets. The policy grows, the lender is repaid over time or at death, and your heirs receive the net death benefit. It’s using leverage—other people’s money—to fund a necessary part of your estate planning strategy. But here’s the key: You have to be strategic. We’ve seen it done well… and we’ve seen it go terribly wrong. When Does Premium Financing Make Sense? Let’s be crystal clear: Premium financing is NOT for everyone. This is a strategy for high-net-worth individuals, often with $5M, $10M, $25M+ in net worth. Here are the key indicators that premium financing might be a fit: 1. You Have Estate Tax Exposure The estate tax exemption is in flux—and could be cut in half. If you’re planning to leave more than $6–12 million in assets per individual, your heirs could owe 40% or more in federal estate taxes. Life insurance is a smart way to fund that liability. 2. You Want to Preserve Liquidity You don’t want to liquidate real estate, businesses, or long-term investments to fund life insurance premiums. Premium financing allows you to keep your capital working while still covering your bases. 3. You Have the Right Collateral To get approved, you’ll need to pledge assets—usually the policy’s cash value plus other marketable securities, real estate, or savings. Lenders want to minimize their risk. 4. You Have the Cash Flow or Exit Strategy Eventually, the loan needs to be repaid. You need a solid strategy to: Pay interest annually, or Repay the principal via asset sale, policy cash value, or death benefit. Why Some Premium Financing Strategies Fail Here’s the truth: Premium financing is a powerful tool—but it can backfire without proper planning. We’ve seen cases where clients didn’t understand the loan terms, interest rates ballooned, or they weren’t prepared to post additional collateral. That’s why we don’t recommend you do this alone. Some common pitfalls: Interest-only loans with rising rates Poorly structured IUL policies with unrealistic assumptions No exit strategy Not understanding the impact of collateral calls Relying solely on the policy’s projected performance This isn’t just about a clever financial tactic—it’s about protecting your legacy with wisdom and clarity. The Right Way to Structure Premium Financing At The Money Advantage, we coach families to use premium financing as a stewardship tool, not just a tax strategy. That means starting with these core questions: What’s the purpose of the life insurance?Is it for estate taxes, liquidity, wealth replacement, or legacy? What’s your repayment strategy?Do you plan to pay off the loan during life or allow it to be repaid at death? What’s your collateral position?Are you comfortable posting outside assets if needed? Do you have proper modeling and sensitivity analysis?What happens if interest rates rise? If the policy underperforms? Are you working with a team who understands the nuances?Premium financing is not DIY. You need trusted advisors—insurance, legal, tax, and financing—working together. When it’s done right, the strategy can be an elegant solution. A recent client needed $15M of life insurance but didn’t want to disrupt their business. We helped them finance the premiums, structure a repayment plan using a future liquidity event, and lock in long-term value for their heirs—without writing a seven-figure check today. Our Perspective: Leverage Is a Gift—If You Steward It Well Bruce often says, “Leverage is like fire—it can cook your food or burn down your house.” And he’s right. Premium financing isn’t free money. It’s a tool—and tools require wisdom, discipline, and understanding. We’re passionate about helping families not just accumulate wealth—but design it, direct it, and transfer it with purpose. Premium financing is just one strategy in a full legacy blueprint. If you want to explore this, don’t start with the product—start with your purpose. Re-Summarizing the Big Picture When it comes to premium financing life insurance, we believe legacy starts with clarity, not complexity. Premium financing life insurance for estate planning is a rare and specific strategy—not our go-to approach, but a tool we evaluate for the few families it may serve well. It allows some high-net-worth individuals to: Protect their heirs from massive estate taxes Avoid liquidating key assets Use leverage to keep capital at work But for most families, simpler solutions like specially designed whole life insurance and Infinite Banking provide more control, clarity, and peace of mind. As always—start with your values, not the product. Want to Learn More? Listen to the Full Podcast Episode This blog just scratched the surface of premium financing life insurance. 🎧 In our full conversation, we go deeper into: Real-life case studies of premium financing done right The math behind policy performance and loan repayment The risks no one talks about—and how to avoid them How to integrate premium financing into your Infinite Banking and estate planning strategy ▶️ Listen now to “Premium Financing Life Insurance: Rarely Right, Sometimes Smart”: You’ll leave with the confidence to ask the right questions, avoid costly mistakes, and steward your legacy with clarity and conviction. Book A Strategy Call And if you’re ready to make a move, our advisor team is ready to help you walk this out—without pressure, without overwhelm, and with full clarity. Because your legacy matters. And while the future might feel uncertain, the ability to take action today? That’s fully in your hands. Start the conversation today. We offer two powerful ways to help you create lasting impact: Financial Strategy Call – Discover how Privatized Banking, alternative investments, tax-mitigation, and cash flow strategies can accelerate your time and money freedom while improving your life today. Let us show you how to align your financial resources for maximum growth and efficiency. Book a Strategy Call with our team today. Legacy Strategy Call – If you want to uncover your family values, mission, and vision, and create a legacy that’s about more than just money, we can guide you through the process of financial stewardship and family leadership. Save time coordinating your family’s finances while building a legacy that lasts for generations. Book a Legacy Strategy Call to learn more about how we can help. We specialize in working with wealth creators and their families to unlock their potential and build a meaningful, multigenerational legacy. FAQ: What to Know About Premium Financing Life Insurance for Estate Planning What is premium financing life insurance?

The Corvette and the $80,000 Lesson Have you ever made a money decision that felt right in the moment… only to realize later it pulled you further from your goals?You’re not alone—and you’re likely facing one of the hidden money traps that quietly sabotage even the most well-intentioned wealth-builders. https://www.youtube.com/live/I-1F6u7Z8Bk Imagine this: You’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and finally have $80,000 sitting in your bank account. Then, one emotional moment later, it’s gone. Bruce shared this story in a recent episode of our podcast. A client had just finalized a long, draining divorce. She felt raw, exhausted, and ready to reclaim a sense of control. So, she did what many of us have been tempted to do—she bought a brand-new Corvette. The price tag? Almost exactly $80,000. The money she had painstakingly saved evaporated in one moment of emotional relief. It wasn’t about the car—it was about a deep emotional need. And it revealed something profound about our financial lives: most of us don’t lose wealth because of external threats. We lose it because of hidden money traps—the internal patterns, habits, and blind spots that sabotage us from the inside out. And the good news? Once you can see these traps, you can avoid them. The Corvette and the $80,000 LessonWhat Are Hidden Money Traps?Parkinson’s Law: You’ll Always Find a Way to Spend ItWillie Sutton’s Law: Where There’s Money, There Are TakersThe Arrival Syndrome: “I’ve Got This Figured Out”Use It or Lose It: Information Without Application Is WorthlessThe Golden Rule: Those Who Have the Gold Make the RulesWealth Starts With AwarenessListen to the Full Episode on Hidden Money Traps🎧 Money Traps That Keep You From Building Wealth (Podcast Episode)Book A Strategy CallFAQ: Hidden Money TrapsWhat are hidden money traps?How do hidden money traps affect wealth building?What are the most common hidden money traps?Can I overcome these money traps on my own?How does Infinite Banking help avoid money traps? What Are Hidden Money Traps? If you’re here, chances are you’re trying to build real, lasting wealth. Not just money in the bank, but a legacy. Something that can bless your future self, your children, and even generations to come. But if you feel like you’re doing everything "right"—saving, investing, budgeting—and still not getting ahead, you may be dealing with hidden money traps. In this article, I’m going to walk you through the five key traps that Bruce and I discussed on our podcast—traps that even the most disciplined people fall into. Inspired by Nelson Nash’s "human conditions," these traps explain why smart people make poor financial choices, why we sabotage long-term goals for short-term pleasure, and why our mindset matters more than any market movement. This is more than a list of financial tips. It’s a mirror—and a roadmap. When you understand and overcome these traps, you unlock the power to build wealth with intention, clarity, and confidence. Let’s dive in. Parkinson’s Law: You’ll Always Find a Way to Spend It Parkinson’s Law teaches that expenses rise to match income—and sometimes even exceed it. This law is a hidden money trap that sneaks up quietly. As soon as we get a raise, a bonus, or a windfall, we convince ourselves we "deserve" an upgrade. Luxury enjoyed once becomes necessity. You buy the car, take the vacation, upgrade your phone. And before you know it, there’s no margin left for building wealth. The solution? Intentionally save before you spend. Reverse the cultural narrative. Make wealth-building your dopamine hit—not retail therapy. Celebrate a growing savings account. Find pride in discipline, not just desire. Willie Sutton’s Law: Where There’s Money, There Are Takers Willie Sutton, a famous bank robber, was once asked why he robbed banks. His answer? “Because that’s where the money is.” This principle still applies today—but not just to criminals. The more capital you accumulate, the more attractive you become to others who want a piece of it. That includes marketers, the IRS, advisors, and yes—even friends or family. The biggest taker? Often the government. If you’re accumulating wealth in traditional retirement vehicles without understanding tax strategy, you’re leaving the door open. The solution? Learn the rules of the game. Don’t just defer taxes—control them. Work with professionals who can help you legally minimize tax exposure and retain control of your capital. The Arrival Syndrome: “I’ve Got This Figured Out” One of the most dangerous financial mindsets is thinking you’ve “arrived.” That you’ve learned enough. That you know better. That you’ve outgrown the need to learn, reflect, and evolve. This trap kills curiosity. It makes us defensive. It shuts us off from the very wisdom that could take us to the next level. The solution? Stay humble. Be open. Recognize that growth never ends—and that even financial principles need to be reexamined as your life changes. As Nelson Nash said, "You have to rethink your thinking." Use It or Lose It: Information Without Application Is Worthless We live in a world that’s full of knowledge but short on action. Podcasts, blogs, videos, seminars—we’re swimming in advice. But what do we do with it? Learning without application is another hidden money trap. We convince ourselves that understanding a strategy is enough. But real change only happens when you implement. The solution? Take the next step. If you learn something valuable, act on it. Even small steps—opening a savings account, booking a call, starting a life insurance policy—create momentum. The Golden Rule: Those Who Have the Gold Make the Rules This is about control. When you don’t control your capital, someone else does. And that someone else is writing your rules. Banks. Governments. Corporations. They benefit when you follow their systems—credit cards, 401(k)s, taxes. But when you have access to your own capital, you become the rule-maker. The solution? Become your own banker. Control your capital. That’s why we advocate for the Infinite Banking Concept—not just as a tactic, but as a mindset. It’s about ownership and autonomy. If you’ve ever wondered why you’re not building wealth faster, even though you’re trying to do all the right things—this is your answer. These hidden money traps are the silent saboteurs. They’re not flashy. They’re not external. They’re internal patterns, rooted in human behavior and mindset. Wealth Starts With Awareness But once you recognize them, you have power. You can change the script. You can override the emotional impulses. You can align your decisions with your long-term goals. Remember: wealth isn’t just about money. It’s about control. Peace. Confidence. Legacy. And it starts here. Listen to the Full Episode on Hidden Money Traps Want to dive deeper into these powerful insights? Hear the full story, the real-time reactions, and the behind-the-scenes moments from this conversation in the original podcast episode: 🎧 Money Traps That Keep You From Building Wealth (Podcast Episode) In this episode, Bruce and I explore: The emotional drivers behind poor financial choices The true meaning behind Nelson Nash’s “human conditions” Why even smart people lose control of their wealth And how YOU can build wealth that lasts generations Book A Strategy Call Are you ready to take control of your finances and legacy? We offer two powerful ways to help you create lasting impact: Financial Strategy Call – Discover how Privatized Banking, alternative investments, tax-mitigation, and cash flow strategies can accelerate your time and money freedom while improving your life today. Let us show you how to align your financial resources for maximum growth and efficiency. Book a Strategy Call with our team today. Legacy Strategy Call – If you want to uncover your family values, mission, and vision, and create a legacy that’s about more than just money, we can guide you through the process of financial stewardship and family leadership. Save time coordinating your family’s finances while building a legacy that lasts for generations. Book a Legacy Strategy Call to learn more about how we can help. FAQ: Hidden Money Traps What are hidden money traps?Hidden money traps are unconscious behaviors, mindsets, and patterns that sabotage your financial success. These traps often manifest as emotional spending, lifestyle inflation, or lack of financial control.How do hidden money traps affect wealth building?They cause you to lose control of your capital, make impulsive decisions, and sacrifice long-term gains for short-term pleasure. Recognizing them is the first step to overcoming them.What are the most common hidden money traps?Parkinson’s Law, Willie Sutton’s Law, The Arrival Syndrome, Use It or Lose It, and The Golden Rule (those who have the gold make the rules).Can I overcome these money traps on my own?Yes, but support helps. Awareness is the first step, followed by intentional action. Partnering with a financial coach or using a strategy like Infinite Banking can provide long-term solutions.How does Infinite Banking help avoid money traps?Infinite Banking gives you control over your capital, teaches long-term financial discipline, and helps you rethink your thinking around wealth.

The Gas Station Story That Reveals a Common Money Mistake Let me paint a picture for you. https://www.youtube.com/live/uqGN5Sz9tJg You’re driving down the highway and see gas at $3.00 a gallon. Three miles later, you spot it for $2.97. You think, "Yes! A deal!" So you turn around, drive the extra six miles, and save... 30 cents. Except you used 40 cents of gas to get there. This is the kind of logic many people use when comparing Infinite Banking vs Index Funds. It’s a hyper-focus on rate of return, while missing the bigger picture of financial control, access, and long-term strategy. So let’s talk about it. The Gas Station Story That Reveals a Common Money MistakeRate of Return Isn’t the Whole StoryInfinite Banking vs Index Funds: What Are We Actually Comparing?Why Rate of Return Isn’t the Only FactorUnderstanding the Purpose of Your DollarsInfinite Banking Is About Ownership and LeverageInterrupting Compounding Is the Real CostControl vs Performance: What Matters Most?Infinite Banking vs Index Funds Is the Wrong ComparisonListen to the Full Podcast EpisodeBook A Strategy CallFAQ: Infinite Banking vs Index FundsQ: Are index funds better than Infinite Banking?Q: Can I use both Infinite Banking and index funds?Q: Does Infinite Banking have a good rate of return?Q: Is Infinite Banking risky? Rate of Return Isn’t the Whole Story There’s a conversation happening everywhere in the financial world: Should I use Infinite Banking or just invest in an index fund? Maybe you've asked this question yourself. You’ve heard someone say, "Wouldn’t I make more money if I just put it in an S&P 500 index fund?" This comparison sounds reasonable — until you realize it’s like comparing a hammer to a screwdriver and asking, "Which one builds a better house?" The truth? You're asking the wrong question. In this article, you’ll learn: Why comparing Infinite Banking to index funds is fundamentally flawed The purpose and role of each strategy How to think like a wealth creator, not just a rate chaser Why long-term control beats short-term returns Let’s flip the script and empower you to take control of your financial life—with clarity, confidence, and a legacy mindset. Infinite Banking vs Index Funds: What Are We Actually Comparing? Here’s where we start: Infinite Banking is not an investment. It’s a cash flow system, a capital control strategy, a way to reclaim the banking function in your life. It uses a specially designed, dividend-paying whole life insurance policy as the tool—but Infinite Banking is the process. Index funds, on the other hand, are investments. They're baskets of stocks that mirror the market—the S&P 500, the Russell 2000, etc. The goal of an index fund is growth through market performance. So when someone says, "But the market earns more than whole life insurance," they’re missing the point. We’re not solving the same problem. Infinite Banking solves for control of capital. Index funds solve for growth. Why Rate of Return Isn’t the Only Factor We get it. Everyone wants to know their ROI. But when that becomes your only filter, you lose sight of what really matters. Consider this: When you access money from an index fund, you sell shares. You interrupt compounding. You lose growth potential. With Infinite Banking, you borrow against your cash value—without interrupting growth. That means your money continues to earn even while you're using it. "You’re always paying interest. Either to someone else, or by giving up what you could have earned on your own capital." — Bruce Wehner When you control the banking function, you stop giving away the opportunity to earn. And that’s where legacy wealth starts. Understanding the Purpose of Your Dollars All money has a job. We teach our clients to classify money into three roles: Safety Liquidity Growth Most people try to make every dollar do all three. That never works. Instead, we need to clarify: What is the purpose of these dollars? If it's for safe storage, liquidity, and access: Infinite Banking. If it’s for long-term market-based growth: Index funds. Think of your personal economy as a water system. There’s a “risk tank” and a “safe tank.” Investments like index funds go into the risk tank. Infinite Banking fills the safe tank. You need both—but you need to know what each is really for. Infinite Banking Is About Ownership and Leverage What do banks do? They: Collect deposits Control the capital Lend it out Earn interest Infinite Banking lets you do the same thing. When you use a mutual whole life insurance policy, you become a part owner of the insurance company. You earn dividends. You have contractual guarantees. And you can borrow against your policy without applying for a loan, without credit checks, and on your terms. That’s financial leverage. And it's a game-changer. "You're either renting your banking function from someone else, or you own it. Infinite Banking puts you in the ownership seat." Interrupting Compounding Is the Real Cost People say, "I don’t want to pay interest to borrow against my policy." But here’s the flip side: If you take that money and invest it directly into an index fund, and you need to pull it out, you’re interrupting the compounding. That’s the cost most people never calculate. Infinite Banking = uninterrupted growth Index funds = interrupted growth whenever you withdraw Which would you rather have over the next 40 years? Control vs Performance: What Matters Most? It’s time to stop looking at investments as the only way to build wealth. Control is more important than performance. If you can access your capital, use it for strategic opportunities, and know it’s growing even while you use it—that puts you in a position of power. This is about legacy. Stewardship. Being the banker in your own life. Infinite Banking vs Index Funds Is the Wrong Comparison If you've been wondering whether Infinite Banking or index funds are "better," the answer is: You're asking the wrong question. They serve different purposes. Index funds are for growth (with risk). Infinite Banking is for control (with guarantees). One is not better than the other—but using the wrong tool for the job is a guaranteed way to lose time, money, and peace of mind. Infinite Banking is not a replacement for investing. It’s the foundation that lets you invest from a place of strength and control. Listen to the Full Podcast Episode Want to hear the full conversation? Bruce and I go deep on this topic in our podcast episode: "Infinite Banking vs Index Funds". We cover: Why comparing rate of return is a distraction The unseen cost of interrupting compounding How Infinite Banking creates financial leverage Why legacy-minded wealth creators think differently Book A Strategy Call Are you ready to take control of your finances and legacy? We offer two powerful ways to help you create lasting impact: Financial Strategy Call – Discover how Privatized Banking, alternative investments, tax-mitigation, and cash flow strategies can accelerate your time and money freedom while improving your life today. Let us show you how to align your financial resources for maximum growth and efficiency. Book a Strategy Call with our team today. Legacy Strategy Call – If you want to uncover your family values, mission, and vision, and create a legacy that’s about more than just money, we can guide you through the process of financial stewardship and family leadership. Save time coordinating your family’s finances while building a legacy that lasts for generations. Book a Legacy Strategy Call to learn more about how we can help. FAQ: Infinite Banking vs Index Funds Q: Are index funds better than Infinite Banking?A: It depends on your financial goals. Index funds aim for market-based growth with risk. Infinite Banking provides control, safety, and access to capital. They serve different purposes.Q: Can I use both Infinite Banking and index funds?A: Yes. Many of our clients use Infinite Banking as the foundation and then invest in other investments from their policy loans, giving them both growth and control.Q: Does Infinite Banking have a good rate of return?A: While the internal rate of return is lower than some investments, Infinite Banking is not designed to compete on return alone. Its value is in uninterrupted growth, liquidity, and leverage.Q: Is Infinite Banking risky?A: No. When structured properly with a mutual whole life insurance company, it offers contractual guarantees, stable growth, and full control over your capital.

When Bruce came back from recording this episode of The Money Advantage podcast, he told me something that hit hard: https://www.youtube.com/live/r5oyEytzj1w He shared how frustrated he feels every time he hears about a family who loses a loved one without proper life insurance. Suddenly, their friends and community are scrambling to create a GoFundMe page just to cover funeral expenses and basic needs. Life insurance is more than numbers—it’s a financial hug that wraps around your family when they need it most. And the person who helps you design and implement it—your insurance agent—has an enormous impact on whether your family experiences peace of mind or financial devastation. Why the Right Life Insurance Agent MattersWhy Learning How to Choose the Right Life Insurance Agent MattersNeeds vs. Wants: A Modern Approach to InsuranceTop Qualities To Look For When Choosing the Right Insurance Agent1. Integrity and Trust2. Longevity and Commitment3. Education4. Process and Personalization5. A Network and Legacy MindsetRed Flags When Deciding How to Choose the Right Life Insurance AgentWhy Infinite Banking Requires the Right Insurance AgentQuestions to Ask Before Hiring an Insurance AgentWhy This MattersBook A Strategy CallFAQ SectionQ1: Why is choosing the right insurance agent so important?Q2: What qualities should I look for in an insurance agent?Q3: What are the red flags of a bad insurance agent?Q4: Do I need a special agent for Infinite Banking?Q5: Should I replace my existing whole life insurance policy? Why the Right Life Insurance Agent Matters Most people don’t realize how choosing the right insurance agent can impact their family’s entire financial future. The right agent will walk with you for decades, guiding you through life insurance decisions and strategies like Infinite Banking. The wrong one? They may sell you a policy you don’t understand, disappear within a year, and leave your family unprotected. In this article, I’ll share insights from Bruce Wehner and his guests Rob Brayton and Jesse Durham on what to look for, red flags to avoid, and exactly how to choose the right life insurance agent for your needs. In this article, I want to share the insights Bruce and his guests, Rob Brayton and Jesse Durham, discussed on the podcast. Together, their combined decades of experience in life insurance highlight exactly what you should look for in an insurance agent—and the red flags to avoid. By the end of this article, you’ll know: Why your choice of insurance agent matters so much. The difference between traditional “needs analysis” and a modern, values-based approach. The top qualities that separate a great insurance agent from a mediocre one. Red flags that should make you pause before signing on the dotted line. Why Infinite Banking requires a very specific kind of agent. The key questions you should ask before choosing your advisor. This isn’t just about buying a product—it’s about choosing the right partner for your family’s financial future and legacy. Why Learning How to Choose the Right Life Insurance Agent Matters Too often, people see life insurance as a commodity. They Google “cheapest life insurance” and buy the lowest-priced option, thinking they’ve checked the box. But life insurance is not about buying the cheapest product. As Bruce said, that would be like asking, “What’s the lowest price I can get cancer removed from my body?” No one in their right mind would ask that! You’d ask, “Who’s the best doctor? Who will walk with me through treatment? Who will actually care for my life?” That’s the role of a great insurance agent. They’re not just selling coverage. They’re protecting your family’s future, guiding you through complex financial decisions, and ensuring your strategy works not just today, but decades from now. Needs vs. Wants: A Modern Approach to Insurance In the old days, insurance was sold through a “needs analysis.” An agent would sit down with a calculator, run the numbers, and tell you exactly how much coverage you “needed.” But as Bruce explained, he’s changed his thinking. It’s not just about what you need. It’s about what you want. Do you want your spouse to never have to work again if you pass away?Do you want your kids’ education fully funded, no matter what?Do you want your family to live debt-free, with breathing room to grieve without financial stress? A great insurance agent doesn’t just run numbers—they ask questions about your values, dreams, and goals. They help you design insurance that fits your life, not just a formula. Top Qualities To Look For When Choosing the Right Insurance Agent So what separates a great agent from the rest? Rob and Jesse identified several qualities: 1. Integrity and Trust Is this person in it for the long haul—or just the commission? A great agent genuinely wants to serve your family, not just close a sale. 2. Longevity and Commitment Will they be there when you need them most? Too many agents leave the industry after a year or two. A true advisor stays for the long run, serving clients for decades. 3. Education Are they willing to teach you? Infinite Banking, in particular, requires ongoing learning. A strong agent is patient, clear, and committed to making sure you understand what you own. 4. Process and Personalization Do they follow a clear process to understand your financial picture? The best agents ask thoughtful questions about your cash flow, assets, goals, and family dynamics. 5. A Network and Legacy Mindset Great agents don’t work as lone wolves. They connect you with a team and think generationally—helping you design a system your children and grandchildren can build on. Red Flags When Deciding How to Choose the Right Life Insurance Agent Just as important as what to look for is what to avoid. Here are the biggest red flags Bruce highlighted: Downplaying the death benefit. Some agents treat it like an afterthought. Don’t fall for it. Your death benefit is crucial for protecting your family. Trying to replace your policy unnecessarily. If an agent’s first move is to “compare your policy” and convince you to switch, be cautious. Policy replacement often benefits the agent more than you. Selling Infinite Banking without being upfront about insurance. If someone markets IBC as just a “banking system” and hides the fact that it’s built on whole life insurance, that’s a red flag. Focusing only on price. Cheap isn’t always better. The wrong policy can cost you far more in the long run. Why Infinite Banking Requires the Right Insurance Agent Not every insurance agent understands Infinite Banking. In fact, many dismiss it outright or don’t know how to properly design policies for it. As Jesse pointed out, you should ask one critical question: “Does this agent practice Infinite Banking themselves?” If they can’t show you the policies they personally fund, be cautious. Implementing Infinite Banking correctly requires expertise in policy design, education, and long-term strategy. The right agent doesn’t just sell you a policy—they coach you through becoming your own banker and building a multigenerational wealth system. Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Insurance Agent Here are four powerful questions to vet your agent: What experience do you have with Infinite Banking and whole life insurance? How do you help clients build financial legacy? What is your process for ongoing education and annual reviews? Do you personally own policies you use for Infinite Banking? These questions reveal not just competence, but also character, alignment, and commitment. Why This Matters At the end of the day, choosing an insurance agent is not just a financial decision—it’s a legacy decision. The right agent will: Help you protect your family. Teach you how to build and use your life insurance as a wealth-building tool. Walk with you for decades, ensuring your strategy adapts as life changes. The wrong agent could leave you with an inadequate policy, broken promises, or a strategy that fails when your family needs it most. Your financial future—and your family’s security—deserve more than that. Book A Strategy Call This article has given you a framework for how to choose the right life insurance agent—one who will guide you, educate you, and help you build a financial legacy. If you’re ready to explore working with an advisor who understands Infinite Banking and multigenerational planning, I invite you to book a call with our team at The Money Advantage. We offer two powerful ways to help you create lasting impact: Legacy Strategy Call – If you want to uncover your family values, mission, and vision, and create a legacy that’s about more than just money, we can guide you through the process of financial stewardship and family leadership. Save time coordinating your family’s finances while building a legacy that lasts for generations. Book a Legacy Strategy Call to learn more about how we can help. Financial Strategy Call – Discover how Privatized Banking, alternative investments, tax-mitigation, and cash flow strategies can accelerate your time and money freedom while improving your life today. Let us show you how to align your financial resources for maximum growth and efficiency. Book a Strategy Call with our team today. FAQ Section Q1: Why is choosing the right insurance agent so important?The right agent helps you protect your family, design policies correctly, and provide guidance for decades. The wrong agent may leave you underinsured or confused.Q2: What qualities should I look for in an insurance agent?Look for integrity, long-term commitment, a clear process, educational support, and experience with whole life insurance and Infinite Banking.Q3: What are the red flags of a bad insurance agent?

Have you ever heard someone say you can use an IUL for Infinite Banking? Maybe you’ve seen a slick video online, or a persuasive advisor with charts and projections that promise you higher returns, flexible premiums, and “upside potential.” It sounds convincing—especially when you compare the numbers on an illustration. Who wouldn’t want more cash value and lower premiums? But here’s the sobering reality: when it comes to Infinite Banking, an Indexed Universal Life policy (IUL) doesn’t deliver what matters most. https://www.youtube.com/live/beR3FnHLAG4 And that’s a big problem, because Infinite Banking is not about chasing the highest return—it’s about creating a system of certainty and control. If you build your family’s financial foundation on a shifting product with no guarantees, the consequences don’t show up immediately—but when they do, they can devastate your future. I don’t say this lightly. My co-host, Bruce Wehner, has seen it firsthand. For decades, he has worked with clients who were told their Universal Life or Variable Universal Life would “never fail.” And yet, over time, those policies collapsed under rising costs, vanishing crediting, or shifting assumptions. I’ll weave some of his stories in throughout this article, because you deserve to see not just the theory, but the real-world results. Today, I want to give you clarity. I want to cut through the confusion and soundbites and show you exactly why IULs cannot serve as the foundation for Infinite Banking, and what you should do instead. What Infinite Banking Really Is (and Isn’t)Can You Use IUL for Infinite Banking?Whole Life vs. IUL: The Key Differences1. Guarantees2. Premiums3. Cash Value Growth4. Loan Provisions5. EndowmentWhy Guarantees Matter for Infinite BankingCommon Misconceptions About IUL for Infinite Banking“IULs never lose money.”“IULs have more upside.”“IULs are more flexible.”Lessons from Real PeopleThe Bigger Picture: Stewardship and LegacyThe Answer to the IUL MythBook A Strategy CallFAQ: IUL for Infinite BankingCan you use IUL for Infinite Banking?Why does Infinite Banking require Whole Life insurance?Do IULs really offer more upside?What happens if I underfund an IUL?What’s the safest way to start Infinite Banking? By the end of this article, you’ll understand: Why Infinite Banking requires certainty, control, and guarantees. How Whole Life and IUL compare—and why IUL falls short. The most common misconceptions about IUL for Infinite Banking. Real lessons from history and clients who have lived through these products. How to take the next step if you’re serious about building your own banking system. Let’s dive in. What Infinite Banking Really Is (and Isn’t) When people first hear about Infinite Banking, they often confuse it with “just buying life insurance.” Here’s the truth: Infinite Banking is not about the product. It’s about the process. At its heart, Infinite Banking is about taking control of your cash flows—those dollars that normally flow out of your life to banks, credit card companies, finance companies, and investment firms—and capturing them inside your own financial system. It’s about becoming your own banker. And that requires certainty. Infinite Banking utilizing life insurance only works if you can rely on three things: Guaranteed cash value growth – You need to know your pool of capital will increase every single year, no matter what. Guaranteed level premiums – You need to know exactly what you’ll owe, so you can plan and build discipline. Guaranteed death benefit – You need the confidence that your legacy will be secure for your family, no matter what happens. If any of those guarantees are missing, you’re not in control. You’re gambling. This is why Whole Life insurance from a mutual company has always been the proper tool for Infinite Banking. And it’s also why IUL fails the test. Can You Use IUL for Infinite Banking? Let’s face the question head-on: Can you use IUL for Infinite Banking? On the surface, it looks like you could. After all, both Whole Life and IUL are permanent insurance policies with cash value. Both allow policy loans. Both can be designed to accumulate capital. But here’s the critical distinction: IUL does not come with guarantees. Yes, illustrations may look attractive. Yes, an IUL may show higher projected cash values based on index performance. But illustrations are not contracts. They are marketing tools. Bruce tells the story of a very successful businessman, one of our clients, who compared two Whole Life policies side by side. He admitted, “I believe what you’re saying about guarantees, but I just can’t get over the fact that this illustration shows $20,000 more 30 years down the road.” That was between two Whole Life companies. Now imagine how much more tempting it is when you’re looking at an IUL illustration showing hundreds of thousands more in projected cash value. But here’s the problem: those numbers are not real. They are based on assumptions about index performance, caps, participation rates, and costs—all of which can (and do) change. When you strip away the marketing and look at the contractual guarantees, the IUL is a house built on sand. And you cannot build a banking system for your family on sand. Whole Life vs. IUL: The Key Differences To really understand why Whole Life works and IUL doesn’t, let’s walk through the key differences side by side. 1. Guarantees Whole Life: Guaranteed premiums, guaranteed cash value growth, guaranteed death benefit. Every mutual company in this space has also paid dividends consistently for 100+ years—even through world wars, the Great Depression, and recessions. IUL: Minimal guarantees. Some carriers guarantee 0–1% growth, but only over long timeframes (like 10–15 years). Cash value depends on index crediting, caps, participation rates, and rising costs. Bruce has lived through every iteration. In the 1980s, Universal Life collapsed when interest rates dropped. In the early 2000s, Variable Universal Life faltered after the tech crash. Now we’re in the IUL phase, and history is repeating itself. 2. Premiums Whole Life: Level, predictable premiums that never change. This enforces discipline and builds lasting capital. IUL: Marketed as “flexible.” You can pay more or less—but underfunding leads to rising costs and eventual policy lapse. Bruce’s father-in-law is living proof. He bought a Universal Life policy decades ago. Now in his 80s, his premiums have doubled. To keep it alive, he had to slash his death benefit from $25,000 to $15,000. That’s not freedom. That’s heartbreak. 3. Cash Value Growth Whole Life: Steady, predictable growth every year, plus potential dividends. Never interrupted. IUL: Illustrations show smooth growth, but real-world crediting is interrupted by zeros. Meanwhile, costs and fees still rise, eating away at cash value. The sales pitch “zero is your hero” sounds comforting, but in practice, it means your cash value is shrinking while you wait for the next crediting period. 4. Loan Provisions Whole Life: Simple, straightforward, and always backed by guaranteed cash value. IUL: Often complex, with risks of negative arbitrage if loan costs exceed credited rates. 5. Endowment Whole Life: Policies endow at age 121, meaning cash value and death benefit converge. Certainty built in. IUL: Never endows. Requires ongoing premiums and adjustments. Why Guarantees Matter for Infinite Banking Here’s why guarantees are non-negotiable: Infinite Banking is not about speculation. It’s about stewardship. If you’re going to build a system that you and your family will rely on for decades, you need certainty. You need to know what your obligations are, what your growth will be, and that your policy will be there for you—no matter what. With Whole Life, if you do your part (pay the premium), the company is contractually obligated to do their part. With IUL, you carry the risk. If caps change, if costs rise, if crediting falls short—you pay the price. Risk and control are opposites. Infinite Banking is about control. That’s why IUL for Infinite Banking doesn’t work. Common Misconceptions About IUL for Infinite Banking “IULs never lose money.” False. IULs may not lose money due to index crediting, but cash value can decline because of rising mortality costs and policy fees. “IULs have more upside.” Illustrations often show higher returns, but those are projections—not promises. Real-world performance is unpredictable. “IULs are more flexible.” Flexibility sounds attractive, but underfunding leads to higher costs and potential lapse. What looks like freedom is really a trap. Lessons from Real People Bruce has seen countless clients burned by Universal Life products. The story is always the same: things look good in the beginning, when costs are low and illustrations are rosy. But 20 or 30 years down the road, when mortality costs rise and crediting falls short, the policyholder is left holding the bag. And it’s not just numbers on a page. These are families. These are people who trusted that their policy would be there for them—and now, in their later years, they are scrambling to cover skyrocketing premiums or watching their policies collapse. That is not the future we want for you. The Bigger Picture: Stewardship and Legacy Infinite Banking is not just about money. It’s about stewardship, legacy, and freedom. When you build your family’s banking system on Whole Life insurance, you’re not only creating guaranteed capital for yourself—you’re building a foundation your children and grandchildren can rely on. But if you build that system on IUL, you’re creating uncertainty. You’re handing your family a financial time bomb that could explode years down the road.

When most people first hear about Infinite Banking, one of the first questions that comes up is: “But what are the risks of Infinite Banking?” It’s a fair question. We live in a financial world where we’ve been conditioned to look for the fine print, the hidden traps, and the potential downsides of anything that sounds “too good to be true.” https://www.youtube.com/live/7JHmm5jEfQ0 I get it. When you first hear the concept of becoming your own banker through whole life insurance, the mind immediately goes to skepticism: Are the premiums too high? Is whole life a bad investment? What if I can’t afford it later? Here’s the truth: most of what people call the risks of Infinite Banking aren’t really risks at all. They’re misconceptions, misunderstandings, or simply the result of looking at Infinite Banking through the wrong lens. In this blog, we'll pull back the curtain and unpack the myths, expose the real risks, and help you see why Infinite Banking—when understood and implemented correctly—is not risky, but rather one of the most powerful financial strategies you can use to take control of your wealth. Common Misconceptions About Infinite BankingMyth #1: Whole Life Insurance is a Bad InvestmentMyth #2: The Premiums are Too HighMyth #3: Infinite Banking = Life InsuranceThe Real Risks of Infinite BankingRisk #1: Not Understanding the Problem You’re SolvingRisk #2: Poorly Designed PoliciesRisk #3: Dipping Your Toe InRisk #4: Wrong Perspective (Consumer vs. Owner)Why Infinite Banking Works When Done RightControl vs. DependencyRecapturing Opportunity CostMutual Companies Align With OwnersShould You Be Worried About the Risks?The Bottom Line on Infinite Banking RisksBook A Strategy CallFAQ: What Are the Risks of Infinite Banking?Is Infinite Banking risky?What are the downsides of Infinite Banking?Is Infinite Banking a scam?Can I lose money with Infinite Banking? Common Misconceptions About Infinite Banking Myth #1: Whole Life Insurance is a Bad Investment This is the first thing most people say when they hear about Infinite Banking. They’ve been told for years by financial gurus that whole life insurance has a low rate of return and is therefore “a bad investment.” But here’s the problem: Infinite Banking is not an investment. It’s a system. It’s about controlling the flow of your money, not chasing the next hot stock. Whole life insurance is simply the tool that makes Infinite Banking possible—it provides the guarantees, safety, and contractual structure you need to run your own banking system. So when someone says Infinite Banking is risky because life insurance is a “bad investment,” they’re comparing apples to oranges. Myth #2: The Premiums are Too High Another common objection: “What if I can’t afford the premiums long term?” Here’s what most people miss. Premiums are not a bill—they are a way of paying yourself first. Every premium dollar you pay is a contribution to your own financial system. Unlike money you pay to a bank, that premium isn’t lost—it builds guaranteed cash value that you can use for opportunities, emergencies, or expenses. The real risk isn’t paying premiums. The real risk is not valuing your own capital and continuing to let someone else profit from your money. Myth #3: Infinite Banking = Life Insurance This is one of the biggest misconceptions. People hear Infinite Banking and immediately equate it with whole life insurance. But Infinite Banking is bigger. It’s about a process—the flow of money, storing it, using it, replenishing it. Life insurance is just the storage tank that makes the process efficient. Confusing the two is like saying “banking equals a vault.” The vault is just the tool. The banking process is much bigger. The Real Risks of Infinite Banking Now let’s get into the real question: What are the actual risks of Infinite Banking? Risk #1: Not Understanding the Problem You’re Solving The biggest risk isn’t the product—it’s starting with the wrong perspective. If you think Infinite Banking is just about getting a higher rate of return, you’ll miss the point. Infinite Banking is about taking control of the banking function in your life. Every dollar you earn flows through someone’s bank. If it’s not yours, it’s theirs. If you don’t understand that problem, you won’t value the solution. Risk #2: Poorly Designed Policies Yes, there is risk in design. A policy can be built to maximize early cash value at the expense of long-term efficiency. Or it can be set up with the wrong company—one that doesn’t prioritize policyholders. This is why working with the right advisor matters. A properly designed policy with a mutual company keeps you, the policyholder, in control. A poorly designed policy can cause frustration, disappointment, or even lapse if you don’t know how to manage it. Risk #3: Dipping Your Toe In Bruce often says this: “If you try to dabble in Infinite Banking, that’s risky.” Here’s why. If you treat Infinite Banking like a side experiment—something you “try out” without fully understanding—you’ll add unnecessary complexity to your financial life. You’ll have one more account to track without truly seeing the benefits. Worse, you might give up too soon. Infinite Banking is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a way of life. The risk is half-committing and then walking away before the long-term benefits show up. Risk #4: Wrong Perspective (Consumer vs. Owner) One of the biggest mindset shifts in Infinite Banking is moving from a consumer mindset to an ownership mindset. Consumers ask: “What’s the rate of return?” Owners ask: “How do I control the banking system in my life?” If you approach Infinite Banking as a consumer, you’ll fixate on short-term numbers. But if you embrace it as an owner, you’ll see the long-term impact—control, security, and legacy. The risk isn’t in the system itself—it’s in approaching it with the wrong mindset. Why Infinite Banking Works When Done Right When Infinite Banking is understood and applied correctly, it doesn’t increase risk—it reduces it. Control vs. Dependency When your money sits in someone else’s bank, they control it. They earn interest, they make decisions, they take the profits. When you practice Infinite Banking, you flip the script. You control the capital. You decide when and how to use it. You earn the growth. That’s not risky—that’s empowering. Recapturing Opportunity Cost Nelson Nash, the founder of Infinite Banking, often said: “You finance everything you buy.” You either pay interest to someone else, or you give up the interest you could have earned by paying cash. Either way, there’s a cost. The beauty of Infinite Banking is that it helps you recapture that cost. Every dollar you use from your system can be replenished—with interest—so you’re no longer losing money to someone else’s bank. Mutual Companies Align With Owners One of the reasons Infinite Banking works so well is that we use participating whole life insurance from mutual companies. In a stock company, the shareholders are the owners. Their goal is profit. In a mutual company, the policyholders are the owners. That means every decision is made in your best interest. Dividends, profits, and growth flow back to you—not Wall Street. Should You Be Worried About the Risks? So, back to the original question: What are the risks of Infinite Banking? The truth is, the risks aren’t in the system itself. The risks are in misunderstanding it, misusing it, or half-committing to it. The bigger risk, in my opinion, is doing nothing—continuing to hand over control of your money to someone else’s bank, year after year, and letting them profit while you stay stuck in the consumer role. As Nelson Nash said: “If you know what’s happening, you’ll know what to do.” When you understand banking as a principle—not just a product—you’ll see that Infinite Banking is not a risk. It’s the solution. The Bottom Line on Infinite Banking Risks The next time someone asks you, “What are the risks of Infinite Banking?” here’s the real answer: The risks people talk about are usually myths (whole life is bad, premiums are too high). The real risks are misunderstanding the concept, working with poorly designed policies, or treating Infinite Banking like a dabble instead of a commitment. When done right, Infinite Banking gives you control, recaptures lost dollars, and aligns your money with your values. The question isn’t “Is Infinite Banking risky?” The real question is: “Are you ready to take control of the banking function in your life—or will you continue to let someone else profit from your capital?” Friend, the time to act is now. Don’t wait until later. Don’t stay in confusion. Learn, decide, and take control of your financial system. Book A Strategy Call Are you ready to take control of your finances and legacy? We offer two powerful ways to help you create lasting impact: Financial Strategy Call – Discover how Privatized Banking, alternative investments, tax-mitigation, and cash flow strategies can accelerate your time and money freedom while improving your life today. Let us show you how to align your financial resources for maximum growth and efficiency. Book a Strategy Call with our team today. Legacy Strategy Call – If you want to uncover your family values, mission, and vision, and create a legacy that’s about more than just money, we can guide you through the process of financial stewardship and family leadership. Save time coordinating your family’s finances while building a legacy that lasts for generations. Book a Legacy Strategy Call to learn more about how we can help. FAQ: What Are the Risks of Infinite Banking? Is Infinite Banking risky?Not when it's done right. The main risk is misinterpreting the concept or dealing with poorly designed policies.

“Is Infinite Banking a sales tactic?” It’s one of the first questions we hear—and it’s a valid one. When I first encountered Infinite Banking, I wasn’t looking for a new strategy. I was simply trying to find a better place to store cash. https://www.youtube.com/live/K00YrFJtIQE Like many families, Lucas and I were putting our savings into gold and silver. It felt like a smart move—until we needed liquidity. The value dropped. Selling took time. We lost money. That painful experience pushed us to rethink everything. We didn’t just need a safe place to grow money. We needed control. Later, in a conversation with Becca, she described the same thing. Money flowing in and right back out—like a stream running through a field. Helpful, yes, but gone. Then she shared the image of a beaver building a dam—not to trap water, but to create an environment where it could thrive. Safe, sustainable, and self-reliant. That’s exactly what Infinite Banking became for us. Not a product. Not a pitch. A system to store capital in a place we own, control, and can use. But the question remains:Is Infinite Banking just a life insurance sales tactic—or is it a tool to transform the way you use money for the rest of your life? Let’s unpack the truth. Is Infinite Banking a Sales Tactic… or Something Deeper?The Truth Behind the Question: Is Infinite Banking a Sales Tactic?Infinite Banking Is Not About Life Insurance—It's About Solving a ProblemBehavior Over Products: Control Over ReturnsWhole Life Insurance Isn’t the Point—It’s Just the Best ToolWhy It Looks Like a Sales Pitch—and How to Spot the Real DealWhy This Matters to YouWant the Full Story? Listen to the PodcastBook A Strategy Call Is Infinite Banking a Sales Tactic… or Something Deeper? You may have heard that Infinite Banking is just a slick way to sell life insurance. On the surface, it might even look that way. There are illustrations, charts, and policies being pitched. And when the conversation starts with numbers on a page instead of the problem it solves, skepticism is healthy. But we’re here to clear the fog. In this article, Bruce and I are going to unpack the truth behind this common misconception. You’ll learn: What Infinite Banking really is (and isn’t) Why life insurance is the best tool—but not the point How to recognize the difference between strategy and sales pitch And how to regain control of your financial life—starting now Let’s dive in. The Truth Behind the Question: Is Infinite Banking a Sales Tactic? Infinite Banking Is Not About Life Insurance—It's About Solving a Problem The biggest myth we bust every week? That Infinite Banking is life insurance. It’s not. It’s a financial strategy—an operating system for your cash flow. One designed to solve a problem most people don’t even realize they have: money flowing out of their control. You earn, you spend, and the dollars disappear—off to banks, lenders, and third parties. That’s the problem. Nelson Nash, who founded the Infinite Banking Concept, said it best: "This is not a sales tool for life insurance agents." He knew the real goal was bigger—reclaiming the banking function in your life. If someone’s only showing you a pile of cash value in a policy illustration without helping you understand the problem being solved—they’re selling. But Infinite Banking, when properly understood, isn’t about selling. It’s about solving. Behavior Over Products: Control Over Returns Most financial conversations focus on numbers—rate of return, annual yield, projections. But Infinite Banking asks a different question:Who controls the capital? Because control changes everything. It’s not about finding the highest return. It’s about having the ability to access capital when you need it—without bank approval, without penalties, and without interrupting compound growth. That’s why we say: don’t be fooled by the visible. Just like Becca’s example of the iceberg—what you see above the surface is only a fraction of the picture. The real value lies underneath, in the unseen: control, access, and uninterrupted compounding. And that’s not something a savings account or market-based investment can offer. Whole Life Insurance Isn’t the Point—It’s Just the Best Tool Let’s be clear: Infinite Banking is not about whole life insurance.But whole life insurance—properly structured, from a mutual company, with strong guarantees and dividend history—is the ideal tool to implement the strategy. Why? Because it allows you to: Store capital in a safe, liquid environment Access that capital through policy loans without interrupting growth Earn uninterrupted compound interest while using the funds Create a permanent death benefit that multiplies your legacy You could technically use other tools—CDs, HELOCs, brokerage margin loans. But none offer the full package of guarantees, tax advantages, and control that a participating whole life policy does. To borrow Becca’s analogy: if you're planting financial seeds, plant them in fertile soil that will grow for generations—not in a dry, crowded pot with no nutrients left. Why It Looks Like a Sales Pitch—and How to Spot the Real Deal Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: why do so many people say or ask: Is Infinite Banking a sales tactic? Because sometimes… it is. There are agents out there who use IBC language to sell policies—without truly understanding the philosophy behind it. They show you an illustration with lots of cash value and say, “Look how much money you’ll have in 30 years.” But Infinite Banking isn’t about future value. It’s about control now. Bruce often reminds clients: “It’s okay to get paid for solving problems. But the key is—are you solving the right problem?” If someone is comparing policies to mutual funds or promising higher returns, they’ve missed the point entirely. What you want is someone who understands the process of banking and helps you become the banker in your own financial life. Why This Matters to You So—is Infinite Banking a sales tactic? No. It’s a strategy.A strategy for building control, increasing access to capital, and changing the trajectory of your wealth—not just for your lifetime, but for future generations. When you understand that the real enemy is not low interest rates or poor investment options—but losing control of your capital—you start to see things differently. You stop chasing returns.You stop relying on the bank’s permission.You stop outsourcing your family’s financial future. And you start building something that lasts. Want the Full Story? Listen to the Podcast If this article sparked something in you—if you're starting to see Infinite Banking in a new light—we invite you to dive deeper. 🎧 Listen to the full episode of The Money Advantage Podcast: “Is Infinite Banking a Sales Tactic?”We go in-depth on: Nelson Nash’s original intent Why many advisors misunderstand the core concept How to know if someone is just selling you a policy Real-life examples from our client work and personal stories And how Infinite Banking fits into your bigger legacy picture This strategy isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy. It’s for anyone ready to become the architect of their financial life. So let’s stop letting banks, taxes, and fear control your story.Let’s reclaim the banking function—on your terms. Because control isn’t a luxury. It’s a responsibility. Book A Strategy Call And if you’re ready to make a move, our advisor team is ready to help you walk this out—without pressure, without overwhelm, and with full clarity. Because your legacy matters. And while the future might feel uncertain, the ability to take action today? That’s fully in your hands. Start the conversation today. We offer two powerful ways to help you create lasting impact: Financial Strategy Call – Discover how Privatized Banking, alternative investments, tax-mitigation, and cash flow strategies can accelerate your time and money freedom while improving your life today. Let us show you how to align your financial resources for maximum growth and efficiency. Book a Strategy Call with our team today. Legacy Strategy Call – If you want to uncover your family values, mission, and vision, and create a legacy that’s about more than just money, we can guide you through the process of financial stewardship and family leadership. Save time coordinating your family’s finances while building a legacy that lasts for generations. Book a Legacy Strategy Call to learn more about how we can help. We specialize in working with wealth creators and their families to unlock their potential and build a meaningful, multigenerational legacy.

A Story That Changes the Way You See Wealth When Bruce and I sat down with Michael Cole for The Money Advantage Podcast, the conversation didn’t just scratch the surface of wealth management—it went straight to the heart of what wealth really means. Here’s a man who has advised families with an average net worth of more than $500 million, co-founded the largest network of centimillionaires in the U.S., and written the bestselling book More Than Money. https://www.youtube.com/live/DTWacmQHhSU And yet, when we asked him about retirement, he smiled and said, “I don’t plan on retiring. I’m finally doing the work that’s closest to my life purpose.” That one statement reframed everything. Because if someone with Michael Cole’s track record and access to the ultra-wealthy believes that life purpose—not just money—is the real destination, then we all have something to learn. A Story That Changes the Way You See WealthWhy This Matters to YouMichael Cole’s Journey to the Top of Wealth ManagementWealth Is More Than Money – The Six Forms of CapitalThe Impact of Wealth – Purpose Over PossessionsBuilding a Culture That Outlasts YouWhat the Ultra-Wealthy Invest in Right NowOvercoming Cultural Narratives About WealthWhat Michael Cole Teaches Us About WealthBook A Strategy Call Why This Matters to You Whether you’re just starting to build wealth, sitting on a successful business, or thinking about how to transfer assets to the next generation, the insights from Michael Cole matter to you. Here’s why: Michael has spent decades inside family offices, helping entrepreneurs, centimillionaires, and billionaires not only grow their capital but also grow their impact. He’s seen firsthand what works—and what fails—when it comes to preserving wealth and legacy. In this article, Bruce and I want to unpack the conversation we had with Michael Cole so you can walk away with: A clear understanding of why wealth is more than money How to think about the impact of wealth on your family and community Practical insights into what the ultra-wealthy are investing in right now How to create a family culture that outlives you Most importantly, you’ll see how Michael Cole’s perspective can empower you to stop chasing money as the end goal and start building a legacy that truly matters. Michael Cole’s Journey to the Top of Wealth Management Michael’s resume reads like a roadmap of the private wealth industry: Merrill Interest Trust Company, Wells Fargo’s Abbott Downing, Ascent Private Capital Management, and Crescent Capital Management. At each stage, he wasn’t just managing billions in assets—he was rethinking what it means to be a steward of wealth. And eventually, he co-founded R360, a peer-to-peer community of centimillionaires and billionaires built on one core belief: Wealth is more than money. That perspective didn’t just come from financial spreadsheets. It came from listening. Michael Cole is the kind of leader who pauses before he answers, considers both sides, and responds with wisdom. That’s why Bruce said during the episode, “Talking with you is like talking to my little brother. You think deeply, you listen, and you answer with both intellect and empathy.” Wealth Is More Than Money – The Six Forms of Capital Michael Cole teaches that wealth stewardship requires diversification beyond just financial assets. His model highlights six forms of capital: Financial capital – the money itself Intellectual capital – the knowledge and learning culture of a family Social capital – networks, relationships, and giving back Human capital – the character, skills, and wellbeing of family members Emotional capital – resilience, connection, and healthy communication Spiritual capital – purpose, values, and meaning Just as investors diversify portfolios, families must diversify their approach to legacy. As Michael told us, “If you’re only focused on the money, you’re not going to succeed.” This philosophy isn’t reserved for the ultra-wealthy. Whether you’re building your first business or stewarding a family fortune, the same truth applies: your legacy lives or dies by culture, not by cash alone. The Impact of Wealth – Purpose Over Possessions We asked Michael what he meant by the impact of wealth. His response hit home: “It’s not just what the money is—it’s what the money does.” For the ultra-wealthy, retirement isn’t about golf courses or endless vacations. They already have enough. The bigger question becomes: What is my life purpose now? Michael described a shift he’s seen again and again: wealth creators move from making money to stewarding money. That means asking: How do I use my wealth to create impact in my family? How do I mentor the next generation to be wealth recreators rather than entitled heirs? How do I use my influence to serve my community and society? Rachel summed it up perfectly: “Responsibility is a weight of something good that calls you higher. It’s not a ticket to coast—it’s an invitation to expand.” Building a Culture That Outlasts You The conversation turned practical when we asked Michael how to actually build that kind of culture. His answer: family meetings. He shared a story of a family who began meetings when their son was just seven years old. They let him chair the meeting with a gavel. His agenda? “More hot dogs.” The point wasn’t the menu—it was the habit. When kids grow up in a family that regularly gathers, communicates, and sets shared goals, they inherit more than money. They inherit a culture of stewardship. Bruce added: “If you can get the 14-year-olds to want to come back, you’ve done a good family meeting.” Michael reminded us that culture is a journey, not an event. Don’t expect one perfect meeting to fix everything. Instead, build consistent rhythms of communication, fun, and shared purpose. What the Ultra-Wealthy Invest in Right Now Of course, we couldn’t resist asking Michael Cole what the ultra-wealthy are actually investing in. His answer: a balance sheet built on liquidity for opportunities, alternatives, and patient capital. Here are some of the trends he highlighted: Private equity and private real estate – long-term holdings with stability Direct investments – hands-on opportunities aligned with passion or expertise Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin in particular) – but only as a small slice of the portfolio AI and robotics – companies positioned for long-term secular innovation The key difference between the ultra-wealthy and the average investor is patience. They don’t need fast liquidity for retirement. They can ride out volatility for decades. That’s a mindset worth adopting, even if you’re not investing billions. Overcoming Cultural Narratives About Wealth One of the most thought-provoking parts of our conversation was addressing the cultural narrative that wealth is evil. Michael was clear: “Money isn’t good or bad. Stewardship is what makes the difference.” He argued that wealth, when stewarded well, allows families to live well, do well, and give well. It enables mentorship, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. Without responsible stewards, history shows societies crumble into revolution. Rachel echoed this point: “Business and entrepreneurship are giving. They’re about serving others and solving problems. Dollars flow as a result of the value you create.” In other words: wealth done right is a force for good. What Michael Cole Teaches Us About Wealth When you boil it down, here’s what Bruce and I want you to take away from our conversation with Michael Cole: Wealth is more than money. True legacy requires financial, intellectual, social, human, emotional, and spiritual capital. Impact matters. The question isn’t how much you make, but what your wealth enables you to do for your family and the world. Culture sustains legacy. Family meetings, communication, and shared purpose are more important than trust documents. Invest with patience. Focus on long-term secular innovations, not quick wins. Stewardship is noble. Wealth, when managed with responsibility, can make the world better. Book A Strategy Call Are you ready to take control of your finances and legacy? We offer two powerful ways to help you create lasting impact: Financial Strategy Call – Discover how Privatized Banking, alternative investments, tax-mitigation, and cash flow strategies can accelerate your time and money freedom while improving your life today. Let us show you how to align your financial resources for maximum growth and efficiency. Book a Strategy Call with our team today. Legacy Strategy Call – If you want to uncover your family values, mission, and vision, and create a legacy that’s about more than just money, we can guide you through the process of financial stewardship and family leadership. Save time coordinating your family’s finances while building a legacy that lasts for generations. Book a Legacy Strategy Call to learn more about how we can help.

How a Campfire Call Sparked a Financial Movement It started with a campfire. Lucas and I were out camping when I made a phone call that would unknowingly change the course of our lives and the lives of thousands of families:“Bruce, want to start a podcast?” https://www.youtube.com/live/GKrk_LOMwI4 As we looked back over the years, a theme emerged. The conversations that mattered most weren’t about rates of return, product comparisons, or clever tax tricks. That single conversation planted the seed for what is now 400 episodes of The Money Advantage Podcast—a platform that’s helped people understand how to take control of their financial lives through Infinite Banking and smart stewardship. We had no idea what it would become, but we knew we were called to do more than just manage money. We were building a mission. And here we are today, looking back on eight years of podcasting, thousands of conversations, and one shared belief: You are your greatest financial asset. How a Campfire Call Sparked a Financial MovementA Look Back: Why 400 Episodes MatterThe Power of Podcasting: Why We Started and What It’s DoneFinancial Influence Starts with CharacterJeff’s Story: It’s Not About Life Insurance—It’s About BankingWhy You’re Always Borrowing—Whether You Realize It or NotSimplicity Over Complexity: Becca’s InsightLucas’s Principle: Save Before You InvestBruce’s Wisdom: Behavior Beats DesignRachel’s Realization: It’s Not Just About the MoneyWhat This Episode Really Taught UsReady to Learn the Top Lessons About Wealth, Legacy, and Serving Families?Book A Strategy Call A Look Back: Why 400 Episodes Matter You’re constantly being sold financial products—mutual funds, IRAs, 401(k)s, high-yield savings accounts. But what if the real question isn’t “What should I invest in?” but “How do I control my money?” That’s where Infinite Banking comes in. In this blog (and podcast), Bruce and I are reflecting on the top lessons about wealth, legacy, and serving families that we’ve learned after 400 episodes. We’ll cover: Why saving before investing matters more than flashy returns What really makes Infinite Banking work (hint: it’s not just the policy) The difference between debt and liability How to build a family-centered financial system that creates freedom for generations This isn’t just about strategies—it’s about empowering you to think differently, behave differently, and lead your family with clarity. The Power of Podcasting: Why We Started and What It’s Done We didn’t start podcasting to build a platform. We started to create a space for truth in finance—real conversations without the fluff. From day one, we set out to talk to you like a friend who’s learned the hard lessons, found a better way, and wants you to have access to it too. Podcasting gave us the ability to educate, build trust, and invite people into the deeper work of financial stewardship—not just financial performance. Financial Influence Starts with Character Bruce hit the nail on the head: “High competence without high character is dangerous.” It’s not enough to be an expert. You’ve got to care more about helping people than making a sale. That’s the standard we’ve held ourselves to—and what we believe every financial guide should strive for. If you’re listening to someone online or in your life, ask yourself:Do they have both competence and character? Are they searching for truth or just selling a tactic? Jeff’s Story: It’s Not About Life Insurance—It’s About Banking When Jeff Jessee joined our team, we got more than a brilliant mind—we got someone who sees money like a game. And he’s right: life is a financial game, and banking is the rulebook. Jeff was already successful in the traditional financial world. But after reading Becoming Your Own Banker—twice in one night—he saw the problem: most people focus on products instead of systems. He said it best: “If you don’t understand the problem, you’re just adding complexity. You’re not solving anything.” Infinite Banking works because it addresses the real issue—money flowing out of your control. The solution? Store capital in a way that gives you access, use, and uninterrupted growth. Why You’re Always Borrowing—Whether You Realize It or Not This was a mind-bender for many listeners: “You are always borrowing. The only question is, who are you borrowing from?” If you pay cash, you’re borrowing from your own reserves and losing future interest. If you use the bank, you’re borrowing with strings attached. Either way, money has a cost. Infinite Banking gives you the choice to be your own source of capital—and recapture that cost. When people say, “I don’t want to be in debt,” we challenge that thinking. A policy loan isn’t debt in the traditional sense. It’s a liability backed by an asset you own. It’s fully under your control. And it’s covered in the worst-case scenario. That’s not debt. That’s strategy. Simplicity Over Complexity: Becca’s Insight Becca Wilhite joined our team after being one of those people who wanted to “know how the watch works.” She was drawn to Infinite Banking, not for the hype, but for the way it taught her to think. She realized the power lies not in complicated structures, but in simple systems. It comes down to one question: “Where is your money flowing? Is it working for you, or someone else?” And once you redirect that flow through your own family banking system—capitalizing, deploying, and recapitalizing—it’s not only simpler, it’s exponentially more powerful. Lucas’s Principle: Save Before You Invest Lucas reminded us of a basic truth from The Richest Man in Babylon: “Set thy purse to fattening.” In modern language: Pay yourself first. You need capital before you invest. You need savings before you scale. That’s what Infinite Banking gives you—a growing reservoir of capital you can access with peace and intentionality. It’s not savings or investing. It’s savings before investing. That’s how you build with stability and sleep well at night. Bruce’s Wisdom: Behavior Beats Design One of the most powerful takeaways Bruce shared was this: “Behavior is more important than design.” The best policy in the world can’t help you if you don’t change your habits. Infinite Banking isn’t a magic product. It’s a tool that works when paired with disciplined behavior—saving consistently, thinking long-term, and honoring your commitments. Too many people chase the “perfect policy design” and miss the real work: becoming someone who stewards their money well. You are the system. You are the key. The tool just helps you go further. Rachel’s Realization: It’s Not Just About the Money For me, the moment of conviction came after Olivia’s birth, when I almost didn’t make it. We had life insurance. We had a financial plan. But we realized none of that would matter if our kids didn’t know how to use it. Legacy isn’t just about passing on money. It’s about passing on wisdom, stewardship, and a value system that keeps growing long after you’re gone. You can build the best financial tools, but if your kids don’t know how to use them, the impact ends with you. That’s why we’re so passionate about legacy planning. It’s the how and the why that allow the what—the policies, the structures—to matter. What This Episode Really Taught Us Looking back on 400 episodes, the top lessons about wealth, legacy, and serving families boil down to this: Infinite Banking is about control, not just insurance. It starts with how you think, then how you behave—before any product ever enters the picture. You’re already in the banking business. The only question is whether you’re the one in control. The right strategy can create multi-generational impact—but only if it’s coupled with the right mindset and stewardship. You don’t need to be a financial genius. You just need to be someone willing to learn, lead, and live on purpose. Ready to Learn the Top Lessons About Wealth, Legacy, and Serving Families? If this blog has sparked something in you—whether a deeper curiosity about Infinite Banking or a hunger to build a better system for your family—don’t let it stop here. 🎧 Listen to the podcast episode: 400 Episodes: Top Lessons About Wealth, Legacy, and Serving FamiliesYou’ll hear the full stories, insights, and conversations that brought these lessons to life. Book A Strategy Call Are you ready to take control of your finances and legacy? We offer two powerful ways to help you create lasting impact: Financial Strategy Call – Discover how Privatized Banking, alternative investments, tax-mitigation, and cash flow strategies can accelerate your time and money freedom while improving your life today. Let us show you how to align your financial resources for maximum growth and efficiency. Book a Strategy Call with our team today. Legacy Strategy Call – If you want to uncover your family values, mission, and vision, and create a legacy that’s about more than just money, we can guide you through the process of financial stewardship and family leadership. Save time coordinating your family’s finances while building a legacy that lasts for generations. Book a Legacy Strategy Call to learn more about how we can help. We specialize in working with wealth creators and their families to unlock their potential and build a meaningful, multigenerational legacy.

A friend called and said four words that changed the trajectory of a young family’s finances: Becoming Your Own Banker. At that moment, Jesse Durham was a former cop turned Spanish teacher in North Carolina. New baby. Second on the way. About $50,000 of debt. A man raised to do what most of us were taught to do: get the degree, get the job, ride the hamster wheel, and hope the math works out. https://www.youtube.com/live/kgT_7O5YHec He walked into a live presentation with an open mind and a hungry heart. He walked out with a new paradigm. Not a gimmick. Not a hack. A structure. That day marked what Jesse now calls his “renaissance year”. And it’s why we invited him onto The Money Advantage podcast. Because the Infinite Banking Concept isn’t just a strategy on paper. It’s a lifestyle of stewardship in practice. And your family deserves that. Jesse Durham’s Journey: From Debt to Becoming Your Own BankerFrom Hamster Wheel to Stewardship: The Jesse Durham PivotWhat We Learned From Jesse Durham: Infinite Banking Is a Lifestyle, Not a Line ItemCapitalization Is the Missing MiddleThe Four-Part Filter Jesse Durham UsesNelson Nash’s Principles In Plain SightFamily Culture and Modeling: Build the Bankers You Hope To BecomeStart With Yourself, Then Include ThemWeekly Executive Meetings Turn Values Into RhythmsDebt, Discipline, and DignityReal Life First, Then Cash-Flowing AssetsThe Right Person, The Right TimeHow Jesse Durham Onboards New LearnersFaith, Purpose, and The Big PictureStay Humble. Keep Learning.Book A Strategy Call Jesse Durham’s Journey: From Debt to Becoming Your Own Banker If you’re new here, I’m Rachel Marshall, co-hosting with my friend and colleague, Bruce Wehner. Our mission is simple and weighty all at once: help high-capacity families build a legacy of more than money. Today’s conversation with Jesse Durham is a clear window into how ordinary families step off the earn-and-spend treadmill and design a private banking system that funds real life, fuels investments, and forms character across generations. Here’s what you’ll gain as you read: How Jesse went from debt and drift to intention and design. Why Infinite Banking is a lifestyle, not a line item. The simple four-part filter Jesse uses to make clear decisions. How to capitalize first, then spend with control. Practical ways policies pay for property taxes, appliances, vehicles, and opportunities. Why modeling matters for your kids, and why you must start with yourself. How weekly family meetings turn values into rhythms. The difference between credentials and character in long-term wealth stewardship. What Nelson Nash’s principles look like in real life. A first step you can take today to begin becoming your own banker. If you’re ready to move from accidental inheritance to intentional design, keep reading. From Hamster Wheel to Stewardship: The Jesse Durham Pivot Jesse’s story isn’t sterile or airbrushed. It’s family, career change, and financial pressure in real time. He did what most of us were modeled to do. School. Degree. Career. Debt. He and his wife started from scratch, not from a family banking system or a multi-generational enterprise. In 2015, he opened his mind to personal growth, marriage, fatherhood, and money. Not in theory. In action. First exposure to Infinite Banking. Then Nelson Nash’s book. Then the decision to implement, imperfectly and persistently. Policies were started. Debts were repaid. And something else happened under the surface. Identity shifted from consumer to steward. That’s the engine. What We Learned From Jesse Durham: Infinite Banking Is a Lifestyle, Not a Line Item Most people have two moves with money: earn and spend. That’s not a system. That’s survival. Jesse Durham saw Infinite Banking as a third, critical move wedged between those two: capitalize. You earn.You capitalize.Then you spend. That middle move is where freedom begins. It’s where you say yes to a different future. It’s where you refuse to finance your life at 18 to 28 percent interest because you chose to build capital ahead of the need. Capitalization Is the Missing Middle We all know the Proverbs line without quoting it: if you’re faithful with little, you’ll be faithful with much. That’s not just a moral principle. It’s a financial structure. Pay yourself first. Set your purse to fattening. Overcome Parkinson’s Law. It’s language from timeless money wisdom and Nelson Nash alike. Practically, capitalization means this: Premiums are not an expense. They’re a transfer from your right pocket to your left. Cash value is not idle. It’s stored energy to be deployed with intention. Policy loans are not “debt like all other debt”. They are the distribution mechanism of your private banking system. You recapture the principal and interest you would have sent away, and you keep it in your own system. This is not about perfection. It’s about direction. The Four-Part Filter Jesse Durham Uses Jesse shared a simple filter we love: Paradigm – Will we live in the bank’s world or build our own? Process – Capitalize, deploy, recapture, repeat. Principles – Think long range, don’t do business with banks, be an honest banker, and plan for windfalls. Product – Use participating whole life designed for Infinite Banking to implement the process. Notice the order. Don’t start with the product. Start with the paradigm. Nelson Nash’s Principles In Plain Sight Think long range. Multigenerational mindset, not quarterly thinking. Don’t do business with banks. Starve the external system by feeding your internal one. Be an honest banker. Treat your system with the same or greater discipline than you would treat a third-party lender. Rethink your thinking. Watch your language. Reject arrival syndrome. Keep learning. These aren’t talking points. They’re the rails. Family Culture and Modeling: Build the Bankers You Hope To Become Your kids are watching. They hear what you say. But they copy what you do. We talked with Jesse Durham about modeling in the home, and he echoed something we say constantly: more is caught than taught. That’s why he always tells clients to start policies on themselves first. If you say one thing and do another, what will your children believe? When you demonstrate capitalization, disciplined repayment, and intentional cash flow decisions through your own system, you’re raising future stewards, not passive heirs. Start With Yourself, Then Include Them Begin with a policy on you. Share appropriate numbers with your kids as they grow. Use real family needs as case studies: property tax, a vehicle, a hot water heater. Let them see the policy loan request, the repayment schedule, the discipline in action. This isn’t a lecture. It’s a lab. Weekly Executive Meetings Turn Values Into Rhythms In our home, Lucas and I run a weekly executive meeting. Calendar. Cash flow. Categories. Upcoming needs. It’s basic, and it’s sacred. Jesse and his wife do the same. Saturday mornings. A short touchpoint on what happened last week, what’s ahead, and how that maps to their spending categories, premiums, and upcoming policy loan repayments. This single rhythm will save you from 90 percent of “we didn’t see that coming” moments. And it will give your kids a model of how wise adults make decisions together. Debt, Discipline, and Dignity Let’s be direct. You can’t leave a legacy if you can’t manage a spending plan. You can’t become your own banker if you won’t be your own bookkeeper. Jesse Durham and his wife used their system to eliminate student loans, a family vehicle loan, and credit card balances. Not overnight. Over time. With character. That’s important. Social media will tell you that none of this is your fault. That you should wait for rescue. That’s not stewardship. Stewardship says: I will build capacity. I will repay what I owe. I will design a system so I never need to borrow outside again. That’s dignity. Real Life First, Then Cash-Flowing Assets We love buying assets. We also love hot showers. Jesse uses policies for both. They’ve financed property taxes, appliances, and a recent vehicle through their system, then turned around and deployed capital into longer-horizon opportunities. This is the beauty of Infinite Banking. You don’t have to choose between life and investing. Your system can do both. The Right Person, The Right Time “You can’t say the wrong thing to the right person, and you can’t say the right thing to the wrong person.” That’s a Jesse-ism we’ve repeated since the moment he said it. Your job is to keep your ears open. If this message has found you at the right time, lean in. If you’re skeptical, stay with us. Read. Listen. Come with your questions. You’ll know when the conviction moves from your head to your hands. How Jesse Durham Onboards New Learners Jesse is a teacher at heart. He points newcomers to his video presentation on the Durham Talents YouTube channel, then straight to Nelson Nash’s book, Becoming Your Own Banker. First call, then a second. Each touchpoint builds understanding, not pressure. This is how we do it too. Education first. Implementation with integrity. Coaching along the way. Faith, Purpose, and The Big Picture We talk a lot about Faith + Family + Finance because your legacy is not the caboose of your life. It’s your engine. Jesse Durham shares our conviction that money is not the point. Impact is. As your system grows, your dependence on third-party banks diminishes, and your ability to serve, build, and solve real problems expands. That’s how families become societal mentors. That’s how cultures get shaped. Not by accident. By design. Stay Humble. Keep Learning. One of Nelson’s most important warnings was against arrival syndrome.

What Most Families Miss About Whole Life Insurance Tax Strategies Most people miss the hidden power of whole life insurance tax strategies—and in doing so, they overpay in taxes and underfund their legacy. In today’s podcast episode, Bruce Wehner dives deep into how the tax code is designed to reward strategic behavior—and how you can align your actions to reduce your tax burden and redirect that capital into wealth-building vehicles like whole life insurance. https://www.youtube.com/live/Z4BEoTli--k In this blog, I’m going to walk you through the real, practical ways to lower your taxes, use the savings wisely, and fund your policy in a way that supports your family’s future. Whether you're a W-2 employee, small business owner, or investor, this episode breaks down how to build wealth with intention. What Most Families Miss About Whole Life Insurance Tax StrategiesWhole Life Insurance Tax Strategies Start with Tax Code IncentivesW-2 vs. Business Owner: Two Different Tax SystemsEmploying Your Kids: A Hidden GemS-Corp Strategy: Split Income, Save TaxesReal Estate Depreciation & Cost SegregationQualified Plan Repositioning: Turn Tax-Deferred Dollars into Tax-Free WealthRoth Conversions: A Strategic ShiftFunding Policies Through Parents and ChildrenThe Opportunity in Plain SightRepositioning Money Isn’t Just Smart—It’s Biblical StewardshipWant to Go Deeper into Whole Life Insurance Tax Strategies?Book A Strategy Call Whole Life Insurance Tax Strategies Start with Tax Code Incentives Congress doesn’t just collect taxes—they guide behavior through tax incentives. The tax code is filled with legal ways to reduce what you owe, especially if you understand its design. The goal is not to avoid taxes but to steward your resources wisely. Tom Wheelwright, CPA for Robert Kiyosaki, frames it this way: the tax code is a roadmap filled with incentives. It’s designed to encourage investments in real estate, energy, and business—moves that ultimately strengthen the economy. When you understand these incentives, you begin to ask a better question: “How can I reposition my taxable income into long-term wealth?” That’s where properly structured whole life insurance comes in. W-2 vs. Business Owner: Two Different Tax Systems There are two tax codes in America: one for employees, and one for business owners. If you're a W-2 earner, your options are limited. But if you own a business — even a small one — the deductions available to you multiply. Start with something simple. You don’t need an LLC to begin. A sole proprietorship qualifies you for deductions like: Home office expenses Business mileage Cell phone usage Meals and entertainment All of those deductions lower your taxable income and free up cash flow that can be redirected to fund a properly designed whole life policy. Employing Your Kids: A Hidden Gem One of the most overlooked strategies is hiring your children in your business. If they earn a legitimate wage (think: cleaning the office, organizing paperwork, or appearing in marketing photos), you can pay them up to $12,000/year tax-free. For you, it’s a deductible business expense.For them, it’s tax-free income under the standard deduction. That $12,000 could go directly into a whole life insurance policy for your child. You've just shifted taxable income into a tax-free legacy asset. S-Corp Strategy: Split Income, Save Taxes Another powerful tax strategy is the S-Corporation. If you operate your business as an S-Corp, you can split your income into a salary (subject to payroll taxes) and a distribution (not subject to self-employment tax). Example: Salary: $100,000 (pays payroll taxes) Distribution: $200,000 (saves 15.3% self-employment tax) That tax savings could be reallocated directly into premium payments for a life insurance policy. It’s a way to use the structure of your income to fund wealth transfer. Real Estate Depreciation & Cost Segregation Owning investment real estate? The depreciation deduction reduces your taxable income without requiring actual out-of-pocket loss. Cost segregation takes this further by accelerating depreciation on parts of the property (appliances, HVAC, etc.) and front-loading the deduction. In one client example, a business owner facing a $260,000 tax bill used cost segregation and got a $160,000 refund instead. That refund was then used to fund life insurance premiums. Qualified Plan Repositioning: Turn Tax-Deferred Dollars into Tax-Free Wealth Many people hold large balances in tax-deferred accounts like IRAs or 401(k)s. But these accounts can become a tax trap for your heirs. By gradually converting these accounts into whole life insurance policies, you: Pay taxes on your terms (at lower brackets now) Avoid required minimum distributions at 75 Leave a tax-free death benefit instead of a taxable inheritance The strategy here isn’t about avoiding taxes—it’s about controlling the timeline. When you pair Roth conversions with policy funding, you’re not just moving money. You’re moving money on purpose—into a vehicle that will remain accessible, liquid, and protected from volatility. This isn’t a theory—it’s happening every day in the lives of high-capacity families who want to steward their resources with wisdom. Roth Conversions: A Strategic Shift Roth conversions allow you to pay taxes now on qualified money (IRAs, 401(k)s) and move it into a tax-free growth vehicle. If you combine this with another deduction — like cost segregation or business expenses — you can offset the tax impact of the conversion. To make this efficient, pair Roth conversions with tax strategies like: Oil and gas intangible drilling cost write-offs Cost segregation from real estate The name of the game is coordination. Tax strategy without a destination leads to inefficiency. You’re transforming taxable today into tax-free tomorrow, which can potentially be used to fund whole life insurance in the future. Funding Policies Through Parents and Children It’s not just about funding your own policy. You can also fund policies for: Your children (using income you shift to them through employment) Your parents (and receive the death benefit as the owner) Bruce's personal example: he pays his father a salary to help with marketing, then uses the tax savings to fund a policy on his life. When he passes, that policy will pay out a tax-free benefit. You’ve just turned taxable income into a multigenerational asset. The Opportunity in Plain Sight Most people never realize how much control they have. The tax code isn’t just a penalty system. It’s a set of tools. When you learn to use business deductions, income shifting, and strategic entity structure, you create a stream of redirected dollars — dollars that can be used to fund whole life insurance policies and establish your family's financial foundation. These are the whole life insurance tax strategies that the wealthy have been using for generations. And they’re available to you. Repositioning Money Isn’t Just Smart—It’s Biblical Stewardship Tax mitigation isn’t about gaming the system. It’s about stewardship. It’s about using the resources you’ve been given wisely, aligning with incentives, and redirecting that capital into generational purpose. Whole life insurance isn’t just a place to store money—it’s a cash management system that integrates with tax-smart strategy to fund your family’s long-term impact. When used properly, it becomes a warehouse of wealth and a central engine in your family’s financial ecosystem. As families, we’re not just managing wealth—we’re modeling it. And how we use tax strategy to build long-term value speaks volumes to the next generation. Want to Go Deeper into Whole Life Insurance Tax Strategies? If this stirred something in you — a sense of possibility, a vision for how your family could benefit — then it’s time to go deeper. In this week’s podcast episode, Bruce Wehner unpacks the details of each strategy, shares real-life examples, and shows you how to connect the dots in your own financial life. Listen now and discover how to use whole life insurance tax strategies to fund your legacy. Your financial future isn’t waiting. It’s available to those who understand the rules and take action. Let’s build something lasting. Book A Strategy Call Are you ready to take control of your finances and legacy? We offer two powerful ways to help you create lasting impact: Financial Strategy Call – Discover how Privatized Banking, alternative investments, tax-mitigation, and cash flow strategies can accelerate your time and money freedom while improving your life today. Let us show you how to align your financial resources for maximum growth and efficiency. Book a Strategy Call with our team today. Legacy Strategy Call – If you want to uncover your family values, mission, and vision, and create a legacy that’s about more than just money, we can guide you through the process of financial stewardship and family leadership. Save time coordinating your family’s finances while building a legacy that lasts for generations. Book a Legacy Strategy Call to learn more about how we can help.

What’s Really at Stake When it comes to short-pay vs long-pay life insurance, the question isn’t just about convenience—it’s about control, options, and legacy. https://www.youtube.com/live/dPxt8Nui4g4 In this article, you’ll learn: The difference between short-pay and long-pay policies Why a long-pay design gives you more flexibility and cash value How reduced-paid-up life insurance contracts really work What to consider if you want to use your policy as a family bank How to align your design with your legacy goals and future self Let’s pull back the curtain on what really creates a robust, long-term infinite banking system. The Iceberg We’ve All MissedWhat Does “Short-Pay vs Long-Pay Life Insurance” Actually Mean?Infinite Banking System Explained—Why Long-Pay Is Often BetterReduced-Paid-Up Life Insurance Contracts—Built-In FlexibilityShort-Pay vs Long-Pay Life Insurance Policy—What’s the Real Tradeoff?7-Pay or 10-PayLong-Pay Whole LifeDesigning Life Insurance as a Family BankPolicy Design for Tax-Efficient Wealth GrowthFuture Self Planning with Life InsuranceBalancing Liquidity and Premium CommitmentWhat You Need to RememberLearn MoreBook A Strategy Call The Iceberg We’ve All Missed We’ve heard it so many times—"I want a 7-pay," "Just show me a 10-pay option." It sounds appealing, right? Pay for a short time, and then you’re off the hook. But here’s what we’ve found in real conversations with clients over decades: No one ever says 20 years later, “I wish I could’ve stopped paying sooner.” In fact, they say the opposite. They wish they could keep paying. Why? Because they’ve seen what a well-designed long-pay policy does for their capital, liquidity, and long-term options. What Does “Short-Pay vs Long-Pay Life Insurance” Actually Mean? This isn’t just semantics. It’s strategy. A short-pay policy is designed to have all premiums fully paid within a set period—typically 7 or 10 years. Think "7-pay" or "10-pay." After that, no further payments are required to keep the policy in force. A long-pay policy is structured to allow for premium payments for as long as possible—often up to age 100 or even 121. But here’s the kicker: you’re not required to pay that long. You just can. And that difference opens the door to flexibility, scalability, and legacy. Infinite Banking System Explained—Why Long-Pay Is Often Better Short-pay might look sleek on paper. But infinite banking isn’t about what looks good—it’s about building long-term capital access and control. Here’s what we’ve seen: Short-pay designs limit your contribution window You hit a ceiling on how much capital you can inject Your banking system stagnates when you stop funding Long-pay designs allow you to keep capitalizing your system for decades. That means: More compound growth More tax-efficient access to capital More opportunities to use your policy for real estate, business, or retirement If you think long range and don’t fear capitalization, you set yourself up to win. Reduced-Paid-Up Life Insurance Contracts—Built-In Flexibility Here’s a secret most people don’t realize: Every life insurance policy is a short-pay policy if you want it to be. Thanks to the reduced-paid-up (RPU) provision, you can stop paying premiums at any time after the MEC window (typically 5–7 years), and your policy will remain in force with a reduced death benefit. So why design short from the start? When you structure your policy as a long-pay, you maintain the ability to: Stop paying when you want Shift to paid-up status on your terms Keep your options open Short-Pay vs Long-Pay Life Insurance Policy—What’s the Real Tradeoff? Let’s compare: 7-Pay or 10-Pay Forces early funding Good for clients needing a limited-time premium window Restrictive if you want to contribute more later Long-Pay Whole Life Spreads premiums over time Enables higher early liquidity through term riders Keeps doors open for future income, loans, and capital access Short-term thinking sacrifices long-term gains. We’ve seen it time and again. Designing Life Insurance as a Family Bank Your policy isn’t just insurance—it’s a banking system. And if you’re using it that way, you want: Continuous funding High liquidity Ongoing loan opportunities Long-pay designs allow you to: Keep growing the system Support policies for kids and grandkids Serve as the central lender in your family’s financial ecosystem A family bank isn’t a one-time funding tool—it’s a lifelong strategy. Policy Design for Tax-Efficient Wealth Growth We don’t know future tax rates. But we do know this: Whole life insurance grows tax-deferred and offers tax-free loans. When you design your policy for long-term funding, you: Maximize tax-free compounding Create consistent loan access Build a hedge against future tax uncertainty And when you retire, you’ll be thankful you can put in $50K and get $80K back—tax-free. Future Self Planning with Life Insurance If you only design for today, you’ll regret it tomorrow. Think like your future self: Would you want access to more capital? Would you want the option to continue growing your bank? Would you want to pass this asset to your children? Design long. Decide later. It’s easier to reduce payments than to restart funding when you’re uninsurable or facing liquidity limits. Balancing Liquidity and Premium Commitment Yes, long-pay sounds like a longer commitment. But it’s actually more flexible. You can: Capitalize more in early years Adjust payments as your income grows Choose to reduce-pay-up later without penalty Short-pay might feel safe, but it’s limiting. Long-pay gives you room to evolve, adapt, and grow your system over time. What You Need to Remember Short-pay vs long-pay life insurance isn’t about right or wrong—it’s about your vision. Do you want: A rigid plan with a fixed end date? Or a dynamic system that expands with your life and legacy? Design with longevity. Think like your future self. Keep your options open. You don’t have to pay forever—but you’ll be grateful if you can. This is more than policy design—it’s legacy engineering. Learn More Want to go deeper? Listen to our full podcast episode where we: Break down short-pay vs long-pay life insurance design in detail Explain reduced-paid-up contracts and MEC rules Talk real strategies for building a family banking system Book A Strategy Call Are you ready to take control of your finances and legacy? We offer two powerful ways to help you create lasting impact: Financial Strategy Call – Discover how Privatized Banking, alternative investments, tax-mitigation, and cash flow strategies can accelerate your time and money freedom while improving your life today. Let us show you how to align your financial resources for maximum growth and efficiency. Book a Strategy Call with our team today. Legacy Strategy Call – If you want to uncover your family values, mission, and vision, and create a legacy that’s about more than just money, we can guide you through the process of financial stewardship and family leadership. Save time coordinating your family’s finances while building a legacy that lasts for generations. Book a Legacy Strategy Call to learn more about how we can help. We specialize in working with wealth creators and their families to unlock their potential and build a meaningful, multigenerational legacy.

SLAT vs ILIT for High Net Worth Estate Planning isn't just a legal distinction—it's a strategic decision that could determine how well your wealth serves your family, both now and for generations to come. https://www.youtube.com/live/CzyssnZbzD0 We were deep into a conversation with Andrew Howell, one of the foremost estate planning attorneys in the country, when he casually dropped a statement that made us pause: "I haven’t drafted a new ILIT in over a decade." Wait… what? For those of us in the world of estate strategy, that kind of remark is the equivalent of a mic drop. And that’s when we knew: the conversation around trusts and legacy planning has shifted in a fundamental way. He wasn’t saying ILITs are obsolete—but that SLATs have become the preferred vehicle for families who want more than just a tax shelter. They want flexibility, values-based guidance, and multigenerational control. That one sentence reframed everything we thought we knew about irrevocable trust structures—and gave us a deeper commitment to educating families about their options. Why This MattersWhat Is a SLAT (Spousal Lifetime Access Trust)?What Is an ILIT (Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust)?SLAT vs ILIT for High Net Worth Estate PlanningAccess to FundsEstate Tax EfficiencyControl and FlexibilityLong-Term Legacy PotentialHow Dynasty Trusts Multiply the ImpactWhat This Means for YouBook A Strategy Call Why This Matters If you’re a high net worth individual navigating the estate planning world, you already know: it’s not just about minimizing taxes. It’s about maximizing impact. You want your wealth to do more than sit in a trust. You want it to: Empower your family. Pass on your values. Stay protected from taxes, lawsuits, and family fragmentation. Serve as a guiding structure for generational growth. That’s what today’s article is about. We’re unpacking SLAT vs ILIT for high net worth estate planning so you can: Understand the pros and cons of each structure. Learn how each trust operates in real-life scenarios. Discover which strategy aligns with your long-term legacy goals and family dynamics. And if you missed our previous post, The Pros and Cons of an ILIT, that’s a must-read companion to this piece. It sets the stage for why SLATs are now stealing the spotlight. The stakes are too high to leave this decision to a boilerplate legal plan or a one-size-fits-all document. You deserve a legacy plan as unique and dynamic as the family you’re building it for. Let’s get into it. What Is a SLAT (Spousal Lifetime Access Trust)? Bruce and I have seen this firsthand: a SLAT is one of the most powerful tools for families who want access, flexibility, and control—while also removing assets from their estate. With a SLAT, you gift assets into an irrevocable trust for your spouse’s benefit. This removes those assets (and any future growth) from your estate, reducing estate taxes and creating protection from creditors. But here’s the real magic: Your spouse can access the trust assets during their lifetime. You (the grantor) can indirectly benefit from those assets. You can build in trust protectors, distribution trustees, and managers for increased control and long-term accountability. And here’s where it gets even more powerful—many families are using SLATs as the foundation for their Family Bank strategy. That means the trust isn’t just a vault—it’s a lending institution. Your children or grandchildren can borrow from the trust to: Start a business Purchase a first home Fund their education But unlike a handout, these loans come with terms, accountability, and stewardship expectations. It’s not entitlement—it’s training. It’s a way to extend trust and responsibility. Andrew emphasized that in states like Nevada, South Dakota, and Delaware, the flexibility of SLATs increases even more. These jurisdictions allow for: Decanting (the ability to modify the trust structure if necessary) Directed trust arrangements Extended perpetuity periods (ideal for dynasty planning) This is a game-changer if you want your plan to adapt as your family evolves, your assets grow, or the law changes. What Is an ILIT (Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust)? ILITs have long been the go-to for families needing a simple, effective estate tax strategy. Here’s how it works: You create a trust that owns your life insurance policy. You make premium payments (either directly or indirectly). When you pass away, the death benefit pays out to your heirs outside of your estate. That means: No estate tax on the life insurance proceeds. Immediate liquidity for your family to cover estate taxes or provide inheritance. Simple. Predictable. Efficient. But here’s the trade-off: You can’t access the cash value. You can’t change the terms once the trust is finalized. You have no flexibility if your family needs change. Andrew noted that he hasn’t created a new ILIT in over ten years. Why? Because for most high-net-worth families today, ILITs don’t offer the level of stewardship, adaptability, and long-term vision that SLATs can provide. SLAT vs ILIT for High Net Worth Estate Planning Let’s break this down further with a SLAT vs ILIT side-by-side comparison. Access to Funds SLAT: Your spouse can access the funds, which often benefits both spouses—especially if you share finances or live in a community property state. ILIT: There is no access. Funds are locked until your death, and only the death benefit is distributed. Estate Tax Efficiency Both structures remove assets from the estate and help mitigate estate tax. ILIT is ideal for creating tax-free liquidity upon death—particularly useful when estate taxes are due. SLAT is more comprehensive—it can hold life insurance and other appreciating assets like real estate, business interests, or investments. Control and Flexibility SLAT: Offers greater control through the use of trust protectors, investment advisors, and decanting provisions. You can create a dynamic plan that adjusts over time. ILIT: Once established, you have little control. The trustee must follow the original instructions, and no changes can be made. Long-Term Legacy Potential SLAT can be paired with a dynasty trust to span multiple generations. It creates a framework for values-based inheritance, accountability, and sustained financial growth. ILIT is primarily a one-and-done structure. It delivers a death benefit but lacks the tools to shape stewardship or culture. So which is better? It depends on your goal. If you want simplicity and guaranteed tax-free payout, ILIT can still serve you well. But if you want stewardship over time, multigenerational control, adaptability, and alignment with your family values, the SLAT wins hands down. How Dynasty Trusts Multiply the Impact One of the most exciting parts of this conversation is the potential to pair a SLAT with a dynasty trust. When structured correctly, this combination creates the gold standard in multigenerational planning. Dynasty trusts: Hold wealth in trust for multiple generations. Avoid estate tax at each generational transfer. Provide creditor and divorce protection. Allow you to embed family values, mission statements, and distribution guidelines. By combining a SLAT with a dynasty trust, you don’t just transfer money—you multiply impact. You can: Equip your children with decision-making frameworks. Create funding mechanisms for education, business ventures, or charitable giving. Maintain oversight through successor trustees and trust protectors. And with the family bank strategy layered in, you add a whole new dimension to your legacy: Your trust becomes a teaching tool for financial responsibility. Future generations learn to borrow and repay with purpose. Stewardship becomes a shared family value—not just a concept, but a practice. You’re essentially giving your family a generational GPS. One that’s guided by your voice, your values, and your vision. The structure you choose—SLAT vs ILIT—can either restrict your legacy or release it. What This Means for You Here’s what we want you to take away: If you’re serious about protecting your wealth and passing on a legacy of more than money, you need a structure that does more than just "check the box." The SLAT vs ILIT decision isn’t about what worked 20 years ago. It’s about what works now—and what will still work decades from now. You need a plan that: Protects assets. Minimizes taxes. Creates access and flexibility. Promotes family unity, stewardship, and purpose. And when you incorporate the family bank strategy inside a SLAT and dynasty trust, you take legacy from passive to active. From accidental to intentional. And you need advisors who aren’t just thinking about documents—but about destiny. Most people assume estate planning is all about tax avoidance and airtight documents. Your legacy isn’t the caboose. It’s the engine. Let’s build with that in mind. Book A Strategy Call And if you’re ready to make a move, our advisor team is ready to help you walk this out—without pressure, without overwhelm, and with full clarity. Because your legacy matters. And while the future might feel uncertain, the ability to take action today? That’s fully in your hands. Start the conversation today. We offer two powerful ways to help you create lasting impact: Financial Strategy Call – Discover how Privatized Banking, alternative investments, tax-mitigation, and cash flow strategies can accelerate your time and money freedom while improving your life today. Let us show you how to align your financial resources for maximum growth and efficiency. Book a Strategy Call with our team today.

The Power of a Love Letter When Shannon sat down to write her love letters to her children, she didn’t expect just how meaningful the process would be. What began as a simple act of putting words on paper quickly became one of the most profound steps in her family’s legacy journey. The letters reflected a lifetime of love, intention, and values that now had a permanent home. https://www.youtube.com/live/VzJGf5fD2Jk For Shannon and her husband, legacy planning for families wasn’t about cold documents or rigid legal structures. It was about love, clarity, and making sure their kids were taken care of—not just financially but emotionally and relationally. Not because of the words alone—though they were beautiful and heartfelt—but because those words captured something far deeper: a lifetime of intention, care, and values that now had a permanent home. For Shannon and her husband, legacy planning for families wasn’t about cold documents or rigid legal structures. It was about love, clarity, and making sure their kids were taken care of—not just financially but emotionally and relationally. This is the heart of legacy planning for families: making sure the people you love feel your guidance, presence, and blessing long after you’re gone. It’s not just about transferring assets—it’s about transferring identity, vision, and faith. And when done well, legacy planning becomes a source of peace, not pressure. Their journey through the Seven Generations Legacy process turned what they feared would be an overwhelming task into one of the most empowering experiences of their life. And they didn’t do it alone. They did it with guidance, structure, support—and a shared commitment to doing legacy differently. The Power of a Love LetterLegacy Planning for Families is More Than PaperworkStarting the Journey: A Shared Dream, Two Different PrioritiesBringing the Kids Into the ConversationWriting Love Letters: The Emotional Heart of the LegacyCreating a Structure That Feels Like Coming HomeWhy This Matters for Your FamilyLearn More in the Podcast EpisodeBook A Strategy Call Legacy Planning for Families is More Than Paperwork When most people hear "legacy planning for families," their minds jump straight to legal documents, trusts, and spreadsheets. But the truth is, your legacy isn’t built by lawyers alone. It’s not just about asset protection or tax strategy. As we learned from our client Shannon on the Money Advantage Podcast, the real work of legacy planning is deeply human. It’s about putting into words what matters most. It’s about facing the hard questions that too often get avoided. And it’s about making decisions now that reflect not just your net worth, but your heart. In this blog, we’re sharing the real-life story of Shannon and her family. You’ll walk through their experience of legacy planning with the Seven Generations Legacy coaching program, and come away with: A clear definition of what legacy planning for families actually involves A step-by-step account of how to design a plan that aligns money with mission A framework for engaging adult children in meaningful, productive ways Insight into why emotional clarity is just as important as financial clarity And encouragement to start your own journey before it’s too late Because this kind of work doesn’t just benefit your kids when you’re gone. It changes the way your family lives together today. Starting the Journey: A Shared Dream, Two Different Priorities When Shannon and David began this journey, they were on the same team but holding different blueprints. David’s background, having grown up with limited financial resources, made it important for him to build a financial legacy. For him, the goal was protection and provision. He wanted to pass along what he had worked so hard to build. Shannon’s focus was more relational. She wanted to ensure their kids had emotional security and that nothing about the financial setup would fracture their relationships. "It was really, really important that whatever trust we built would be something that would bring them closer together." That one statement set the tone for everything that followed. Because when you’re doing legacy planning for families, you can’t just ask, "How do we avoid taxes?" You have to ask, "What will this money do to the people we love most?" And then build a system that answers that with intention. Legacy planning for families isn’t about sacrificing one priority for another. It’s about integration. It’s about holding provision and protection, love and logic, faith and strategy in the same hands. Bringing the Kids Into the Conversation Perhaps the most powerful decision Shannon and David made was to include their children in the legacy planning for families process. Their three adult children, all in their 20s, were thriving professionally and personally. But they were more than beneficiaries. They were also future stewards. And Shannon and David believed that preparing them meant involving them. So they invited their children into the planning conversations. They talked about the family's mission, values, long-term goals, and the purpose behind their trust structure. And in doing so, they opened a dialogue that shaped not only the documents but the direction of their family. "We had this amazing adult conversation between the five of us and worked together to build this exciting future." Including the next generation early isn't just a nice idea. It's essential. When families engage their children in the planning process, they: Reduce the chances of miscommunication or misunderstanding later Encourage ownership and responsibility Build clarity around what matters most And create unity around shared goals In Shannon's case, what started as a conversation became a cornerstone. It shaped the way her kids saw their inheritance. It changed their expectations. And most importantly, it pulled them closer as a family. Writing Love Letters: The Emotional Heart of the Legacy One of the most moving parts of the Seven Generations Legacy process is writing love letters to your children. These are not legal documents. They are legacy documents. They are emotional bridges between generations. Shannon wrote one to each of her children. Not as a formality, but as a heartfelt expression of what she saw in them, what she appreciated, and what she prayed for their future. Each letter was unique, customized for the child it was written to. "I made sure I incorporated all of the ways that my husband shows love to them." Because love is expressed in many ways. And while David wasn't the letter-writer, Shannon knew his actions spoke volumes. So she embedded both of their voices into the letters—ensuring their children would feel the depth of their parents' affection long after they were gone. Legacy planning for families must include emotional clarity. Your children need to know your heart, not just your plans. They need your words, not just your assets. And when the grief comes, those love letters will be the most treasured inheritance of all. Creating a Structure That Feels Like Coming Home At the conclusion of the coaching program, Shannon described their finalized legacy plan like this: "It’s like a child knowing their parents are home." That’s what a well-built legacy plan feels like: comfort, clarity, and confidence. Not confusion. Not tension. Their family now has: A written Family Guidance System: mission, vision, values, ideals A Memorandum of Trust that outlines their wishes and intentions A love letter from both parents to each child A clear estate structure that promotes unity over division A sense of empowerment and clarity among their adult children They also addressed the hard topic of mortality head-on. Not in fear, but in courage. As Shannon said, "We talked about the elephant in the room, and we did it together." That’s what legacy planning for families is all about: building something that holds when life feels uncertain. Preparing a structure that doesn’t just preserve money, but preserves mission. Why This Matters for Your Family Legacy planning for families isn’t something you wait to do in old age. It’s something you do now to secure peace, clarity, and confidence for the future. Because when you're intentional about: Articulating your values Including your family in the conversation Writing guidance, not just distributing wealth Building a structure that fosters unity ...you leave a legacy that blesses, not burdens. And your family will thank you not just for the inheritance, but for the investment you made in their hearts, minds, and future. Learn More in the Podcast Episode If Shannon’s story touched something in you, then the full episode of the Money Advantage Podcast will deepen that inspiration. In it, we unpack the full journey of legacy planning for families, including: How Shannon and David clarified different priorities and created alignment Why including their children changed everything The emotional breakthroughs that came from writing love letters And the step-by-step structure that led to lasting unity And if you’re ready to begin your own journey of legacy planning for families... Your wealth matters.Your words matter.Your legacy matters. Let’s build something worth passing on. Book A Strategy Call Are you ready to take control of your finances and legacy? We offer two powerful ways to help you create lasting impact: Financial Strategy Call – Discover how Privatized Banking, alternative investments, tax-mitigation, and cash flow strategies can accelerate your time and money freedom while improving your life today. Let us show you how to align your financial resources for maximum growth and efficiency.

I’ll never forget Bruce’s story about his car—check engine light on, a mechanic insisted it needed a $1,500 catalytic converter. Bruce knew better and fixed it by simply tightening the gas cap. That story isn't just about auto repair; it perfectly illustrates why questions a good financial advisor should ask matter. Without probing, you might be sold something you don't need. Competency—not just good intentions—matters. https://www.youtube.com/live/oyEbgdU1MGI It’s not about distrust—it’s about asking the right questions so you're not blindly following advice. And that principle applies fully when choosing a financial advisor, especially when your spouse might need to take over the reins someday. Why “Questions a Good Financial Advisor Should Ask” Are Essential1. The Big Picture: Comprehensive Financial Planning2. Spouse Financial Preparedness: Including Both of You3. Risk and Protection: Insurance, Deductibles, and Peace of Mind4. Tax Strategy and Social Security Planning5. Legacy Planning: Aligning Values and Wealth Transfer6. Financial Alignment Between SpousesWhy You Need These QuestionsReady to Empower Yourself With Questions a Good Financial Advisor Should Ask?Book A Strategy Call Why “Questions a Good Financial Advisor Should Ask” Are Essential Bruce makes a powerful point: finance isn’t limited to investment products. Just like a mechanic or doctor examines the whole system, a skilled advisor should ask questions that uncover your entire financial ecosystem. Without comprehensive inquiry, blind spots linger—insurance gaps, overlooked risks, or hidden fees can derail your legacy. Are you unknowingly trusting a financial advisor without knowing enough about your overall financial picture? In today’s complex financial world—from taxes and Social Security to estate planning, insurance, and cash flow—a narrow focus on one product is risky.Questions a good financial advisor should ask aren’t optional—they're essential. They give you clarity, align planning with your goals, and ensure your spouse is equipped to manage your shared financial future. 1. The Big Picture: Comprehensive Financial Planning Bruce sums it up: “You cannot make financial decisions in a vacuum.” Advisors who focus only on investments or insurance miss how those decisions affect cash flow, taxes, estate planning, and more. Ask: What are your current net worth and cash flow statements? How do your investments, insurance, and debts interrelate? Why it matters:Like a doctor who reviews your medical history before prescribing treatment, a competent advisor will want to see your full financial picture before making recommendations. 2. Spouse Financial Preparedness: Including Both of You Too often, one spouse is left out of discussions and can feel lost if the other dies.Key questions include: Who are your trusted advisors (financial, legal, tax)? Does your spouse know how to access online accounts, passwords, and digital assets? What’s your “Alternative Income Plan” for the surviving spouse? How comfortable is your spouse with the household financial framework? Bruce and Rachel discuss this as part of the LIFE framework: Liquid assets—money accessible within 15 minutes Income plan—monthly income goals Flexible investments—capital that can be reallocated Estate plan—how wealth transfers to future generations Both spouses should discuss and agree on how these pieces look today and tomorrow. 3. Risk and Protection: Insurance, Deductibles, and Peace of Mind Bruce shared his own experience with PNC: they asked about deductible choices and emotional tolerance for risk during the house fire recovery process.Essential questions a good financial advisor should ask include: What insurance do you have—life, disability, health, auto, home? Are deductibles appropriate to your cash reserves and risk tolerance? Are beneficiary designations updated and aligned with estate goals? These conversations ensure coverage fits your life, not just the product. 4. Tax Strategy and Social Security Planning It’s easy to ignore tax implications at later stages—retirement income strategies, Medicare surcharges (IRMAA), and estate transfer taxes can significantly impact cash flow. Good advisors will ask: How will retirement affect your tax bracket and Medicare premiums? Are you maximizing tax-deferred, taxable, and tax-free accounts? How do social security strategies fit into your retirement and legacy plan? Do you expect inheritances? Are children receiving support or benefits (e.g., special-needs trusts)? These questions ensure a plan that reduces surprise tax burdens down the line. 5. Legacy Planning: Aligning Values and Wealth Transfer Planning isn’t just dollars and cents—it’s about values, purpose, and impact. A well-rounded advisor should ask: Do you desire to leave an inheritance or values-based legacy? What legal structures are in place—wills, trusts, special-needs provisions? How are you preparing adult children to steward their inheritance? Are you currently supporting adult children or involved in multigenerational cash flow? Preparing adult children to receive an inheritance well requires intentional communication and boundaries. When ongoing financial support continues without clarity or limits, it can unintentionally foster entitlement. Instead, pausing to realign support with long-term values ensures that wealth is transferred with purpose, not just provision. 6. Financial Alignment Between Spouses Even couples aligned on values often diverge on financial risk, liquidity, or growth. Bruce suggests advisors encourage couples to complete separate LIFE questionnaires to reveal true attitudes.Appropriate questions include: How much liquidity do you need for emergencies? How much guarantee vs. growth do you want in income? Would you prefer increased stability or upside, even at a cost? How comfortable are you with paying advisor fees, and why? These conversations often reveal emotional undercurrents—and allow spouses to compromise. For example, a combination of guaranteed income (like an annuity) and growth investments can honor both viewpoints. Why You Need These Questions In summary, questions a good financial advisor should ask aren’t an inconvenience—they’re the bedrock of responsible planning. They ensure you and your spouse: See your full financial ecosystem, not just one piece Build a joint future—where both partners are engaged and prepared Protect assets and people through thoughtful risk management Optimize cash flow, reduce taxes, and maximize Social Security Craft a legacy strategy that aligns with your values Bridge differences in risk tolerance through education and compromise When your advisor asks more than just "how much can I invest", you're getting the kind of guidance that gives long-term clarity and confidence. Ready to Empower Yourself With Questions a Good Financial Advisor Should Ask? What would your life be like if you actually had: A spouse who could take over your finances tomorrow without panic A trusted advisor who has asked all the key questions A financial plan that truly aligns with your life goals, values, and family legacy If you’re ready to be ASKED these questions—or to upgrade what you’re already being asked—start here: Book A Strategy Call Are you ready to take control of your finances and legacy? We offer two powerful ways to help you create lasting impact: Financial Strategy Call – Discover how Privatized Banking, alternative investments, tax-mitigation, and cash flow strategies can accelerate your time and money freedom while improving your life today. Let us show you how to align your financial resources for maximum growth and efficiency. Book a Strategy Call with our team today. Legacy Strategy Call – If you want to uncover your family values, mission, and vision, and create a legacy that’s about more than just money, we can guide you through the process of financial stewardship and family leadership. Save time coordinating your family’s finances while building a legacy that lasts for generations. Book a Legacy Strategy Call to learn more about how we can help. We specialize in working with wealth creators and their families to unlock their potential and build a meaningful, multigenerational legacy.

I’ll never forget the moment my co‑host Bruce Wehner shared a powerful story: Nelson told his wife, Mary, “I need to teach you how to be a widow.” That striking phrase stopped us in our tracks. It wasn’t morbid—it was strategic. Nelson recognized that spouse financial preparedness is the cornerstone of true legacy planning. If your partner isn’t prepared to manage finances when the unthinkable happens, your careful planning unravels—and unintentional burdens form. https://www.youtube.com/live/bVBMnWHGp1Y In today’s fast-paced world, talking about money can be uncomfortable. But taking the time to ensure spouse financial preparedness isn’t just responsible—it’s transformative. As Rachel Marshall and Bruce Wehner, co-hosts of The Money Advantage Podcast, we’re here to walk you through why preparing your spouse is crucial, and how to do it effectively. By reading this article, you’ll discover: What “financial preparedness” truly means The critical pieces every spouse should know Practical tools we use with clients How to handle emotional differences in money habits A step-by-step framework to empower your spouse today Why Spouse Financial Preparedness MattersKey Areas for Spouse PreparednessIncome Plans—Now & ContingencyTaxes, Medicare & Social SecurityInsurance & ProtectionDigital Access & Password SharingEngaging Trusted AdvisorsThe LIFE Financial FrameworkManaging Emotional DifferencesTools & Rituals for PreparednessEquip Your Spouse. Protect Your Legacy.Book A Strategy Call Why Spouse Financial Preparedness Matters Bruce and I often see one partner “in the dark.” The hardworking spouse makes decisions—but the other may trust blindly, unaware of details. That puts them at risk—be it missing advisors’ phone numbers, not understanding insurance coverage, or worse: being blindsided by critical decisions. One case Bruce shared involved a wife who thought their net worth was minor—only to discover $30 million after her spouse had passed. Imagine the emotional shock—and legal busyness. That’s why spouse financial preparedness is a legacy necessity, not an optional extra. Key Areas for Spouse Preparedness To be truly ready, your spouse needs awareness and access across five areas: Income Plans—Now & Contingency Your spouse should understand both your current income strategy and what happens financially if one partner isn’t there. Bruce calls it having a “backup income plan.” Ask: what if I retire early? What if one income stops? Taxes, Medicare & Social Security One spouse passing makes tax filing switch to “single,” which can raise Medicare Part B and D costs by up to $500/month. Understanding IRMA brackets and how Social Security survivor benefits work is vital. A spouse who knows the rules won’t fall prey to unexpected costs. Insurance & Protection Life is unpredictable. Couples need clarity on life, health, disability, home, auto, liability—and how they work together. A clear policy keeps your spouse empowered and protected. Digital Access & Password Sharing In today’s digital age, locked-out accounts are a nightmare. Did you know iPhone allows a “Legacy Contact”? A shared password vault ensures your partner can access bank, utilities, email—and even that mysterious password for your favorite travel site. Engaging Trusted Advisors Make sure your spouse knows and trusts your financial, legal, insurance, and tax advisors. Ideally, they attend meetings together or at least meet face-to-face. That ensures seamless transition—and peace of mind—should something happen. The LIFE Financial Framework Bruce and I use a powerful acronym—L.I.F.E.—to frame preparedness: Liquid: How much cash is needed within minutes for emergencies? Income: Do you want fixed guaranteed income to cover essentials, plus variable funds for lifestyle? Flexible: Which assets can be repositioned for other goals—travel, education, emergencies? Estate: How will money transfer to loved ones upon death? Having these categories clarified with your spouse creates alignment, not anxiety, and ensures both partners know the plan. Managing Emotional Differences Money carries emotion. You might prefer high growth risk, while your spouse craves safety and stability. Neither mindset is wrong. The key is honest conversation and compromise: Identify each partner’s priorities—guaranteed vs. growth. Build hybrid plans—e.g. an annuity for income and some market assets for appreciation. Reassess periodically—life changes, so should your plan. This respectful approach strengthens relationships and ensures practical resilience. Tools & Rituals for Preparedness Alongside the L.I.F.E. model, here are practical ways to empower your spouse: Password Vault & Legacy Contact: Securely share access. Joint Advisor Check-ins: Plan annual or semi-annual reviews together. Financial FAQ Booklet: Create a shared document with account info, contacts, passwords, and how-to notes. Spouse “Walk Through” Meetings: Go line-by-line over accounts, insurance, wills—especially with advisors present. Trigger Points: Use life events (retirement, 10-year anniversaries) as prompts to revisit and update. Spouse financial preparedness is far more than account access—it’s relational alignment, empowering education, eliminating fear, and ensuring the future stays secure. By jointly addressing income stability, tax implications, protection plans, digital access, and advisor involvement—structured through the L.I.F.E. framework—you create a resilient legacy. Together, you enhance trust, protect your partner, and ensure decisions continue forward—even in adversity. Equip Your Spouse. Protect Your Legacy. If this article resonated with you, join us for the full episode of The Money Advantage Podcast: "Spouse Financial Preparedness: Ensure Your Partner Can Flourish—Not Fumble". Bruce and I dig deeper into each LIFE component and share real-life examples, questions to ask, and tools we’ve used with couples across hundreds of engagements. 🎧 Click below to listen now and subscribe—because your spouse's empowerment is the greatest gift you can leave behind: Book A Strategy Call Are you ready to take control of your finances and legacy? We offer two powerful ways to help you create lasting impact: Financial Strategy Call – Discover how Privatized Banking, alternative investments, tax-mitigation, and cash flow strategies can accelerate your time and money freedom while improving your life today. Let us show you how to align your financial resources for maximum growth and efficiency. Book a Strategy Call with our team today. Legacy Strategy Call – If you want to uncover your family values, mission, and vision, and create a legacy that’s about more than just money, we can guide you through the process of financial stewardship and family leadership. Save time coordinating your family’s finances while building a legacy that lasts for generations. Book a Legacy Strategy Call to learn more about how we can help.

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need? Why That’s the Wrong Question If you’ve ever asked, “How much life insurance do I need?”—you’re not alone. It’s a common starting point. But in this article, Bruce and I (Rachel) want to challenge that question and offer something better. Because "need" is often based on a survival mentality—what’s the bare minimum? But the real question isn’t about scraping by. It’s about what you want your life insurance to do—for you, for your spouse, for your children, and for future generations. https://www.youtube.com/live/xhGublGpz7w In this article, you'll learn: Why a needs-based approach might be leaving your family unprotected How to calculate a more empowering life insurance amount What insurance companies actually look for (and why you can't be "overinsured") The role of Infinite Banking in maximizing death benefit and legacy How to think long-term, strategically, and legacy-minded when it comes to life insurance How Much Life Insurance Do I Need? Why That’s the Wrong QuestionWhy My Husband’s First Thought Was Our Life InsuranceNeeds-Based Life Insurance Leaves You ShortThe Real Question: How Much Life Insurance Do I Want?Income Replacement + Future Value = What You’re Really ProtectingDeath Benefit Grows with Infinite BankingInsurability: Use It or Lose ItCost vs. Value: What Wealthy People UnderstandBuild a Life Insurance Strategy That EmpowersLearn More in the PodcastBook A Strategy Call Why My Husband’s First Thought Was Our Life Insurance Six years ago, I was in the ICU. My husband, Lucas, held our newborn baby girl as the doctors delivered updates that swung between hope and despair. One moment, it was "we stopped the bleeding," the next, "this is still serious." As he prayed through the fear and the unknown, one practical thought anchored him: We have life insurance. Not just any policy—we had as much life insurance as we could get. And in that moment, he knew he wouldn't have to make rushed decisions or shoulder financial pressure on top of emotional trauma. That policy was our safety net, our peace of mind. That’s why this conversation matters. It’s not just about numbers on paper. It’s about preparing for the moments you hope never come—and giving your family the ability to respond from a place of strength. Needs-Based Life Insurance Leaves You Short Most people approach life insurance with a checklist: Mortgage? Check. College for kids? Check. Debts? Check. Burial expenses? Check. And that’s how traditional advisors calculate the "amount you need." They total up obligations and say, “That’s your number.” But this method reduces life insurance to a bill-pay strategy. It doesn’t account for who you are, the value of your work, or the future your family deserves to continue building. In the Infinite Banking world, we don’t view life insurance as just a financial parachute. We see it as a tool for opportunity, a storehouse of value, and a means to start your family ahead, not just keep them from falling behind. The Real Question: How Much Life Insurance Do I Want? "Need" is survival. "Want" is vision. If your life insurance policy could fund your family’s future, preserve your estate, and launch the next generation into opportunity—how much would you want? Bruce and I often see families with grossly underfunded policies simply because they didn’t know what was possible. Insurance companies assess what’s called your human life value—a calculation of your income, age, and potential future earnings. Based on that, they allow you to apply for a corresponding death benefit. If you qualify for $4 million in coverage, it's because they believe your life’s economic value warrants it. You can’t be overinsured. The carriers won’t let you. So the real question becomes: If they’ll insure me for this amount… why wouldn’t I take it? Income Replacement + Future Value = What You’re Really Protecting Here’s a practical framework: Current net income: Say $120,000/year. Grossed up for taxes: Maybe $140,000/year. Multiply by 25 (for income over 25 years at a 4% withdrawal rate): You’d need $3.5M in capital. Now add liabilities: Mortgage: $600,000 Debts & Cars: $145,000 College: $200,000 Burial: $15,000 Total additional coverage need: $960,000 That brings your total death benefit to $4.46 million. That number may seem high. But when you think about protecting your spouse’s peace of mind, your children's stability, and your family’s future, it makes sense. The truth? Most families are underinsured. Death Benefit Grows with Infinite Banking The Infinite Banking Concept (IBC) focuses on using whole life insurance as a private banking system. It prioritizes cash value, but death benefit plays a critical role too. Every time you fund your policy, you’re not just building cash—you’re growing a death benefit that: Increases over time Can be converted from term to permanent Funds your legacy and protects future generations As Bruce says, "You're chasing the death benefit." And that’s a good thing. Because the greater your death benefit, the greater your guaranteed payout—and the more powerful your banking system becomes. Plus, when you structure policies properly (with term riders and conversion options), you’re maximizing your insurability today and tomorrow. That means locking in coverage before health issues ever arise. Insurability: Use It or Lose It One of the most strategic things you can do is protect your insurability. You only qualify for life insurance based on your health today. Tomorrow, you may not. That's why it's critical to: Buy as much coverage as you're approved for now Layer in convertible term coverage Gradually convert to whole life as income allows Once you have health changes—like Bruce's wife, who developed a brain tumor—you may no longer qualify for more coverage. But if you already have it in place, you’re protected. Cost vs. Value: What Wealthy People Understand Too often we hear, “I don’t want to be worth more dead than alive,” or “That policy premium is too high.” But here's the shift: Broke people understand the cost of everything and the value of almost nothing.Wealthy people understand the value of everything and the cost of almost nothing. It’s not about the lowest premium. It’s about what you gain: Peace of mind Liquidity Control Guaranteed capital Legacy that multiplies You’re not buying insurance. You’re investing in your family’s future. Build a Life Insurance Strategy That Empowers Let’s circle back to the original question: How much life insurance do I need? The answer is: You're asking the wrong question. Start asking: What do I want this policy to do for my family? Do you want it to replace income? Preserve your estate? Launch your kids or grandkids into a stronger financial position? When you approach life insurance from a perspective of vision, legacy, and long-term value, you stop scraping by with the bare minimum. You start building a future that is well-funded, well-protected, and empowered. Learn More in the Podcast If you’re ready to shift from need-based to want-based life insurance thinking—and learn how to structure your policies for legacy, peace of mind, and long-term financial control—this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen to the full episode: How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?We break down real examples, debunk common myths, and share why Infinite Banking changes how you view death benefit forever. And remember: It’s not "how much life insurance do I need." It’s about what you want to make possible—for your family, for generations. Book A Strategy Call Are you ready to take control of your finances and legacy? We offer two powerful ways to help you create lasting impact: Financial Strategy Call – Discover how Privatized Banking, alternative investments, tax-mitigation, and cash flow strategies can accelerate your time and money freedom while improving your life today. Let us show you how to align your financial resources for maximum growth and efficiency. Book a Strategy Call with our team today. Legacy Strategy Call – If you want to uncover your family values, mission, and vision, and create a legacy that’s about more than just money, we can guide you through the process of financial stewardship and family leadership. Save time coordinating your family’s finances while building a legacy that lasts for generations. Book a Legacy Strategy Call to learn more about how we can help. 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