If you're young and healthy you can be tempted to delay getting long-term disability insurance. But in addition to coverage in an unpredictable world, there are also benefits you can glean from a policy even if you never become disabled. In this episode I'll share those benefits. And I'll tell you what to consider if you think a policy is too expensive or won't cover what you had hoped. Listen now! Show highlights include: Why employer-provided disability coverage might not be enough when you need it. (3:37) Ethical way to receive payment from your disability contract (with certain companies), even if you aren't disabled. (8:20) "Undisputed" #1 feature of disability insurance. (11:29) Simple reason anyone with an income should have disability coverage in force. (12:07) Can your emergency fund cover a long-term disability? Brutal truth revealed. (13:03) How to afford a disability contract that becomes unaffordable, so you can keep your coverage without going broke. (13:42) Are underwriters fair? How your application is processed, and what to do if you disagree with their assessment. (14:42) Reach out to me: valerie@alphaomegawealth.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-laroque-lacp-b569509 Infinite Banking Mastery (infinitebankingnorthwest.com)
You know some things can slow down accelerated underwriting. But there are also health conditions that can slow down underwriting even if it isn't accelerated. In this episode I'm sharing common health conditions that can get in the way, and how to know whether they can be overcome or will lead to rejection. I'll also share a simple way to "test the waters" before underwriting if you're afraid you won't get approved. Listen now! Show highlights include: How an underwriter looks at a mental health issue: When it affects your rating, and what to expect. (3:37) Why sleep apnea is more alarming to underwriters than it used to be. (7:00) What you should do immediately if you have sleep apnea but want life insurance. (8:49) Why cancer in your medical history doesn't automatically mean a decline for coverage. (9:51) Surprising reason a substandard health rating isn't as costly as you think. (11:38) Reach out to me: valerie@alphaomegawealth.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-laroque-lacp-b569509 Infinite Banking Mastery (infinitebankingnorthwest.com)
Accelerated Underwriting sounds faster than conventional underwriting, and it certainly can be. But you might be wondering: just how fast is it? In this episode I'll share, from real experience, how quickly approval can happen. I'll also share why it doesn't always work that quickly, and the biggest factors that influence how long it takes. Listen now! Show highlights include: "No-brainer" reason accelerated underwriting is the right move if you're in good health. (2:40) Why honesty is the only policy if you want your life insurance application to be approved. (3:25) Exactly how fast accelerated underwriting can go if everything goes smoothly. (4:54) Simple way your doctor's office might triple or even quadruple how long underwriting takes. (5:11) Why the insurance company will do a soft credit check and what it means for your credit score. (7:14) Reach out to me: valerie@alphaomegawealth.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-laroque-lacp-b569509 Infinite Banking Mastery (infinitebankingnorthwest.com)
You know about the underwriting process for life insurance, but you might be wondering exactly how it works and how long it should take. In this episode I'll explain what happens as soon as you sign the application, what an underwriter is looking for, and why honesty is absolutely your best policy throughout the process. I'll also share why underwriting can take longer than expected, but it's nothing to be afraid of. Listen now! Show highlights include: How bloated medical facilities can set back underwriting for weeks. (1:54) Accelerated vs. Full Underwriting: How they actually differ, and why either method will be thorough. (3:15) What to do if you can't remember essential details of your medical history. (5:19) Surprising volume of information your underwriter can see about you. (6:14) Why the insurance company cares about your speeding tickets. (7:07) Little-known company, started in 1902, and how it exerts a big impact on your insurance premium. (7:37) Do you have to be in perfect health to get life insurance? The answer might surprise you. (9:26) Why honesty is the ONLY policy if you want to be approved for life insurance. (10:34) Reach out to me: valerie@alphaomegawealth.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-laroque-lacp-b569509 Infinite Banking Mastery (infinitebankingnorthwest.com)
We've talked about how a Whole Life policy can "MEC," but the language around what makes this possible can be confusing. So I'm here to help with more information about the biggest risk to existing policies later becoming Modified Endowment Contracts. I'll also explain how knowing the way these policies can go wrong helps me build strong policies from the start. Listen now! Show highlights include: What a "material change in policy benefits" really means, and how it triggers re-testing for MEC. (0:58) Why dropping a term rider sooner than you planned can be a costly mistake. (1:43) "Overwhelm" reason to carefully watch your policy, even if you trust your agent. (5:23) How the "10/90" structure became popular with agents, and why I avoid it like the plague. (6:38) Counterintuitive reason you should want a higher base premium. (9:38) Nelson Nash's "anti-fancy" way to build policies. (10:29) The case for minimal term riders. (14:20) Reach out to me: valerie@alphaomegawealth.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-laroque-lacp-b569509 Infinite Banking Mastery (infinitebankingnorthwest.com)
You've heard that a Whole Life policy can "MEC." But what does that even mean? And what are the real-life consequences if your policy becomes a Modified Endowment Contract? The consequences are real and undesirable. So in this episode I'll explain what a MEC is: where it came from, how it happens, and what you can do to avoid it. I'll also help put your mind at ease about what to do if it ever happens to you. Because even though it isn't ideal, it doesn't have to ruin you. Listen now! Show highlights include: How TAMRA, an innocent-sounding act of congress, changed the landscape of Whole Life insurance. (0:49) What the "Seven Pay Test" is, and how it shapes the early years of your policy. (1:38) Little-known way your policy could MEC even if you've had it more than seven years. (2:45) MEC Demystified: What actually happens if your policy becomes a MEC. (3:12) Why Paid Up Additions riders exist, and the trouble they can cause you if they aren't carefully monitored. (3:42) Surprising reason to keep your policy if it becomes a MEC. (9:36) How overzealous agents could set you up for tax headaches. (10:23) Safeguards some companies use to rescue you from accidentally making your policy a MEC. (11:59) Why transferring your account value from a MEC policy to start a new policy is a terrible idea. (13:05) Reach out to me: valerie@alphaomegawealth.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-laroque-lacp-b569509 Infinite Banking Mastery (infinitebankingnorthwest.com)
You know you'll need to go through the underwriting process for Whole Life insurance so you can set up your Infinite Banking system, and you're wondering: "How long will this take?" In this episode I'll explain how long it usually takes, and why it sometimes takes longer. I'll also tell you what to expect in underwriting and share a real-world example of a case that took longer than usual, and the harmless reasons why. Listen now! Show highlights include: How long underwriting typically takes. (1:04) Two common things that prompt additional requirements for underwriting, and makes the process longer. (1:51) Why it's best to schedule a morning appointment with the exam company. (2:07) Chilling effect on your policy if you're dishonest when answering medical questions. (3:53) Surprising way nicotine can "gum" up your rate. (4:34) Why an occasional cigar doesn't automatically send your health rating up in smoke. (5:14) What underwriters are really looking for when they order medical records. (7:48) How medications can affect your application for better or worse. (13:32) Reach out to me: valerie@alphaomegawealth.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-laroque-lacp-b569509 Infinite Banking Mastery (infinitebankingnorthwest.com)
You're ready to start Infinite Banking and you want to replace or cancel existing life insurance contracts so your resources can go toward your new policy. Be careful! Some contracts have a provision that will leave you with just a fraction of the money you've put into the policy if you walk away. I'm talking about surrender charges. And in this episode I'll explain what they are, how they work, and how to navigate if your policy has one. I'll also explain which policies are most likely and least likely to have these charges. Listen now! Show highlights include: What to consider before canceling a policy so you don't make a costly mistake you can't fix. (1:04) Canceled a Whole Life policy and didn't get back every penny you put in? It's not a surrender charge: here's what happened. (3:47) Sneaky way IULs mask their unsuitability for Infinite Banking. (6:46) Want to get out of an IUL? Where to find the surrender charge schedule so you know what to expect. (9:21) Surprising real-life time when replacing a Whole Life policy made sense. (10:24) Reach out to me: valerie@alphaomegawealth.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-laroque-lacp-b569509 Infinite Banking Mastery (infinitebankingnorthwest.com)
You already know IBC can help you have a predictable income stream in retirement, but you might be wondering if there's even more you could do to brace for the uncertainty of your golden years. This episode is for you because I'll explain how to set up a product that works like a personal pension, how it works, and why now could be the absolute best time to consider this type of vehicle. Listen now! Show highlights include: Overlooked certainty (as sure as death and taxes) that will crush your standard of living if you're unprepared. (1:30) How the government's refusal to tackle the deficit threatens your freedom and wealth. (2:09) "Inevitable" reason the government will lower interest rates, and what it means for financial and insurance products when they do. (4:03) Why now might be the best opportunity for the rest of your life to acquire this financial vehicle. (6:14) How to create a "DIY pension." (9:50) Unprecedented way–not offered by most companies–to prepare yourself for long term care needs. (10:39) Reach out to me: valerie@alphaomegawealth.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-laroque-lacp-b569509 Infinite Banking Mastery (infinitebankingnorthwest.com)
A key benefit of Infinite Banking is the ability to borrow against the cash value in a Whole Life insurance policy. So you might be wondering: "Does it have to be specially built, or will any Whole Life policy work?" This is a great question because it helps us appreciate the difference between something that technically works and something that works for you the best it possibly can. In this episode, I'll explain why it's best to start with a Whole Life insurance policy specifically structured for IBC, when your interest is in creating a family banking system. I'll also share when it makes sense to use your existing Whole Life policy, even though you started it before you knew what Infinite Banking was. Listen now! Show highlights include: Essential provision your Whole Life policy must have if you're using it for IBC. (1:34) Why the actions you take matter more than compound interest. (2:19) Counterintuitive reason to repay yourself with more interest than the insurance company charges. (2:59) 3 ways your life insurance company can accept funds, and how it affects the extra interest you pay yourself on your loans. (4:28) Should you replace your traditional whole life policy? Here's when it makes sense to keep it. (11:07) Ideal way to start IBC, so you can have cash value available sooner. (11:32) Why you shouldn't use an IUL for Infinite Banking. (13:30) Reach out to me: valerie@alphaomegawealth.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-laroque-lacp-b569509 Infinite Banking Mastery (infinitebankingnorthwest.com)
It's time to bust another myth about Infinite Banking. This time I'm tackling the mistaken idea that borrowing against your life insurance policy makes you lose money. I'll explain where the confusion comes from, and the truth about IBC and borrowing. Listen now! Show highlights include: Surprising source of IBC confusion. (1:15) IBC loans "de-mystified." What actually happens when you take a policy loan. (1:45) Unique advantages to borrowing against your policy cash value, instead of from a bank. (2:04) Why life insurance loans are the most efficient type of loan. (3:59) 3 concerns that fuel confusion about life insurance loans. (5:00) Beware! Risks that actually could wreck your policy. (8:54) Bank Loans and Credit vs. Policy loans. The clear-cut winner. (12:27) Reach out to me: valerie@alphaomegawealth.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-laroque-lacp-b569509 Infinite Banking Mastery (infinitebankingnorthwest.com)
Some people think Infinite Banking is only for retirement planning. But while IBC is wonderful in retirement, it's a mistake to think it can only help you later in life. In this episode, I'll explain the multitude of ways IBC can help you plan in all stages, not just retirement. Listen now! Show highlights include: Key features of IBC and common pitfalls to avoid. (2:41) Unbelievable flexibility of IBC policy loans. (3:16) How IBC benefits entrepreneurs without making them debt slaves to banks. (5:28) Why you shouldn't borrow against your policy too often, even though you can. (6:24) How to make your emergency fund work harder, without losing access to funds when you need them most. (7:26) Distinguished way to help your kids or grandchildren with college expenses, and it doesn't hurt their FAFSA. (8:03) The simple move that smashes high-interest debt with low-stress rate and payment terms you choose. (9:00) IBC's "Carpe Diem" secret to capture time-sensitive opportunities — even in real estate. (10:12) Reach out to me: valerie@alphaomegawealth.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-laroque-lacp-b569509 Infinite Banking Mastery (infinitebankingnorthwest.com)
I've shared several details before about how I discovered IBC and started advising other people. But if you've ever wanted to know more, then you'll love this episode. That's because I'm sharing my recent appearance on the Infinite Banking Initiative podcast from the Nelson Nash Institute. And it is all about how I found IBC, and the impact it has on me and my clients. This is the most-detailed account I've shared about my journey from entrepreneur to IBC, and the bumps and detours I took along the way. Listen now! Show highlights include: The shocking job offer (right after I bombed an interview) that changed my life. (8:56) How 2008 shattered my perceptions and nearly forced me out of advising for good. (10:30) Random way I met my mentor, and the mindblowing 1-hour meeting that sold me on IBC. (14:18) My Raw reaction to Becoming Your Own Banker — and the "forbidden" word it embraced, but Wall Street couldn't handle. (19:49) What going "all in" on IBC really means — and how 9 policies power my financial life. (21:24) Real-life examples of how far IBC's flexibility can take you. (27:19) The one thing I'd change about my IBC journey, if I could. (29:31) Why it matters whether your advisor has a mentor. (31:16) The biggest myth about IBC — and why it melts under scrutiny. (33:52) Reach out to me: valerie@alphaomegawealth.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-laroque-lacp-b569509 Infinite Banking Mastery (infinitebankingnorthwest.com)
Some people look at the funds that go into a Whole Life Insurance policy built for Infinite Banking and think the money goes in and then you don't have control…at least not for a long time. But is that the truth? In this episode I'm tackling two more IBC myths head-on so you can have a clear view of what Infinite Banking is really like. I'll explain why–despite what critics say–IBC offers you unmatched control of your money, and benefits you can access from the very first day. Listen now! Show highlights include: Easiest loan process ever? How borrowing from your Whole Life policy compares to conventional bank loans. (1:52) Why borrowing against your 401K may not be the best idea, especially if you're under 60 or plan to change jobs soon. (2:18) What "margin call" actually is, and why you need to know before you think about borrowing against securities. (3:40) How HELOC beats a credit card, but can't keep up with IBC. (4:31) Does it really take a decade to see any benefits with IBC? What the timeline actually looks like. (5:40) Surprising truth about how quickly you can borrow against your cash value. (6:10) Reach out to me: valerie@alphaomegawealth.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-laroque-lacp-b569509 Infinite Banking Mastery (infinitebankingnorthwest.com)
Would you rather earn: $100,000 a day for 30 days or… Earn a penny that doubles every day for 30 days? Trick question. At the end of the 30 days, you would have earned $3 million at $100k per day. Not too shabby. But what about a penny that doubles every day for 30 days? A cool $10.7 million! So how is this possible? Well, it's all possible with Albert Einstein's "8th Wonder of the World" — uninterrupted compounding interest. Not only does Albert subscribe to this, but so does Tony Robbins, Warren Buffet, and Charlie Munger. And in today's episode, I reveal how to start snowballing your retirement fund with the power of uninterrupted compounding interest, so that you don't have to retire with all of your hope in the volatile stock market. Listen now! Show Highlights Include: Why you might not receive all of your savings if your bank collapses because of the insidious wording in a March 13 press release by the FDIC (2:09) How the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 legally forces you to bail out the banks instead of the government (2:24) Albert Einstein's "8th Wonder of the World" secret for amassing a Scrooge McDuck pile of wealth (without earning more or spending any time building your empire) (6:15) A simple experiment to 3x your nest egg in 30 days by filling up your wallet with a penny a day (7:59) How to snowball $100,000 into an enormous retirement fund with the power of a boring life insurance policy (10:00) Reach out to me: valerie@alphaomegawealth.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-laroque-lacp-b569509 Infinite Banking Mastery (infinitebankingnorthwest.com)
There are plenty of myths about Infinite Banking, and any of them could derail you from doing something great for you and your family. That's why I like to bust these myths. And today I'm busting two more. In this episode, I'll tackle the mistaken idea that IBC is just too complicated, and the faulty claim that IBC is a scam. You'll see the reality that IBC is a "too good to be true" thing that's actually true, and it's built on a stable foundation the wealthy have been relied upon for generations. Listen now! Show highlights include: Why I normally recommend borrowing against your policy instead of taking a distribution. (2:06) What you need to know before taking a distribution so you don't get an expensive visit from Uncle Sam. (2:58) Surprising reason lifelong bachelors shouldn't ignore their death benefit, even though it seems unimportant. (4:16) "Anti-Scam" reason Infinite Banking is completely above board. (7:30) Informative reason, proven repeatedly, you should read Nelson Nash before moving forward with IBC. (8:06) Nelson Nash' "naysayer secret" to overcome peer pressure and do what you know is right. (9:08) Reach out to me: valerie@alphaomegawealth.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-laroque-lacp-b569509 Infinite Banking Mastery (infinitebankingnorthwest.com)
It's easy to think only the wealthy can afford to use IBC. But is it true? In this episode, I'll show you why the Infinite Banking Concept isn't off-limits to anybody, even if you can't start with as much as a millionaire. I'll also explain why starting with a little today is better than starting with a lot next year. Listen now! Show highlights include: Real reason mega corporations (like Walmart and Wells Fargo) buy more life insurance than anybody. (1:39) "The $5,000 Question": Why some agents would say whole life isn't worth it if the client can't put $5,000 into the policy. Why it isn't true, and what they really mean. (5:28) "Snowball Effect." How a Whole Life policy keeps getting better, explained in simple terms. (6:27) How the flexibility built into Paid-Up Additions helps you keep your policy funded even when finances are tight. (8:41) Counterintuitive reason "testing the waters" doesn't work well for IBC. (9:38) How starting IBC before you're out of debt could be your best path to finally getting out of debt. (11:47) Reach out to me: valerie@alphaomegawealth.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-laroque-lacp-b569509 Infinite Banking Mastery (infinitebankingnorthwest.com)
It's not unusual for people to be serious about Infinite Banking, but hesitant about the process to get started. Is it complicated? Scary? Hard? Am I really ready?! If you've ever had any of those questions, this episode is for you! I'll give you an overview of how the process unfolds from our very first meeting all the way through having your policy in force and annual reviews. You'll be able to feel good about moving forward. Listen now! Show highlights include: First Meeting De-mystified: What it's like, why we do it, and what kind of questions to expect. (0:53) Why I ask so many questions about your savings and retirement. (2:01) Why you should take that insurance coverage at work, and the major detail you can't afford to overlook. (4:03) Widow's firsthand account reveals the surprising truth about how much insurance you actually need. (4:45) Best time to read Nelson Nash's book so you can optimize your IBC's effectiveness. (10:21) Three to six weeks?! Why underwriting takes so long, and why your doctor could make it take even longer. (14:47) What to do if you have more questions after underwriting is complete. (15:11) Reach out to me: valerie@alphaomegawealth.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-laroque-lacp-b569509 Infinite Banking Mastery (infinitebankingnorthwest.com)
You've done your homework and you're enthusiastic about the Infinite Banking Concept. But you're concerned your advisor might not feel the same way. Truth is, you might be right! And in this episode I'll share different reasons more advisors aren't on board with IBC. I'll also explain what you can do to make sure you can still take action on Infinite Banking, even if your advisor isn't sold on the idea. Listen now! Show highlights include: DIY Danger: How even a finance professional can get in trouble trying to use IBC without help. (2:29) How to handle an advisor who doesn't understand IBC like you do. (6:00) What the big banks actually do right, and how IBC lets you duplicate the strategy without risk and volatility. (7:27) Real reasons financial advisors might resist IBC. (7:39) "Why doesn't everybody know about Infinite Banking?" The startling but simple explanation. (9:15) How IBC's learning curve sends financial advisors off course. (9:58) Overlooked financial strategy Walt Disney and JC Penney leveraged to become household names. You can use it too! (12:41) Reach out to me: valerie@alphaomegawealth.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-laroque-lacp-b569509 Infinite Banking Mastery (infinitebankingnorthwest.com)
You've heard of Dave Ramsey. So you probably know one thing he loves almost as much as cutting up credit cards is putting down whole life insurance. Since he's helped so many people learn how to budget, and how to get out of consumer debt, it can be easy to think he really knows everything he talks about. But when it comes to whole life insurance, that's simply not the case. In today's episode I'll prove it by tackling several complaints Dave gives against whole life so you can separate genuine concern from uninformed claims. You'll see that with the help of an IBC practitioner, whole life insurance is a wonderful asset. And you'll notice how one's attitude about whole life changes dramatically when you look at it as an asset instead of treating it like an investment. Listen now! Show highlights include: The "lump" mistake Dave Ramsey makes that muddies the water, making it hard for you to understand the benefits of whole life insurance. (1:05) Why whole life and universal life are not the same, and why universal life can jeopardize your coverage when you need it most. (3:20) An "outright false" argument about the early years of a whole life policy. Don't let it scare you away from getting started. (4:23) The amazing shrinking death benefit. Why IBC shrinks the death penalty on purpose, and how it helps you save money in the long run. (6:14) Access Denied? Why you absolutely do not have to wait until you're dead to access your policy's full cash account. (7:04) How the process of "BYOB—Be Your Own Banker" can outperform conventional investments, if you are diligent about the process. (10:08) Reach out to me: valerie@alphaomegawealth.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-laroque-lacp-b569509 Infinite Banking Mastery