
Which Data and Metrics Should I Track for Track Infinite Banking?
A Comprehensive Guide to Tracking Cash Value and Other Key Metrics
Infinite banking, a strategy that entails using a dividend-paying whole life insurance policy as a financial instrument, has become increasingly popular among wealth builders and multi-generational families. The approach is lauded for its tax benefits, liquidity, and control it offers to the policyholder. The strategy essentially lets you build your our private family bank. However, tracking its performance meticulously is crucial for optimizing returns and ensuring you are steering your financial ship in the right direction. Here’s a breakdown of the key metrics and data you need to keep an eye on.
Cash Value Growth Rate
This is the bedrock metric for infinite banking. The cash value in your policy grows over time, offering a tax-free savings element. A consistent growth rate assures that your policy is performing as expected, enabling you to borrow against it when needed. The cash value growth rate should be compared year-over-year and against initial projections.
Dividend Rate
Whole life policies often pay dividends that can be reinvested into the policy or paid out in cash. Keep an eye on the dividend rate, as this has a direct impact on your policy’s cash value. This rate is generally a good indicator of the financial health of your insurance provider as well.
Loan Interest Rate
If you’re using the infinite banking system effectively, you’ll likely borrow against your policy‘s cash value at some point. Track the loan interest rates offered by the policy, as this will affect the cost of borrowing.
Premium Payment
Ensure that you’re meeting all premium payments on time to avoid any lapse in the policy. Monitor how much you’re paying in premiums relative to the cash value and death benefits. It will help you evaluate whether the policy is proving to be a sound financial instrument.
Death Benefit
Though often overlooked, the death benefit is a critical part of infinite banking. It not only serves as an estate planning tool but also acts as collateral when you’re taking loans against the policy. A growing death benefit can also be indicative of a well-performing policy.
Policy Fees and Charges
Various fees such as policy administration fees, mortality charges, and transaction fees may apply to your policy. Regularly reviewing these will help you maintain a clearer picture of the net returns on your investment.
Tax Implications
One of the advantages of infinite banking is its tax benefits. However, rules can change. Always keep an updated record of the current tax laws concerning whole life policies to maximize tax efficiency.
Liquidity
Measure the speed and ease with which you can access the cash value in your policy. This impacts your flexibility in utilizing this tool for investment or expenses.
ROI (Return on Investment)
Compare the returns you’re getting through your infinite banking system with other investment opportunities. Although infinite banking is a long-term strategy, knowing your ROI helps in making informed decisions about diversifying your portfolio.
This guide is for informational purposes and should not replace financial advice from a qualified professional. Always consult with your financial advisor for personalized recommendations.
Need More Information About Infinite Banking?
We offer plenty of resources to help you with understanding Infinite Banking.
- Take our free IBC course
- See our IBC learning videos
- Read our Living Wealth blog
- Check out our infinite banking YouTube channel
- See a list of the best infinite banking books
- Read our in-depth page that answers the most common Infinite Banking Concept questions
- Infinite banking concept glossary of terms
- Contact us

How Do I Become My Own Banker?
Becoming Your Own Banker Explained
Infinite banking is a financial strategy, sometimes called IBC, or the infinite banking concept, that can allow you to take control of both your savings and your debt needs, helping you become your own banker.
Did you know that the average American spends 25% to 35% of their income on interest through things like real estate, new cars, education (student loans), and credit cards and tries to save 10% of what they make?
Conventional financial planning focuses on what to do with the 10% savings portion of your income. The infinite banking concept focuses on how to redirect the 25% to 35% you’ll spend paying off debts like your mortgage, car loans, student loans, and credit cards. Instead of lining the pockets of the bank shareholders, you’ll be lining the pockets of the policy owner, which is you.
If you are curious about the infinite banking concept and how it works, keep reading. Because we are about to introduce how infinite banking works and how it can help fulfill your financial dreams and bring financial freedom to your life through becoming your own banker.
What is Infinite Banking?
So, first things first. What is infinite banking? Infinite banking was invented by finance expert R. Nelson Nash in the early 1980s. At the time, Nash was struggling to meet high-interest rates on loans that he had taken out with traditional banks.
He was in financial trouble and started to contemplate the reasons behind this. He realized that as long as the banks determined the interest rates and the terms—he would be at their mercy. So Nash decided to find a solution, and in doing so, he developed a revolutionary yet simple idea: He created the infinite banking concept.
Back in the 1980s, whole life insurance policies were highly common (it was only in recent years that term policies came to dominate the market). Nash realized that he could take control of his personal finances by creating his own bank, or fund, from which to borrow, by taking out a whole life insurance policy and using it to borrow from when needed. He figured out how to become his own banker and decided to teach people how they, too, could become their own banker.
To grasp how this works, let’s look at how whole and term life insurance policies work.
Term Life Insurance Policies Defined
Term life insurance policies are the most common type of life insurance purchased today.
They provide a policyholder with life insurance for a specific period. The terms are based on the individual at the time that they take out the policy.
While term policies are much cheaper than whole life policies, they can be more costly in the long run.
For example, a 25-year-old man takes out a life insurance policy for a term of 20 years. He is in excellent health and does not have a high-risk occupation. Therefore, his monthly payments are set to a low amount of $15 dollars per month.
After 20 years, the policy expires. He then takes out a new policy. However, he is now 45 and has pre-cursors for heart troubles. His premium is now $90 per month.
What’s more, he has lost all the money that he put into the initial policy.
Now let’s take a look at whole life insurance policies.
What is a Whole Life Insurance Policy?
Unlike term policies, whole life insurance policies are for the duration of a holder’s life. Some policies have a cut-off point of 99 or 98 years of age. However, at this point, the accumulated policy is then paid out. The holder is then free to pass it on to his or her next of kin.
The drawback to whole life insurance policies is that they initially require much higher monthly payments than term insurance, with the average monthly payment hovering around $165.
However, as time passes, this amount begins to even out against term policy premiums. What’s more—the money invested in whole life policies is yours and is guaranteed to pass to your family, or to you if you live over the age of 99.
Whole Life Insurance and Infinite Banking Work Together
So what is it about whole life insurance that allowed Nelson Nash to it to create a personal bank?
Here is the key. Whole life policies allow you to borrow against the accumulated premiums that you have paid in. While this attracts interest, the interest is set at the time you take out the policy.
This process uses dividend-paying whole life policies as the vehicle for your savings. By using whole life insurance, your savings are guaranteed to grow tax-free and also participate in the profits of the insurance company through a dividend (not guaranteed). Not only is your money in a stable, tax-free growth environment, but you have the freedom to access your funds at any time.
The freedom to access your money at any time is the real power of Infinite Banking. By taking loans out against the accumulated cash values of your life insurance policy, you’ll be maximizing the work of your money. When you take a loan out, your cash values continue to grow and receive dividends even with a loan against the policy.
So, instead of putting cash into a 401k or IRA, and using a bank for the major purchases in your life, you can put cash into your whole life policy and take loans against your cash value for those purchases. As you pay back your loans to your policy, the same way you would with a real bank, you’re the one who recaptures the interest – treating your money the same way a bank does. You have, in essence, become your own banker.
What is more, as the money is actually yours, you can take a loan against it at any time (providing it is equal to, or less, than your accumulated premiums). The insurance company also won’t need to see credit scores, collateral, or proof of employment or income.
Essentially, Infinite Banking allows you to build up your own bank from which you can draw from at any time, without having to jump through hoops or pay high-interest rates. You can use it to finance a new car, buy real estate, or fund any other purchase that you would normally finance through a bank or traditional lender because of limited cash flow.
Not only is Infinite Banking the most efficient way of using your money in your lifetime, but it’s also the most efficient way to pass on wealth to family members, loved ones, or charities.
Benefits of the Infinite Banking Concept
Here are the benefits of the infinite banking concept and becoming your own banker:
- Borrow at any time from a policy.
- The interest rate never changes.
- The interest rate is lower than that of traditional lenders.
- There’s no set term to pay back the policy loan.
- You don’t have to make set monthly payments.
- Pay back the loan at your own pace.
- Money drawn from a whole life insurance policy is not deemed as income by the IRS.
- Income earned from your savings is not considered taxable by the IRS, so it is a tax-free investment.
- Use it to improve cash flow.
See more IBC advantages here.
Infinite Banking 101 Course
Infinite Banking is a process, not a product. You can learn more about it on this site. Our goal is to teach you the underlying philosophy of banking, the most profitable business of all time, and explore how this concept can be implemented in your life.
If you are interested in learning more about the infinite banking concept, along with other financial concepts that can activate your financial freedom—make sure you take our free Infinite Banking course.
Infinite Banking Resources to Become Your Own Banker
Here is a series of free resources that will help you better understand the infinite banking concept. They are designed to help you to start reclaiming your finances, and putting them back into your hands:
- Library of videos and webinars
- Summary of Nelson Nash’s book Becoming Your Own Banker
- Ebooks
- Dollars and Nonsense – Our podcast about Infinite Banking
- Who is Nelson Nash?
- Infinite Banking Glossary of Terms
- What is Private Family Banking?
- Is Infinite Banking a Scam: Here is the truth
- Infinite Banking Blog
- Infinite Banking: Everything Your Need to Know
Learn About Infinite Banking With Our Podcast
Dollars and Nonsense is our massively popular infinite banking podcast that will teach you about how to use infinite banking to become your own banker.
Here are some episodes to get you started with IBC:
- Top beginner questions asked about infinite banking
- Unexpected benefits of infinite banking
- Common advanced questions about infinite banking
- Three key strategies to be successful with infinite banking
- Infinite banking success stories
Private Consultation and Infinite Banking Policy
Finally, if you feel unsure where to start with the infinite banking concept, contact us to set up a private consultation. We are in the business of helping you achieve financial independence and become your own banker. We can help you acquire an infinite banking policy to start your IBC wealth-building strategy.

Tax Advantages of Infinite Banking: A Comprehensive Guide
Of the key benefits of the infinite banking concept is related to how tax affects your wealth. Here’s a look at the tax advantages of Infinite Banking and why it can benefit an IBC practitioner.
Before diving into the tax benefits, it’s essential to understand the infinite banking concept itself. Originated by Nelson Nash in the early 1980s, infinite banking involves using a whole life insurance policy as a financial instrument to “become your own bank.” The idea is to leverage the cash value of the policy for loans, investments, or other business needs, thereby bypassing traditional banking institutions.
Tax-Free Withdrawals
One of the standout benefits of infinite banking is the ability to take out tax-free withdrawals from the cash value of the whole life insurance policy. The IRS generally treats these as a “return of principal,” provided the withdrawals do not exceed the total amount of premiums paid into the policy.
Tax-Deferred Growth
Your cash value grows on a tax-deferred basis, which means you don’t have to pay taxes on the interest, dividends, or capital gains that accrue within the policy. This tax-deferred growth allows your money to compound more quickly than it would in a taxable account, offering a way to maximize your long-term investment potential.
Loans Are Not Income
When you borrow from your whole life insurance policy, the IRS doesn’t consider this borrowed money as taxable income. This can be a strategic advantage when you need to access large sums of money for business ventures or investments, without the burden of additional tax liability.
Death Benefits
Upon the policyholder’s death, beneficiaries receive the death benefit, which is generally income-tax-free. This tax benefit can be crucial for estate planning, potentially providing a substantial windfall for your heirs without the complications of federal income taxes.
Estate Tax Benefits
In the context of estate planning, whole life insurance policies used in infinite banking can also be structured to minimize or even eliminate estate taxes. With the proper use of trusts and other legal vehicles, the death benefit can often be passed on to beneficiaries without incurring federal estate taxes.
Caveats and Considerations
It’s crucial to consult with tax professionals and financial advisors familiar with the infinite banking concept before diving in. Mismanagement of the policy, such as withdrawing more than the premiums paid or failing to pay back loans, could trigger tax consequences.
Infinite banking is not a one-size-fits-all solution and may not be suitable for everyone. Therefore, it’s essential to consider your individual business needs, investment goals, and tax situation before implementing this strategy.
Need More Information About Tax Advantages of Infinite Banking?
We offer plenty of resources to help you with understanding the tax advantages of Infinite Banking.
- Take our free IBC course
- See our IBC learning videos
- Read our Living Wealth blog
- Check out our infinite banking YouTube channel
- See a list of the best infinite banking books
- Read our in-depth page that answers the most common Infinite Banking Concept questions
- Infinite banking concept glossary of terms
- Contact us

What is Cash Value in a Whole Life Insurance Policy?
When it comes to financial planning and securing your family’s future, life insurance is a crucial tool in your arsenal. While term life insurance offers straightforward protection for a specific term, whole life insurance takes it a step further by providing both protection and an intriguing cash-building component known as “cash value.” In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what cash value is, how it works, and why it can be a valuable asset in your financial portfolio.
What is Cash Value in Whole Life Insurance?
At its core, cash value is a savings or investment component attached to certain types of life insurance policies, with whole life insurance being the most prominent example. Unlike term life insurance, which purely offers a death benefit, whole life insurance combines a death benefit with a cash value component. This cash value grows over time and can be accessed, borrowed against, or used to enhance your overall financial strategy.
How Cash Value Accumulates
Cash value in a whole life insurance policy accumulates in several ways:
- Premium Payments: A portion of each premium payment you make goes toward the cash value. This is one of the key differences between whole life and term life insurance.
- Guaranteed Interest: Whole life policies typically offer a guaranteed minimum interest rate on the cash value. This ensures that your cash value grows steadily, regardless of market fluctuations.
- Dividend Earnings: Some whole-life policies, known as participating policies, may pay dividends. These dividends can be used to purchase additional coverage, deposited into the cash value, or taken as cash.
How Cash Value Benefits Policyholders
Now that we understand what cash value is and how it accumulates let’s delve into why it’s valuable:
- Access to Funds: One of the primary benefits of cash value is that it provides you with access to funds within the policy. You can withdraw a portion of the cash value or take out a policy loan. These withdrawals and loans are often tax-free and can be used for various purposes, such as covering unexpected expenses or funding opportunities.
- Liquidity: Cash value adds liquidity to your financial portfolio. Unlike some other investments, you can access your cash value without penalties or market restrictions. This can be especially valuable during emergencies.
- Tax Advantages: The growth of cash value within a whole life policy is typically tax-deferred. This means you won’t pay taxes on the cash value’s growth as long as it remains within the policy. Additionally, policy loans are generally tax-free, providing a tax-efficient way to access funds.
- Legacy Planning: The death benefit of a whole life policy ensures that your loved ones receive a tax-free inheritance. This can be a significant part of your estate planning, offering financial security to your beneficiaries.
- Asset Protection: In many states, the cash value within a life insurance policy is protected from creditors. This means that even in challenging financial times, your cash value remains shielded.
- Guaranteed Growth: Whole life policies come with guaranteed minimum interest rates. This provides stability and predictability in your cash value’s growth, making it a reliable part of your long-term financial strategy.
- Diversification: Cash value within a whole life insurance policy can serve as a conservative, stable component of your overall investment portfolio. It complements riskier assets like stocks and bonds, adding a layer of diversification.
How to Use Cash Value Wisely
While cash value offers numerous advantages, it’s essential to use it wisely to maximize its benefits. Here are some strategies for leveraging cash value effectively:
- Emergency Fund: Use the cash value as an emergency fund. It can be a reliable source of funds when unexpected expenses arise.
- Financing Opportunities: Consider using cash value to finance opportunities such as starting a business, purchasing real estate, or funding education. The interest rates on policy loans are often favorable compared to traditional lenders.
- Retirement Income: Some policyholders choose to use their cash value as a source of retirement income. This can be done by taking policy withdrawals or loans during retirement, providing a tax-efficient income stream.
- Estate Planning: If you have a sizeable estate, the death benefit from your whole life policy can help cover estate taxes and ensure your heirs receive their inheritance intact.
Cash value in a whole life insurance policy is more than just a perk; it’s a powerful financial tool that offers liquidity, tax advantages, and growth potential. Whether you’re looking to protect your family’s financial future, build wealth, or achieve specific financial goals, understanding and utilizing the cash value component of your whole life policy can be a smart move. As with any financial decision, it’s crucial to consult with a financial advisor to tailor a strategy that aligns with your unique circumstances and objectives. So, consider this versatile financial instrument as you plan for your future and secure your financial legacy.
The Role of Cash Value in Infinite Banking: A Powerful Financial Strategy
Cash value is a central component of the Infinite Banking Concept (IBC). In the context of Infinite Banking, cash value plays a crucial role as it forms the foundation for the strategy. Let’s explore how cash value relates to Infinite Banking:
1. The Source of Infinite Banking Funds:
Infinite Banking revolves around using a specially designed whole life insurance policy as a source of financing for various purposes. The cash value within this policy is the source of funds that policyholders can access. Instead of relying on traditional banks or lenders, individuals practicing Infinite Banking use the cash value in their insurance policies to finance investments, purchases, and other financial needs.
2. Policy Loans as a Key Mechanism:
Within the Infinite Banking Concept, policyholders have the option to take out policy loans against the cash value of their whole life insurance policies. These loans are typically available at a competitive interest rate and can be a powerful way to access funds. Importantly, the cash value in the policy serves as collateral for these loans. As the policyholder repays the loans, the money flows back into the policy’s cash value, creating a cycle of borrowing and repaying.
3. Growth and Safety of Cash Value:
Cash value in a whole life insurance policy is designed to grow over time. It often includes guaranteed interest rates, which provide a stable and predictable rate of growth. This growth is crucial within the context of Infinite Banking, as it ensures that the pool of funds available for loans and other financial transactions continues to increase. Additionally, the cash value is protected from market fluctuations, providing a level of safety not found in many other investment options.
4. Tax Advantages:
Cash value within a whole life insurance policy, including the gains from policy loans, is often treated with favorable tax treatment. Generally, the growth is tax-deferred, and policy loans are typically tax-free. This tax efficiency enhances the effectiveness of the Infinite Banking strategy, as it allows policyholders to access funds without incurring immediate tax liabilities.
5. Versatility in Financial Transactions:
Cash value offers flexibility in how policyholders can use the funds. Whether it’s for investments in businesses, real estate, or other opportunities, or simply for personal financing needs, the cash value can be used for various financial transactions. This versatility aligns with the Infinite Banking philosophy of becoming your own source of financing.
6. Legacy and Long-Term Wealth Building:
Cash value also plays a role in legacy planning. The death benefit of the whole life insurance policy ensures that your heirs receive a tax-free inheritance. By continuously growing the cash value and using it strategically during your lifetime, you can pass on a more substantial financial legacy to your loved ones.
Cash value is an integral component of the Infinite Banking Concept, serving as the financial engine that powers the strategy. It provides liquidity, growth potential, tax advantages, and flexibility, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking to become their own source of financing and build long-term wealth. However, it’s essential to work with a knowledgeable infinite banking advisor to structure your Infinite Banking plan effectively, as the specific policy design and strategy can vary based on individual goals and circumstances.
Need more information?
We offer plenty of resources to help you get started with infinite banking and leveraging cash value.
- Take our free IBC course
- See our IBC learning videos
- Read our Living Wealth blog
- Check out our infinite banking YouTube channel
- See a list of the best infinite banking books
- Read our in-depth page that answers the most common Infinite Banking Concept questions
- Infinite banking concept glossary of terms
- Contact us

How the Infinite Banking Concept Works
Infinite Banking is a financial strategy that uses whole life insurance as a vehicle for growing and managing wealth. Below, we unpack the nuts and bolts of the strategy to show you how the Infinite Banking Concept works and how it can be a transformative tool for your finances.
What is Infinite Banking?
Infinite Banking is a financial philosophy that empowers individuals and businesses to become their own “bank.” Essentially, it involves taking out a dividend-paying whole life insurance policy and using its cash value as a form of self-financing. The goal is to borrow against the policy’s cash value for business expenses or investments and pay it back on your terms. This strategy creates a financial environment where you control the capital rather than relying on traditional lending institutions.
The Mechanics of IBC and How the Infinite Banking Concept Works
Here’s how the Infinite Banking Concept works:
1. Policy Purchase: First, you purchase a dividend-paying whole life insurance policy. The key is to opt for a policy that accrues cash value over time.
2. Cash Value Accumulation**: After a certain period, the policy will have accumulated a cash value that you can borrow against. This cash value grows tax-free and at a guaranteed minimum interest rate, depending on the insurance provider.
3. Loans and Repayments: You can take loans against this cash value for virtually any purpose—business investments, capital expenses, or even personal uses. The interesting part is that you set the repayment terms.
4. Dividends: As you pay back the loan, the cash value of your policy continues to grow, often at a faster rate, due to dividends paid on the policy. These dividends can either be reinvested into the policy or taken out as cash.
5. Death Benefit: Besides the financial benefits, the whole life policy also comes with a death benefit that gets paid out tax-free to your beneficiaries.
Advantages of IBC
Liquidity and Control
Traditional loans come with strings attached—fixed repayment schedules, interest rates, and often a say in how you use the loan. With Infinite Banking, you control the capital, thereby providing liquidity and financial freedom for your business.
Tax Benefits
The growth in your policy’s cash value is tax-deferred, and loans taken against it are generally tax-free, offering a significant advantage compared to other financial instruments.
Asset Protection
In many jurisdictions, the cash value in a whole life insurance policy is protected against creditors, providing a safeguard for your business assets.
Caveats and Considerations for IBC
In the spirit of balanced reporting, it’s crucial to note that Infinite Banking is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here are a few points to ponder:
- Start-Up Capital: A sizable initial investment is often required to fund the whole life policy sufficiently.
- Policy Fees: Whole life insurance policies can come with fees and administrative costs that might make them less efficient than other investment vehicles, depending on your financial objectives.
- Time Horizon: The benefits of Infinite Banking typically manifest over a longer time horizon. Therefore, it might not be ideal for short-term financial goals.
The Infinite Banking Concept, though not a new revelation, is gaining momentum as a sustainable financial management tool for businesses. With its ability to offer control, liquidity, and asset protection, it warrants a closer look by anyone serious about long-term financial stability and growth.
For people seeking to untether themselves from traditional banking constraints, Infinite Banking offers an intriguing alternative. However, as with any financial strategy, due diligence and consultation with financial advisors are crucial steps before diving in.
Infinite Banking holds particular promise for those that have a clear understanding of their financial trajectories and are looking for flexible, long-term solutions. But remember, this is a long game. Patience and a commitment to understanding the intricacies of this financial model are key to reaping its full benefits.
Interested in a free consultation?
Contact our team for a free 30-minute advisory call to hep you get started or to answer your questions. Click here
Need more information?
We offer plenty of resources to help you get started with infinite banking and further teach you how the Infinite Banking Concept works.
- Take our free IBC course
- See our IBC learning videos
- Read our Living Wealth blog
- Check out our infinite banking YouTube channel
- See a list of the best infinite banking books
- Read our indepth page that answers the most common Infinite Banking Concept questions
- Infinite banking concept glossary of terms
- Contact us

Questions to Ask an Infinite Banking Advisor
Finding the right infinite banking advisor can be tough. A lot of people claim expertise, yet a few smart questions can help you determine if they are right for you before you hire them to help implement the Infinite Banking Concept (IBC) effectively,
An experienced and knowledgeable IBC advisor can be the linchpin in helping you build and manage a successful infinite banking strategy. To ensure you make an informed choice, we have provided 10 critical questions to ask.
Additionally, we have also added five extra questions that may also provide useful insights into an IBC advisor’s expertise. Here at Living Wealth, we are well-practiced at providing answers to these questions to our IBC clients. Contact us if you’d like a consultation.
1. What Is Your Experience with Infinite Banking?
Begin by assessing the advisor’s experience with IBC. Inquire about their background, including how long they have been working with IBC, the number of clients they have assisted, and their track record of helping clients achieve their financial goals using this concept. Experience matters significantly in navigating the nuances of IBC effectively.
A seasoned advisor likely has encountered a variety of financial scenarios and can offer valuable insights based on real-world experiences. They should be able to share examples of clients they have assisted in implementing IBC successfully.
2. Are You Familiar with Whole Life Insurance?
IBC primarily revolves around whole life insurance policies. It’s essential to ensure your advisor has in-depth knowledge of this specific type of insurance. Ask them about their familiarity with whole life insurance, their understanding of its features, and how it aligns with IBC principles.
A proficient IBC advisor should be able to explain how whole life insurance policies work, including the mechanism of building cash value, dividends, and the benefits of this type of insurance for IBC.
3. Can You Provide References or Case Studies?
One of the best ways to assess the capabilities of an advisor is to ask for references from past clients or inquire about specific case studies that showcase their success stories with IBC. This will provide you with a real-world perspective on how they have helped clients achieve their financial goals using the Infinite Banking Concept.
When contacting references, consider asking about the advisor’s communication style, level of responsiveness, and their ability to customize IBC strategies to meet individual client needs.
4. How Do You Customize IBC Strategies?
Recognize that every individual’s financial situation is unique. To harness the full potential of IBC, it’s crucial to have an advisor who can tailor strategies to align with your specific financial goals and needs.
Ask the advisor about their approach to customization. Do they conduct a thorough financial assessment to understand your goals and risk tolerance? How do they adjust IBC strategies based on changing circumstances?
5. What Companies and Policies Do You Recommend?
While IBC can be implemented with different insurance companies and policy types, the choices made can significantly impact your strategy’s success. Inquire about the advisor’s recommendations and the reasons behind selecting specific options.
A knowledgeable advisor should be able to provide a rationale for their recommendations, considering factors like the financial strength of the insurance company, policy dividends, and the flexibility of the policy.
6. How Do You Handle Policy Funding and Premiums?
Understanding the mechanics of funding and premiums is fundamental to managing an IBC strategy. Ask the advisor to explain how they approach premium payments, what funding strategies they recommend, and how these strategies align with your financial goals.
A competent advisor should be able to guide you in optimizing your premium payments to maximize cash value growth while maintaining policy performance.
7. What Are the Fees and Charges Involved?
To make an informed decision, it’s crucial to be transparent about the costs associated with both the advisor’s services and the policies they recommend. Different insurance products may have varying fee structures, and advisors may charge fees for their guidance.
Request a breakdown of all fees and charges, including advisor fees, policy fees, and any other associated costs. Understanding these costs upfront will help you assess the overall affordability of the IBC strategy.
8. How Do You Address Tax Implications?
Tax considerations are a critical aspect of any financial strategy, including IBC. Inquire about how the advisor addresses tax implications within the IBC strategy. This includes understanding potential tax advantages and implications when borrowing from your policy or receiving policy dividends.
An adept advisor should be well-versed in the tax implications of IBC and provide guidance on how to optimize your strategy to minimize tax liabilities.
9. Can You Explain the Risk Factors?
Like any financial strategy, IBC carries inherent risks. Ask the advisor to outline potential risks associated with IBC and how they mitigate these risks within your strategy. Understanding the risks will help you make informed decisions about the level of risk you are comfortable with.
A responsible advisor should be candid about potential downsides and have strategies in place to minimize these risks.
10. What Ongoing Support Do You Offer?
The journey with IBC doesn’t end once your strategy is in place. It’s essential to inquire about the level of ongoing support and monitoring the advisor provides. This includes regular reviews of your strategy to ensure it continues to align with your financial goals.
Ask about their availability for questions or concerns and whether they offer educational resources to help you stay informed about the progress of your IBC strategy.
5 More Questions to Ask an Infinite Banking Advisor
Here are five more questions you can add onto your list when interviewing an infinite banking advsior.
11. Can You Provide a Financial Projection?
Request a financial projection or illustration that demonstrates how an IBC strategy is expected to perform over time. This can give you a clearer picture of the potential outcomes and growth of your policy.
12. How Do You Handle Policy Loans?
Policy loans are a fundamental aspect of IBC. Inquire about the advisor’s approach to policy loans, including interest rates, repayment strategies, and how they ensure that policy loans don’t jeopardize your strategy’s performance.
13. Are You Familiar with State-Specific Regulations?
Different states may have varying regulations related to insurance and financial products. Ensure that your advisor is familiar with the regulations specific to your state and can tailor your IBC strategy accordingly.
14. Some Infinite Banking Advisor Use Too Much jargon. Can You Explain the Concept in Simple Terms?
Complex financial jargon can be intimidating. Ask the advisor if they can explain IBC concepts in simple, easy-to-understand language. This will help you grasp the intricacies of your strategy more effectively.
15. How Do You Keep Abreast of Industry Changes?
The financial industry is constantly evolving. Inquire about the advisor’s commitment to staying informed about the latest developments in IBC, tax laws, and insurance products. This ensures that your strategy remains up-to-date and aligned with current best practices
Read More
Infinite Banking vs. Traditional Banking: Understanding the Key Differences
The Infinite Banking Concept popularized by Nelson Nash is very different from the conventional banking model that most of us are familiar with. So, let’s examine infinite banking vs traditional banking and their fundamental differences. We’ll also review the unique advantages and principles that set them apart.
The Basics
Let’s start with the basics, comparing infinite banking to traditional banking.
Traditional Banking
Traditional banking refers to the well-established system of banking that most individuals and businesses rely on. It involves depositing money into savings or checking accounts with a bank, which then lends out a portion of those deposits to other customers at interest rates. Traditional banks offer services such as loans, mortgages, and savings accounts.
Infinite Banking
The Infinite Banking Concept, on the other hand, is a financial strategy that revolves around utilizing whole life insurance policies to create a personal banking system. Instead of depositing money into a traditional bank, individuals fund a whole life insurance policy, allowing them to accumulate cash value over time. This cash value can be accessed through policy loans, effectively turning the insurance policy into a source of personal financing.
Ownership and Control
Ownership and control of money in infinite banking are very different from traditional banking.
Traditional Banking
In a traditional banking system, individuals deposit their money into a bank, relinquishing ownership and control of those funds. The bank holds and manages the money, using it for various purposes, including lending to other customers or investing it for its own profit. Account holders have limited control over how their funds are used.
Infinite Banking
With the Infinite Banking Concept, individuals maintain ownership and control of their cash value within the whole life insurance policy. They can access this cash value at any time through policy loans, and the policy continues to grow regardless of whether a loan is outstanding. This level of control allows for greater financial flexibility and the ability to leverage the cash value for various purposes.
Interest and Growth
Interest generation and growth of wealth is very different when it comes to infinite banking vs traditonal banking.
Traditional Banking
Traditional banks pay relatively low-interest rates on savings accounts, and borrowers pay higher interest rates on loans and credit cards. The spread between the two rates represents the bank’s profit margin. Customers benefit from the convenience of a bank but often receive limited returns on their deposits.
Infinite Banking
In the Infinite Banking Concept, the cash value within the whole life insurance policy grows at a guaranteed rate, often higher than the interest rates offered by traditional banks. Additionally, policyholders have the opportunity to earn dividends, further increasing the growth of their cash value. This means that individuals can potentially enjoy higher returns on their money compared to traditional savings accounts.
Tax Benefits
Let’s look at how tax applies to the two different systems.
Traditional Banking
Interest earned on savings accounts in a traditional bank is typically subject to taxation. Additionally, capital gains from investments may also incur taxes when realized. These tax implications can reduce the overall return on investment for individuals.
Infinite Banking
Cash value growth within a whole life insurance policy is tax-deferred, meaning that individuals do not pay taxes on the growth as long as it remains within the policy. Policyholders can access this cash value through policy loans without triggering taxable events. This tax advantage can significantly enhance the overall financial benefits of the Infinite Banking Concept.
Flexibility and Versatility
Is infinite banking a more flexible tool compared to traditional banking? Here’s what you need to know.
Traditional Banking
Traditional banks offer a limited range of financial products and services, primarily focused on savings and lending. Customers are often subject to strict lending criteria, and approval for loans may be challenging for some individuals.
Infinite Banking
The Infinite Banking Concept provides individuals with a flexible and versatile financial tool. Policyholders can use the cash value for various purposes, including funding business ventures, paying for education, or covering unexpected expenses. Since policy loans are self-directed, individuals have greater control over how and when they access their funds.
Legacy Planning
Wealth transfer is another difference between the two approaches.
Traditional Banking
Traditional banks do not typically offer a built-in mechanism for transferring wealth to future generations. Inheritance planning may involve complex legal and financial arrangements.
Infinite Banking
The Infinite Banking Concept can serve as a valuable tool for legacy planning. Policyholders can pass on their whole life insurance policies, along with the accumulated cash value, to heirs, providing a tax-efficient and seamless way to transfer wealth to the next generation.
Two Very Distinct Approaches to Wealth
As yuo can see, infinite banking vs traditional banking is a fascinating comparison of two distinct approaches to managing personal finances and building wealth. Here is the bottom line:
- While traditional banking offers convenience and familiarity, it often falls short in terms of financial control, growth potential, and tax benefits.
- The Infinite Banking Concept empowers individuals with ownership, control, and the potential for higher returns on their money through a carefully structured whole life insurance policy.
- The choice between Infinite Banking and traditional banking depends on a person’s financial goals, risk tolerance, and long-term vision.
- Exploring these differences can help individuals make informed decisions about how to optimize their financial strategies and secure their financial futures.
Need Help With Infinite Banking or More Information on Getting Started?
For a free consultation with our infinite banking experts at Living Wealth, click here. We can help get you started and answer any questions you may have. Also, see our beginners course and infinite banking podcast.
Home » For Beginners
Sign up for our FREE Beginner’s Course that breaks down the philosophy simply and shares real-life examples to demonstrate how it works.