Home / IUL and universal life
Understand IUL. Decide with confidence.
Indexed universal life (IUL) is permanent life insurance with cash value. Interest credits are linked to an index under the policy terms; you do not invest directly in that index. Coverage depends on keeping the policy in force. Charges can reduce cash value even when indexed interest has a floor.
Who it’s for
- People exploring a long-term life insurance need
- People who can sustain a long-term funding plan
- Policyowners who want to understand an existing IUL
- Anyone comparing permanent coverage with term life
What I check before I recommend it
- Your coverage goal and budget. We start with the people you want to protect and payments you can sustain.
- Guaranteed and nonguaranteed values. An illustration is a projection, not a promised result.
- Charges and funding. Review insurance costs, fees, surrender charges and lapse risk.
- Alternatives. Compare term, whole life and other approaches before deciding.
In plain English
How indexed universal life works
Your premium helps fund life insurance costs and cash value. The policy specifies how interest is credited. Caps, participation rates or spreads can limit indexed credits, and terms can change within the contract limits. A crediting floor does not prevent policy charges from reducing your cash value.
Flexible premiums require ongoing attention. Paying less than the amount needed to sustain the policy can reduce cash value and lead to lapse. Review lower-crediting scenarios and the annual policy statement.
Loans can accrue interest, reduce available benefits and increase lapse risk. Surrender or lapse with loans may have tax consequences. Discuss your circumstances with a qualified tax professional before relying on a loan strategy.
Questions
IUL and universal life questions people ask me
Can I lose cash value in an IUL?
Yes. Insurance costs and other charges continue even when the index-crediting rate is at its floor. Low credits, insufficient funding or loans can reduce cash value and affect how long coverage lasts.
Does IUL invest my money in the stock market?
No. An index helps determine interest credits under the policy formula. You do not directly own the index or its stocks through an IUL policy.
How much does IUL cost?
There is no single price. Age, underwriting, death benefit, riders and the funding plan all matter. Request an actual carrier illustration and a breakdown of charges before deciding.
Is IUL better than term life?
They serve different coverage needs. Term covers a chosen period and generally has lower initial premiums. IUL adds cash value and potentially long-term coverage, with more costs and ongoing funding responsibilities.
What happens after I request a conversation?
Leif reviews your request and responds through the channel you choose. You can discuss your coverage goal, budget and questions before considering an application. No medical or financial documents are needed in this form.
Other coverage I help with
States where I’m licensed
Let’s figure out what your family needs.
Call me or send a quick note. You’ll hear back from me, not a call center.