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Term vs. Cash Value Life Insurance: What Most People Don’t Know

Term vs. Cash Value Life Insurance: What Most People Don’t Know

May 19, 20251 min read

Term vs. Cash Value Life Insurance: What Most People Don’t Know

Most people choose term life insurance because it seems simple and affordable. But there’s a catch: term policies expire. After 20 or 30 years, they’re gone — and if you outlive them, you get nothing back.

So what’s the alternative?

Cash Value Life Insurance, often structured as an Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policy, gives you long-term protection and builds wealth along the way.

Key Benefits of Cash Value Insurance:

  • Builds Tax-Free Cash Value over time

  • Never expires as long as it’s funded

  • Can be accessed before age 59½

  • Provides both death benefit and living benefits

This isn’t just about insurance — it’s about creating an asset that works for your future.

“Once your term expires, that money is gone. But with a properly structured IUL, the money you’ve put in continues to grow — and you can access it tax-free when you need it.” — Brent Buffone

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About Brent Buffone Insurance Services

Soar Financial Group helps individuals, families, and small business owners forecast their financial future with personalized insurance and retirement strategies. Led by Brent Buffone, we specialize in life insurance, Medicare plans, mortgage protection, and tax-free retirement options — all delivered with care, clarity, and integrity.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between term life and cash value life insurance?

Term life provides coverage for a fixed period (e.g., 20 or 30 years) and typically has no payout if you outlive the term. Cash value life insurance, like Indexed Universal Life (IUL), builds savings over time and allows you to access your money later — even while you're still alive.

Can I really access money from a life insurance policy before I die?

Yes — with certain policies like IULs that offer living benefits. You can access funds in cases of chronic, critical, or terminal illness, and even use the policy as a tax-free retirement income source.

Why should I work with an independent broker instead of a big insurance company?

As an independent broker, Brent shops across 15+ top-rated insurance carriers to find the best plan for your needs and budget — with no bias or upselling. You get honest advice, better options, and one-on-one guidance.

When should I start planning for retirement?

The sooner the better — even if you're just starting your career. The earlier you begin, the more time you have to grow tax-free wealth and protect your future income. Brent can help you create a personalized, flexible plan at any stage.

How much does it cost to get a consultation?

Consultations are completely free. Brent will review your current situation, answer your questions, and help you understand your options — with no pressure to commit.

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