Tax Savvy Financial Tools in the Form of Life Insurance and Annuities

“Oftentimes these products are sold based on the moment in time,” said Richard Coppa, managing director of Wealth Health, a financial advisory firm. “A couple of years ago, they were sold on guaranteed returns of 6 or 7 percent because people were so fearful. Today, it’s uncertainty about taxes because many of the favorable tax treatments out there are subject to negotiation.”

Many financial products are created with the intention of easing your fears about the future financial health of your loves ones and a means to retire. So it really is no surprise that two increasingly popular financial products on the market today are life insurance and annuities.

Turns out these products may be tax savvy, too. But are they right for you?

Regardless, you really need to do your due diligence when it comes to life insurance and annuities. A recent article in The New York Times titled “Getting the Full Picture on Annuities and Insurance” points out the obvious – both of these products are heavily marketed. Beyond the hype, much of the marketing focuses on their tax savings characteristics.

Can these tools be tax savings devices? Indeed, if placed within a solid overall plan. Nevertheless, it is important not to lose sight of the true purpose behind these products and the cost-benefits of any particular policy.

At the very least, it would be worth your time to read the original article. It will help you understand how powerful these products can be, how you can use them, and where they might fit into an overall plan.

To talk with an attorney about your estate planning needs, visit www.elderlawannarbor.com.

Reference: The New York Times (May 10, 2013) “Getting the Full Picture on Annuities and Insurance”