Why do brokers and financial advisors recommend whole life insurance?

Asked by: Chet Rolfson  |  Last update: January 28, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (14 votes)

The cash value on a whole life insurance policy grows at a set rate, and returns are dependable. They're not subject to the ups and downs of the market, so you won't lose any money if the market takes a turn. This differs from other permanent policies, like variable life insurance and variable universal life insurance.

Why is whole life insurance typically recommended by agents and financial advisors?

The main reason anyone should buy a whole life insurance policy is because they need, or at least want, a life-long death benefit. This is a death benefit that pays out whenever you die, whether at 32 or 102. Obviously, everyone is going to die, so a whole life policy held until death IS going to pay out eventually.

Why do many financial experts prefer term life insurance to whole life insurance?

It depends on your needs and wants. If you only need life insurance for a relatively short period of time (such as while you have minor children to raise), term life may be better because the premiums are more affordable. If you need permanent coverage that lasts your entire life, whole life is likely preferred.

Why do financial advisors recommend life insurance?

Insurance can add predictability and security to your financial plan. Another benefit of insurance is that it can add some predictability to your legacy and estate plan. Investments, real estate, business interests and other investment assets can vary in value over time. A life insurance policy provides predictability.

What is a red flag for a financial advisor?

Look for financial planners who are fiduciaries, which means they have a legal duty to look out for your best interests. "If a 'financial planner' offers the same advice or products without tailoring their recommendations to your individual goals, that's a red flag," says Lawrence.

Why I Love Overfunded Whole Life Insurance (2019)

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What financial advisors don t tell you?

10 Things Your Financial Advisor Should Not Tell You
  • "I offer a guaranteed rate of return."
  • "Performance is the only thing that matters."
  • "This investment product is risk-free. ...
  • "Don't worry about how you're invested. ...
  • "I know my pay structure is confusing; just trust me that it's fair."

What to avoid in a financial advisor?

If a financial advisor you previously trusted exhibits any of these behaviors, it is worth having a conversation with them or even considering changing advisors altogether.
  • They Ignore Your Spouse. ...
  • They Talk Down to You. ...
  • They Put Their Interests Before Yours. ...
  • They Won't Return Your Calls or Emails.

How much do financial advisors make from selling life insurance?

Insurance products: There can be big incentives associated with selling insurance products. Some advisors may see commissions as high as 70% of the first year's premium. After that, they may receive an additional 3% to 5% of the premium per year as long as the policy is active.

Do most people have whole life insurance?

Whole life insurance is the most common type of permanent life insurance policy that people purchase, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). Like most permanent life insurance policies, whole life also offers a savings component called cash value.

Does Suze Orman recommend life insurance?

Suze Orman is a big supporter of term life insurance policies, and she firmly believes that those types of policies are the best ones to have. She insists that term life insurance policies are cheaper than whole and/or universal life insurance policies and that they just make sound financial sense.

What is the downside of whole life insurance?

A more complex product than term life insurance. Higher premiums than term life insurance. Could be costly if coverage lapses early.

When should you switch from term to whole life insurance?

When to convert term life insurance. You must decide to convert your term policy to whole life insurance before the original policy expires. It's best to make the change when you realize your circumstances are going to change or you need coverage longer than you first thought.

Why would you choose whole life insurance?

Whole life insurance is designed to last your entire life. It will never expire as long as you continue to pay premiums, which will never change. In addition to a guaranteed death benefit for your beneficiaries, it can help allow you to build cash value, which accrues interest over time.

Do fiduciaries recommend whole life insurance?

A Fee Only Fiduciary Financial Advisors Thoughts

Whole life insurance is simply not an investment. It's an expensive form of life insurance that can have a place in a persons financial plan - but not positioned as an investment.

Why do insurance agents push whole life?

So, sales reps may try to push a whole life policy, which is life insurance that lasts until the policyholder's death and includes a tax-advantaged cash value savings component. Whole life coverage is more expensive, leading to more commission income for the agent.

At what age should you stop whole life insurance?

There isn't any age cut-off that makes life insurance no longer worth it; it's all about your personal situation. That being said, it is often worth having life insurance after 65 if you have dependents who rely on you financially.

Why do millionaires get whole life insurance?

Whole life insurance can provide tax-free dividends

For someone looking to build up wealth to cash in on during retirement, Secco says that dividends can accumulate over time and be used as a tax-free pool of money. However, Secco says that using life insurance as a savings vehicle is a long-term strategy.

Why do financial advisors push life insurance?

Many financial advisors view life insurance as an important part of the financial planning and wealth protection services they offer their clients. Life insurance offers financial protection to surviving beneficiaries in the event the insured policyholder dies.

What is the commission on whole life insurance?

Commission structures vary by policy and company. But typically, life insurance agents receive as commission 60% to 80% of the premiums you pay in the first year. They collect smaller commissions in subsequent years. Added up, 5% to 10% of all the premiums you pay over the life of the policy could go to commissions.

How do financial advisors get paid on life insurance?

Commission-based: Compensation to the advisory firms and their advisors will come from the sales of certain financial products. Some examples of these transactions are life insurance, annuities, and pooled-investment products, such as mutual funds.

How much does a Fidelity financial advisor cost?

Gross advisory fee applicable to accounts managed through Fidelity® Strategic Disciplines ranges from 0.20% to 0.49% and gross advisory fee applicable to accounts managed through Fidelity® Wealth Services ranges from 0.50%–1.04%, in each case based on a minimum investment of $2 million.

How to tell if your financial advisor is bad?

7 Signs Your Financial Advisor Is Terrible
  1. They are a part-time fiduciary.
  2. They get money from multiple sources.
  3. They charge excessive fees.
  4. They claim exclusivity.
  5. They don't have a customized plan.
  6. You always have to call them.
  7. They ignore you or your spouse.

Who is the most trustworthy financial advisor?

The Bankrate promise
  • Top financial advisor firms.
  • Vanguard.
  • Charles Schwab.
  • Fidelity Investments.
  • Facet.
  • J.P. Morgan Private Client Advisor.
  • Edward Jones.
  • Alternative option: Robo-advisors.

What not to do when hiring a financial advisor?

6 Mistakes People Make When Choosing A Financial Advisor
  1. Hiring an advisor who is not a fiduciary. ...
  2. Hiring the first advisor you meet. ...
  3. Choosing an advisor with the wrong specialty. ...
  4. Picking an advisor with an incompatible strategy. ...
  5. Not asking about credentials. ...
  6. Not understanding how they are paid.