Life Insurance Review. helping to ensure your life insurance coverage meets today s goals

Transcription

1 Life Insurance Review helping to ensure your life insurance coverage meets today s goals

2 Life. your way Strive to live your dream and plan for the if in life. Discover the flexibility of life insurance protect, accumulate and transfer wealth now and in the future. Be free to live life, your way.

3 ARE YOU ADEQUATELY PROTECTING THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF YOUR LIFE? HAVE YOU PROPERLY PLANNED FOR THE UNEXPECTED? HAVE LIFE CHANGING EVENTS OCCURRED SINCE YOU ORIGINALLY PURCHASED YOUR?LIFE INSURANCE COVERAGE? Life insurance offers unique benefits. A life insurance death benefit can avoid probate and income tax when received by your loved ones and can often be purchased for relatively small premiums in comparison to the death benefit provided. With a properly structured and funded life insurance policy, you may also have access to income tax-free 1 funds that can be used to help satisfy a variety of objectives during your lifetime. Life Insurance Benefits May Include: A substantial death benefit in exchange for a series of relatively low premium payments 3 Cash death benefit for taxes, or living expenses while the estate is settled An income tax-free death benefit to your beneficiaries Estate tax-free proceeds, with proper planning 2 The potential to accumulate assets on a tax-deferred basis A source of tax-free funds 1 to satisfy a variety of objectives, including education and retirement With life insurance you may be fulfilling your promises to yourself, your family and your business. 1 A note about life insurance distributions: Distributions are generally treated first as a tax-free recovery of basis and then as taxable income, assuming the policy is not a Modified Endowment Contract (MEC). However, different rules apply in the first fifteen policy years, when distributions accompanied by benefit reductions may be taxable prior to basis recovery. Non-MEC loans are generally not subject to tax but may be taxable when the policy lapses, is surrendered, exchanged or otherwise terminated. In the case of a MEC, loans and withdrawals are taxable to the extent of policy gain and a 10% penalty may apply if taken prior to age 59½. Always confirm the status of a particular loan or withdrawal with a qualified tax advisor. Cash value accumulation may not be guaranteed depending on the type of product selected. Investments in variable life insurance are subject to market risk, including loss of principal. 2 Properly structured and funded inside an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT). 3 The cost of life insurance premiums depend on a variety of factors such as age, health status and amount of coverage being purchased. Please ask your financial professional for a personalized illustration for additional details. 1

4 have y you fully evaluated the economic value of your life? Over time, the economic value of your life, or the potential expenses of your heirs, may have increased. Are you aware of the factors you may need to consider? Some of these factors may include: Changes in income or net worth Educational funding for children or grandchildren Continuing financial responsibilities to your family or community Debts or other financial obligations Divorce, child support or blended family obligations Desire to protect your business assets, partners or key employees 2

5 yexperienced life changing events since purchasing your life insurance coverage? Our lives are constantly changing and evolving. Many of these life changes can necessitate revisiting your current life insurance coverage. Some of these changes include: 1. Marriage or divorce 2. Birth of a child or grandchild 3. New home purchase 4. Disability 5. Owning a business 6. Change in business valuation 7. Retirement 8. Education for your children 9. Elder care for your parents 10. Charitable intentions 3

6 review your needs Having already purchased life insurance, you understand that there are expenses that your loved ones may be counting on you to provide even after your death, or that you simply wish to provide even for them. Even though you may have used great care and forethought when purchasing your coverage, life insurance isn t an asset that can be purchased and forgotten. You should review all aspects of your policy approximately every one to two years as well as any time you experience a life changing event. You may find that the coverage you have already purchased still meets your needs, but you may need to make certain changes like investment subaccounts or beneficiary designations. Sometimes you will find that your need for insurance coverage has either increased or decreased. You may find occasionally that due to changes in your health, medical advances or industry competition you may be able to purchase the same death benefit for less premium. 4 It is extremely important to review your life insurance coverage regularly with your financial professional to ensure that the coverage you have purchased is still providing the intended protection at a reasonable cost. 4

7 LUIS & MARIA STARTING OUT FAMILIES OUR LIFESTYLE has changed so quickly in the last few years, that we need to reconsider our life insurance needs. THE CONCERN THE SOLUTION THE BENEFIT Luis and Maria bought a term life insurance policy to pay off their student loans and mortgage in the event Luis died unexpectedly. Since purchasing the policy, the couple has had two children and Maria has stopped working. 4 This document is not designed to encourage life insurance replacement, life insurance is medically underwritten. A change in policy may require a medical examination. You should not cancel your current coverage until your new coverage is in force. Surrender charges may be due on an exchange of one contract for another. Surrenders may also be taxable. You should consult your own tax advisors regarding tax liability on surrenders. Due to their changed circumstances, their financial professional recommends a life insurance review and points out several things to them. The term life policy they purchased and Luis s group term coverage through his employer are not enough to pay off the mortgage, help Maria raise the children and pay college tuition. Moreover, even though the premium they pay for their term coverage is now level, it, will likely have an increase in price when the current term expires. Finally, they need to add their children to their policies as contingent beneficiaries. 5 Through a life insurance review, their financial professional shows them how they can meet more of their needs by purchasing coverage at appropriate levels. Luis and Maria now understand the importance of reviewing their insurance coverage periodically as their family grows and their needs change. This example is hypothetical, actual results will vary.

8 PAUL & MARGARET COUPLES USING A TRUST WE THOUGHT our trust was on auto-pilot, but our financial professional opened our eyes to the need for a regular review. THE CONCERN THE SOLUTION THE BENEFIT Paul and Margaret set up their estate plan ten years ago. As part of the plan they set up an irrevocable trust and the trustee purchased two second to die policies on their lives from two different companies. One was a participating whole life policy; the other was a universal life policy. The couple has diligently made gifts to the trust for premium payments each year and the trust is in good shape. However, no one including the trustee has reviewed the life insurance policies since the trust was set up. At the urging of their financial professional and CPA, Paul and Margaret contacted the trustee and asked to have the policies reviewed. After a thorough analysis, it was determined that neither policy was performing as expected. Both were sold using assumptions that, while normal for life insurance policies ten years ago, are unrealistically high in today s environment. The participating whole life policy had experienced dividend cuts over the last ten years. The universal life policy was being credited over 500 basis points (5%) lower than the illustration upon which the policy was sold, the policy would now require premiums be paid an additional twelve years over the original period illustrated. Part of the review also included evaluating newer policies on the market for price and with regard to Paul and Margaret s current insurability. Paul quit smoking about seven years ago. As a result, his moderately high blood pressure and cholesterol levels are now within normal ranges for his age. They were pleased to discover that Paul is now eligible for preferred non-smoker rates where the previous policies had each been issued at Table B and smoker. He had never thought of informing his existing carriers of these positive changes in his health. With the new policies and improved underwriting ratings, Paul and Margaret s trust now owns life insurance with an approximately 20% higher death benefit and a reduced period of premium payments. This example is hypothetical, actual results will vary. 6

9 GEORGE & SPENCER BUSINESS OWNERS BUILDING THIS BUSINESS has been our focus. Now that we have a financial professional to focus on our business planning needs, we can get back to what we do best. THE CONCERN THE SOLUTION THE BENEFIT George and Spencer are co-owners in a business. Some years ago they established a cross-purchase business continuation plan where each planned to buy-out the other in the event of a death. They funded the insurance with a combination of permanent and term coverage. The permanent coverage was variable universal life, intended to provide a source of supplemental income if the death benefit was not needed by retirement. The term was intended to cover any gaps in the potential value of the business between their current valuation and what the business might be valued at the time of one of their deaths. The business has now grown well beyond their expectations. Their financial professional discovers that their current coverage is no longer sufficient to accomplish their goals. Initially, George and Spencer had planned to sell the business to a third party at retirement and had only planned on purchasing each other s shares in the event of death prior to that time. Now, they have decided that they would like to continue this arrangement indefinitely and eliminate the sale to a third party. Because George and Spencer have each decided to sell their share of the business to the surviving partner, even after retirement, a term policy designed to expire at retirement is no longer suitable for their needs. Fortunately, their current term policy has a conversion privilege that can be used to fund part of the new variable universal life insurance policy with a higher death benefit to meet their current needs. At this time, their financial advisor also reviews the investment options in the variable policies and make some changes to the subaccounts they have chosen. By converting their existing term insurance to universal life insurance policies which will provide coverage for their lifetimes, the survivor will be able to purchase the other half of the business no matter when the first partner dies. They are also hopeful that the changes they have made to the variable policies subaccounts will provide the potential for higher returns. 5 5 Returns are not guaranteed. Variable life products are subject to market risk and may lose value, including loss of principal. This example is hypothetical, actual results will vary. 7

10 Core Stories for the ifs in Life. There are concepts that focus on helping you or your business: Create financial protection for your family Grow equity which help to preserve your lifestyle, and Leave a legacy to the ones you love This material is part of a series of financial strategies using life insurance named Core Stories for the ifs in Life. These materials are designed to aid you and your financial professional in understanding the benefits of life insurance as a key financial asset within your overall portfolio. Life insurance is a flexible product that offers death benefit protection and may also offer an opportunity to save for your own future. Evaluating all available financial opportunities may help you reach your financial goals. Life insurance is one of those opportunities providing protection for today and helping prepare for tomorrow. 8

11 Please work with your financial professional to learn more about MetLife s Core Stories for Life.

12 Prospectuses for Equity Advantage Variable Universal Life, and for the investment portfolios offered thereunder, are available from MetLife. The policy prospectus contains information about the policy s features, risks, charges and expenses. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses of the investment company carefully before investing. The investment objectives, risks, and policies of the investment options, as well as other information about the investment options, are described in their respective prospectuses. You should read each applicable prospectus thoroughly and consider this information carefully before investing. Product availability and features may vary by state. MetLife life insurance policies have limitations, exclusions, charges, termination provisions and terms for keeping them in force. There is no guarantee that any of the variable investment options in this product will meet its stated goals or objectives. The cash value is subject to market fluctuations so that, when withdrawn, it may be worth more or less than its original value. Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability and financial strength of the issuing insurance company. Pursuant to IRS Circular 230, MetLife is providing you with the following notification: The information contained in this document is not intended to (and cannot) be used by anyone to avoid IRS penalties. This document supports the promotion and marketing of insurance products. You should seek advice from an independent tax advisor based on your particular circumstances. MetLife, its agents and representatives may not give tax or legal advice. Any discussion of taxes herein or related to this document is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be complete or cover every situation. Tax law is subject to interpretation and legislative change. Tax results and the appropriateness of any product for any specific taxpayer may vary. You should consult with and rely on your own independent legal and tax advisors regarding your particular set of facts and circumstances. Guarantee Advantage Universal Life is issued by MetLife Investors USA Insurance Company on Policy Form Series 1E NY. Legacy Advantage Survivorship Universal Life is issued by MetLife Investors USA Insurance Company on Policy Form Series 5E and in New York only by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company on Policy Form Series 1E NY. Equity Advantage Variable Universal Life is issued by MetLife Investors USA Insurance Company on Policy Form Series 5E and in New York only by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company on Policy Form Series 1E NY-1. Whole Life is issued by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company on Policy Form Series 8-90(08). MetLife Promise Whole Life is issued by MetLife Investors USA Insurance Company on Policy Form 5E and in New York only by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company on Policy Form 1E NY. Guaranteed Level Term is issued by MetLife Investors USA Insurance Company on Policy Form Series 5E and in New York only by First MetLife Investors Insurance Company on Policy Form Series 5E NY. All are MetLife companies. Variable products are distributed by MetLife Investors Distribution Company. Variable products are offered through MetLife Securities, Inc. and New England Securities Corporation; both at 1095 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY (member FINRA/SIPC). May 2011 Insurance Products Are: Not A Deposit Not FDIC-Insured Not Insured By Any Federal Government Agency Not Guaranteed By Any Bank Or Credit Union May Go Down In Value Metropolitan Life Insurance Company First MetLife Investors Insurance Company 200 Park Avenue New York, NY metlife.com MetLife Investors Distribution Company MetLife Investors USA Insurance Company 5 Park Plaza, Suite 1900, Irvine, CA CLVL21690 L [0613] 2011 METLIFE, INC.

13 Life Insurance Review Fact Finder To complete this fact finder, please work with your financial services representative who can help you determine the answers to these questions and provide details on the available options. This information will be used to create a life insurance illustration and other reports that are customized to your personal situation.. Life your way SM Personal Information Name(s): Address: City, State, Zip code: Phone: Cell phone: Financial Representative Information Name(s): Company: Office address: Phone: Fax: Life Insurance Information Date of birth: General health: Good Average Poor Spouse/partner date of birth: Smoker: Yes No General health: Good Average Poor Smoker: Yes No What type of existing coverage would you like to review? Single life coverage insuring your life Single life coverage insuring your spouse/partner s life Survivorship coverage insuring both lives Survivorship coverage insuring both lives Other, please explain (please describe and include date of birth, health and tobacco usage of any proposed insured)

14 How much death benefit is needed? or solve for death benefit based on premium level increasing Do you want to illustrate death benefit guarantees with the proposed product? Yes No How will premiums be paid? level premiums for life level premiums for minimum number of years possible level premiums for years Other (please describe): What type of product would you prefer? Universal Life Variable Universal Life Whole Life If Variable Universal Life, what gross rate would you prefer to illustrate % (Cannot be higher than 10%) If this is a Section 1035 exchange, what is the estimated amount that may be exchanged into the new contract? Is there any other important information to consider? Additional Insurance Information What is your current life insurance need? $ Why was your current life insurance purchased? Survivor needs Retirement income Key Person protection Estate planning Business continuation Other: Is the current policy owned by a trust? Corporation? Information on Current Insurance Coverage Prepare copies of this section for each existing policy. MetLife s Insurance Review illustration can compare up to nine current policies. Name of current company: What was the policy issue date? / / What is the name of the policy owner? Who is the policy s insured? What is the current annual premium? For how many years? Type of policy: Universal Life Variable Universal Life Participating Whole Life Non-participating Whole Life Term Group Term Graded Premium Other: Are there any loans on the existing policy? If yes, what is the outstanding loan amount? $ Is this policy a Modified Endowment Contract (MEC)? What is the current crediting rate shown on the in-force ledger? % If there is a guaranteed crediting rate shown, please enter it here. %

15 Existing Rider Information Type of Rider Name of Rider Cost of Rider Death benefit guarantee Beyond age 100 Child death benefit Return of premium Spousal death benefit Other: Source of information on this policy Actual policy Employer In-force ledger Other: NOTE: For a Life Insurance Review You Must Fully Complete the Policy Information Below Values to Illustrate for the Proposed Life Insurance This illustration will compare your current life insurance policies to a new MetLife policy. We always show the current year, plus two additional years of your choice. When the policies are permanent insurance, this should be based on an in-force ledger obtained from the existing insurance carrier. If the policies are term insurance, enter zero in fields where there are no insurance values, or enter the anticipated future costs based on the term life insurance illustration. Note: If you are comparing more than one policy, be certain to keep the years you are comparing consistent across all policies. Years to compare: Current Year Year Death benefit: $ $ $ Cash value: $ $ $ Account value: $ $ $ Cumulative premiums paid (to date): $ $ $ Guaranteed death benefit: $ $ $

16 Pursuant to IRS Circular 230, MetLife is providing you with the following notification: The information contained in this document is not intended to (and cannot) be used by anyone to avoid IRS penalties. This document supports the promotion and marketing of insurance products. You should seek advice based on your particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. MetLife, its agents and representatives may not give legal or tax advice. Any discussion of taxes herein or related to this document is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be complete or cover every situation. Tax law is subject to interpretation and legislative change. Tax results and the appropriateness of any product for any specific taxpayer may vary depending on the facts and circumstances. You should consult with and rely on your own independent legal and tax advisors regarding your particular set of facts and circumstances. Life insurance is medically underwritten. You should not cancel your current coverage until your new coverage is in force. Surrender charges may be due on an exchange of one contract for another. A change in policy may require a medical examination. Surrenders may be taxable. You should consult your own tax advisors regarding tax liability on surrenders. Prospectuses for Equity Advantage Variable Universal Life, and for the investment portfolios offered thereunder, are available from MetLife. The policy prospectus contains information about the policy s features, risks, charges and expenses. The investment objectives, risks and policies of the investment options, as well as other information about the investment options, are described in their respective prospectuses. You should read the prospectuses and consider this information carefully before investing. Product availability and features may vary by state. MetLife life insurance policies have limitations, exclusions, charges, termination provisions and terms for keeping them in force. There is no guarantee that any of the variable investment options in this product will meet their stated goals or objectives. The account value is subject to market fluctuations so that, when withdrawn, it may be worth more or less than its original value. All product guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability and financial strength of the issuing insurance company. Guarantee Advantage Universal Life is issued by MetLife Investors USA Insurance Company on Policy Form Series 5E and in New York, only by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company on Policy Form Series 1E NY. Legacy Advantage Survivorship Universal Life is issued by MetLife Investors USA Insurance Company on Policy Form Series 5E and in New York, only by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company on Policy Form Series 1E NY. Equity Advantage Variable Universal Life is issued by MetLife Investors USA Insurance Company on Policy Form Series 5E and in New York, only by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company on Policy Form Series 1E NY-1. MetLife Promise Whole Life is issued by MetLife Investors USA Insurance Company on Policy Form 5E and in New York, only by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company on Policy Form 1E NY. Guaranteed Level Term is issued by MetLife Investors USA Insurance Company on Policy Form Series 5E and in New York, only by First MetLife Investors Insurance Company on Policy Form Series 5E NY. All are MetLife companies. All guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability and financial strength of the issuing insurance company. Variable products are distributed by MetLife Investors Distribution Company, 5 Park Plaza, Suite 1900, Irvine, CA Variable products are offered through MetLife Securities, Inc. and New England Securities Corporation; both at 1095 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY (member FINRA/SIPC). July 2011 Insurance Products Are: Not A Deposit Not FDIC-Insured Not Insured By Any Federal Government Agency Not Guaranteed By Any Bank Or Credit Union May Go Down In Value MetLife Investors Distribution Company 5 Park Plaza, Suite 1900 Irvine, CA metlife.com CLVL21691 L [0613] 2011 METLIFE, INC.