Running With the Bulls
The Bull’s are out, but how long can this bull market run?
If you’ve been waiting on a sign, the FED just gave the markets the all clear, and it’s literally off to the races.
That’s the scary part… You get the excitement of running with the bulls, but do you really want to be in the streets when the bulls come stampeding through?
Bull Run or Market Hype?
At their recent meeting, Federal Reserve Chief, J Powell said “Inflation has eased from its highs”. When asked about lowering rates, he said he didn’t want to put a number on things, but the FOMC did. They are already suggesting a .75% rate cut in 2024, and up to a 2% cut in rates over the next few years.
Meanwhile the stock markets rallied and the bulls are off and running.
BUT… Are you making money?
Here’s the unspoken obvious. You have to sell to make a profit, and if you can’t sell or if you have FOMO, then you may experience some growing pains.
I’m not opposed to making money in the markets, but what strategy do you have in place to take advantage of market opportunities, while protecting yourself from loss?
IRS Qualified Retirement Plans
Maybe you’ve been putting your hard earned income into a government retirement plan, like a 401(k), 403(b), IRA or even a ROTH.
These plans are literally like putting your money away in prison. Even if you wanted to sell some of your stocks or funds while the markets are at all time highs, you can’t without suffering the consequences.
You understand that the IRS (ie the government wardens) are guarding the prison gate. And, they have rules for your contributing to and distributing from these accounts.
You’ll have to pay taxes, and a penalty, if you’re going to access your money before age 59 1/2… It’s in jail.
And worse, you probably know that in most states, the administrators of these plans (ie BlackRock, Vanguard, etc) are using MSCI/ESG scores to pick stocks and funds for investors.
Environmental Social Governance (ESG)
According to information gathered from Schwab, BlackRock and Morngingstar websites, ESG is a term used to describe various investing approaches that emphasize environmental, social and governance factors in addition to risk and return. ESG ratings try to measure a company’s exposure to long-term, financially relevant ESG risks.
When speaking about BlackRock’s ESG stance, CEO, Larry Fink addressed things from a global perspective. He said the firm would double the number of exchange traded funds (ETF) and index funds to 150. He didn’t specify what that meant for the U.S., but iShares’ ESG funds have been growing in recent years with roughly 4% using ESG strategies.
Fink said BlackRock would develop a sustainable LifePath target-date strategy, and work to build adoption of ESG strategies among retirement plans.
Is that what you want from your retirement plan?
But, I digress.
Alternatives to Investing
What can you invest in that’s not subject to government rules or bank control?
The answer is YOU!
You are the best investment. And, you can find other investments that interest you, not company stocks whose beliefs you may oppose.
Opportunities for Investing
While market volatility continues on Wall Street, the majority of people can only hope and pray that they won’t lose their lifetime of savings. But if you’re patient, and you own a capitalized, whole life insurance policy, you can take advantage of the opportunities that will come.
During hard times, opportunities arise, so having access to capital is crucial when timing these opportunities.
IRS Penalties
You can’t do that with a government retirement plan without stopping by the warden’s office to pay your taxes and penalties. The prison warden has your money on lockdown, locked up in the government slammer, controlled by politiicans who are spending money they don’t have while imposing restrictions and regulations on how you manage your money. Get out of line, and the penalties could be stiff, you have no recourse.
A Better Way
The good news is, there is a better way to grow your wealth and protect your family and savings.
A custom designed whole life insurance policy puts you in control. You control the contract and you can become the banker. Your dollars work harder, even in bad times, and you can have access to the capital with few limitations.
These participating policies offer multiple uses of every dollar:
- Financial protection for you and your family
- Liquidity, use and control of your money
- A safehaven for your savings, uncorelated to the markets
- Guaranteed, predictable, and competitive growth every year
- Tax advantages for growth, withdrawals and benefits to your heirs
- Financing options on your terms
- Inflation protection
- Privacy
IRS Rules or IBC Freedom
Unlike government retirement plans, life insurance policies are private contracts, and the growth within the policy is not reportable to the IRS. With an Infinite Banking Concept (IBC) designed policy, loans are also tax free.
Most states offer creditor protection, and your privacy is protected. So you can reduce legal and accounting costs.
As the policyowner, you own and control the contract. And, since it’s a “unilateral” contract, the company can’t change the contract without your consent. It’s a legal and binding agreement.
You can access the cash value of your policy at any time. You won’t have to qualify with credit scoring, tax returns or otherwise beg for a loan. And there’s nothing in the contract that requires you to pay loans back on a certain schedule, you’re the banker!
So, the next time you need access to capital, you can literally fire your banker, and set the terms for your own loan.
Passive Income Time
When you decide to take passive income or retire from your job, there are no restrictions, penalties or required minimmum distributions.
You can take tax free withdrawals in a number of ways. So, you don’t have to worry about rising tax rates.
As a matter of fact, you can increase your spendable income from those other plans using our safe, income strategies that utilize whole life insurance.
So, if you’re tired of the government shenanegans, and concerned about risking your investments in the Wall Street casino… Then maybe it’s time to fortify your plan with centuries old, tried and proven, whole life insurance.
You’ll finally be able to know the guaranteed value of your savings plan at any time, now, and for the rest of your life.
You shouldn’t have to ask permission or have to qualify to tap into your financial resources.
Bulls or Bankers
Take control of your finances and start thinking like a banker. When you do, you can run with the bull markets and protect yourself from volatility.
If I can help you get started with Infinite Banking, just let me know.
I’m your advocate,
Barry Page
P.S. Make 2024 your best year ever, you can! Get started with a financial review, click this link: https://legacyinsuranceagency.com/contact/apply
P.P.S Check out our videos on Infinite Banking and subscribe to learn more. https://www.youtube.com/@legacymoney