401(k) vs. Life Insurance: Which Is Better for Retirement?

Both life insurance and a 401(k) can serve as investment tools. Determining which is the better choice for you will depend on your long-term goals. Because they serve different purposes, you may be interested in both.

401(k) plans are better for retirement planning. The returns are typically better because they are designed for retirement and will benefit you once you end your career. On the other hand, life insurance is better for estate planning because it focuses on the death benefits that your loved ones will receive if you pass away.

Although some types of life insurance have a savings portion, that is only a bonus, and investment returns aren’t very good. In most cases, including variable life insurance, returns aren’t even guaranteed. That said, these types of policies make a life insurance retirement plan an option to consider for those interested in leaving a legacy or supporting dependents after passing.

Life insurance and 401(k) plans can benefit individuals concerned about their future financial situation; they have different purposes, but you could choose either or both as part of your retirement plan.

401(k) plans are employer-managed savings plans for retirement. A certain amount from a participating employee’s paycheck is allotted to the account. Meanwhile, life insurance offers financial protection for the policyholder’s beneficiaries. You pay a premium to your insurance provider to maintain coverage. It’s mainly focused on the death benefit, but some types have an investment component that may help with retirement savings.

A 401(k) retirement fund is typically company-sponsored and is part of an employee benefits package — signing up means using a portion of your salary as a contribution to your retirement account. On the other hand, life insurance mainly offers protection to beneficiaries in the event of their death to cover large expenses, such as a mortgage. It may not be an ideal retirement plan. Although the cash value from permanent life insurance can be a supplementary tool to retirement savings, it shouldn’t replace a 401(k) or another retirement plan.

A life insurance retirement plan (LIRP) is a strategy that utilizes the cash value component of a permanent life insurance policy to provide retirement income. The policyholder contributes premiums that exceed the cost of insurance, allowing the excess to accumulate in a cash value account, which grows tax-deferred.

Policyholders can then take tax-free loans against their policy's cash value during retirement, providing a stream of income. Although the death benefit decreases by the loan amount, a life insurance retirement plan can be invaluable for those seeking additional retirement vehicles, especially if you have already maxed out other tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k) plans or IRAs. LIRPs offer flexibility and tax benefits but require careful planning to ensure the premiums are affordable and the policy remains in force.

Generally, permanent life insurance has two components: the death benefit and cash value. Having these leads to a higher insurance rate.

The death benefit is the amount beneficiaries receive when the policyholder dies. Cash value is the savings component of a permanent life insurance policy, such as whole life and universal life. It’s invested and may earn interest. You can access it after a certain amount of time.

Read below to see how life insurance and 401(k) rates compare.

When planning for retirement, it’s wise to consider the different financial instruments you can use. Knowing the benefits of each can help you weigh your options well. For instance, a 401(k) may have better savings potential, but life insurance offers a death benefit.

The table below compares 401(k) plans and life insurance in terms of benefits.

While both 401(k) plans and life insurance policies help achieve a robust financial strategy, each carries inherent risks and drawbacks. Make sure you balance the advantages with potential downsides to make an informed decision that aligns with your financial objectives.

Choosing life insurance vs. a 401(k) requires considering your needs, circumstances and goals. Your priorities in terms of retirement planning and wealth strategy will generally determine which is the better choice for you.

Life insurance and 401(k) plans are used differently. If your primary goal is to build a nest egg for retirement, a 401(k) often stands out as the superior option due to its tax advantages, potential employer matching contributions and the power of compound growth over time. But before participating in one, check the plan details with your employer's human resources department to understand how it works.

On the other hand, life insurance shines in estate planning, offering a tax-free death benefit to your heirs, which can cover specific financial needs such as funeral expenses or establishing a college fund for children or grandchildren. Life insurance can ensure your legacy is secured and your family's financial needs are met without the same tax implications that retirement accounts might incur upon your passing. If buying life insurance suits your situation and goals, consider the different types available. Comparing policies and rates from different insurance providers can help you find the best life insurance based on your needs.

Understanding the various 401(k) plans available is key to maximizing your retirement savings potential.

• Traditional 401(k): Employees contribute pre-tax dollars, reducing their taxable income. Taxes on contributions and earnings are deferred until withdrawal in retirement.
• Roth 401(k): Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, offering tax-free growth and withdrawals. This provides a tax advantage if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket during retirement.
• Safe Harbor 401(k): Designed to automatically satisfy non-discrimination tests and requires employer contributions to be fully vested when made.
• SIMPLE 401(k): Aimed at small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. They simplify the administrative burden and offer easier setup and maintenance than a standard 401(k).
• Solo 401(k): Tailored for self-employed individuals or business owners with no employees, these plans allow them to contribute as both employer and employee, maximizing retirement savings.
• Tiered Profit Sharing 401(k): Allows employers to make contributions based on a tiered structure, often tied to the company's profitability. This can boost employee retirement savings when the company does well.

Note that each plan type caters to specific employment and financial situations. Consider which type of 401(k) plan suits your circumstances.

Selecting the right type of life insurance policy depends on personal financial goals and needs.

• Term Life Insurance: Provides coverage for a specific period, offering a death benefit if the policyholder passes away during the term. It's the most straightforward and affordable option, ideal for temporary coverage needs without a savings component.
• Whole Life Insurance: This is a form of permanent life insurance that offers a death benefit and a savings account. Premiums remain consistent, and the policy's cash value accumulates over time, serving as a potential source of funds.
• Universal Life Insurance: Offers flexible premiums and death benefits, with a savings component that earns interest. It allows policyholders to adjust their coverage as their financial situation changes.
• Variable Life Insurance: This features investment options that can grow the policy's cash value. The value can increase significantly with investment gains, but risks decline with market downturns.
• Indexed Universal Life Insurance: Ties cash value accumulation to a market index, balancing growth potential and protection against market loss. It's a middle ground for those seeking growth with some safeguards.
• Variable Universal Life Insurance: Combines the investment options of variable life with the flexibility of universal life. Policyholders can adjust premiums and death benefits while choosing how to invest the cash value.
• Final Expense Insurance: Designed to cover burial costs and final bills, this policy ensures that end-of-life expenses are not a burden to loved ones. It typically has lower coverage amounts and is easier to qualify for.
• Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance: Requires no medical exam and offers guaranteed coverage, typically for those with serious health issues. It's more expensive and offers lower benefits, but it addresses specific coverage needs where other policies may not be available.

Each type of life insurance offers distinct benefits tailored to different planning strategies, so be sure to choose a product that complements your financial situation and goals.

Many individuals are incorporating indexed universal life insurance (IUL) into their retirement plans due to its flexibility and potential for growth. IUL policies are appealing because they offer both a death benefit and a cash value component tied to a stock index, providing the possibility of higher returns without direct market investment risks.

It’s important to note that while IULs are linked to stock indices, the policyholder is not directly investing in the market, which can mitigate but not eliminate risk.

IUL vs. LIRP

IUL is a specific type of life insurance, while a life insurance retirement plan is a strategy that utilizes a life insurance policy for retirement. Depending on your needs, circumstances and goals, you can use an IUL for your LIRP.

IUL vs. 401(k)

When considering IUL vs. a 401(k), the choice often comes down to the type of investment control and risk one is willing to take. A 401(k) generally provides tax-deferred savings and can include employer-matching contributions, which are vital for building retirement savings efficiently. Indexed universal life insurance offers flexibility and potential for tax-free withdrawals, which can be particularly advantageous for those who expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement or who seek to manage estate taxes effectively.

Understanding the different products available can help you make an informed decision. MoneyGeek answered some common questions to help you better understand life insurance vs. 401(k) plans.