The Retirement No One Talks About: Why Cash Value Life Insurance Beats Wall Street

In this candid, behind-the-scenes episode of the Strategic Wealth Strategies Podcast, Certified Financial Fiduciary and Tax Strategist Alan Porter takes aim at the myths of modern retirement planning. From 401(k) fees and sequence of returns risk to the dangers of relying solely on stock portfolios, Alan explains why cash value life insurance and fixed indexed annuities are the most powerful tools the financial world rarely talks about.

You’ll learn why most financial advisors avoid these conversations, how Wall Street controls the narrative, and what it actually takes to build a tax-free, risk-free, and longevity-proof retirement strategy that the wealthy and informed use every day.

✅ Key Takeaways from the Episode:
🔥 What’s Wrong with the Modern Retirement Mindset?

Wall Street pushes 401(k)s and risky portfolios because they make money on your money—whether you win or lose.

Most retirement plans only last to age 95. Alan builds plans that last to age 120.

Most advisors never warn clients about the actual risks in retirement.

“A 1% fee over 30 years reduces your income by one-third. And the average 401(k) fee is 2.99%. That’s financial malpractice.” – Alan Porter

⚠️ Why 401(k)s Are a Ticking Time Bomb:

Most Americans don’t realize:

401(k)s come with hidden fees

Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income

There’s no protection from market crashes

Sequence of returns risk can wipe out a million-dollar portfolio in under 5 years if the market dips early in retirement.

Most 401(k)s last only 5 to 7 years—not a lifetime.

🛡️ The Power of Cash Value Life Insurance:

Grows tax-deferred

Provides tax-free withdrawals

No required minimum distributions

Protects against Social Security taxation and Medicare means testing

Offers living benefits for long-term care, disability, and liquidity

Passes wealth to heirs tax-free

“It’s not an investment. It’s an asset class of its own—protected, guaranteed, and overlooked by 99% of Americans.”

💰 Fixed Indexed Annuities: Income for Life (Without Market Risk)

Tied to indexes like the S&P 500 or Barclays—but your money is never in the market

Offers 0% floor = never lose a penny in a market downturn

Lock in growth annually

Example: Instead of needing $1M in a portfolio to get $40K/year, you may only need $650K in an annuity to get that same income—for life

🧠 Why Most Advisors Never Mention These Tools:

Most don’t understand how they work

Others aren’t compensated for recommending safe money solutions

Alan asks:

When’s the last time your advisor gave you proactive tax advice?

Are they acting in your best interest—or just selling products?

🧭 Alan’s Approach:

Combines education-first consultations with access to a team of specialists:

CPAs

Tax attorneys

Advanced planners

Shows clients how to:

Save six figures on taxes

Build tax-free retirement income

Protect their legacy

Fund long-term care needs for pennies on the dollar

“You don’t need to gamble with your retirement to make it grow. You just need a plan that protects what you’ve already earned.”

📞 Contact Alan Porter for a Free Consultation:

Phone: 910-551-1046

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.StrategicWealthStrategies.com

💬 “I don’t charge for consultations. I give people the education their financial advisors never did.” – Alan Porter