Frequently asked questions

It depends on your child's age and your goal. In our hypothetical 6% example, starting when a child is 2, about $400/month covers four years of public in-state tuition and fees, and about $575/month covers the full projected cost of UGA including housing. Your real numbers depend on the plan you choose.

Yes. Families build cash value over 10+ years, then use policy loans to help pay for school. Policy loans reduce cash value and death benefit and accrue interest, so the policy has to be designed and funded correctly.

Cash value of life insurance is not reported as an asset on the FAFSA. Parent-owned 529 plans are counted, at up to 5.64%. Aid rules can change, and some private colleges ask about assets differently on the CSS Profile.

The HOPE Scholarship (3.0 GPA) and Zell Miller Scholarship (3.7 GPA plus SAT 1200 or ACT 25) cover much or all of tuition at Georgia public colleges. Georgia's Path2College 529 offers a state tax deduction of up to $8,000 per child per year for joint filers.

IUL is not an investment. It is permanent life insurance with cash value that can grow based on a market index. It can be a strong tool for the right person with 10+ years to fund it, and a poor fit for someone who needs the money soon.

Index credits have a 0% floor, so a market drop doesn't reduce your cash value through interest credits. But policy charges and the cost of insurance are deducted every month, so cash value can still decline in years with low or zero credits, especially early on.

The cap is the maximum index credit for a period. For example, with a 10% cap, a 15% market year credits 10%. Caps vary by carrier and product and can change.

You borrow against your cash value. Loans are generally income-tax-free if the policy is not a Modified Endowment Contract and stays in force. Loans accrue interest and reduce cash value and death benefit.

A contract with an insurance company where your money earns interest linked to a market index, with protection from market losses. Many include options for guaranteed lifetime income.

Fixed and fixed indexed annuities are not exposed to direct market losses, and guarantees are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurer. They do have surrender periods and limits on withdrawals.

Usually for people within about 10 to 15 years of retirement who want to protect savings and create predictable income. It's not designed for money you'll need in the short term.

As early as possible. Every year of delay means you need to save more each month to reach the same goal. Even in your 50s and 60s, a plan for how and when you take income can make a big difference.

For most families, Social Security covers only part of their expenses in retirement. A plan fills the gap with savings and income sources you control.

An IUL is permanent life insurance with cash value that can grow and be accessed. An annuity is a contract designed to provide income, often guaranteed for life. Many retirement plans use one or both.

Yes. Tai can explain everything in English or Vietnamese.

Yes. The 20-minute call is free with no obligation.