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Home | About | FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policy?

An IUL is a life insurance policy that builds cash value over time, with interest linked to market indexes — without being directly invested in the market.
That means you get growth potential with downside protection and flexibility.

Is an IUL risky?

IULs are not exposed to market losses the same way investments are.
When the market declines, your credited interest can’t go below the policy floor (typically 0%).
The goal is simple: participate in growth while protecting your principal.

Can I access money from my policy?

Yes. An IUL provides access to cash value that can be used for retirement income, emergencies or opportunities. When structured properly, cash value access can be tax-advantaged, and there are no early-withdrawal penalties like those in many traditional retirement accounts.

Can I change my contributions?

IULs offer premium flexibility within IRS and policy guidelines. You can often reduce or pause contributions if needed, and increasing contributions may be possible up to the maximum allowable amount to maintain the policy's structure and tax advantages. During setup, we clarify your minimums, maximums, and the most efficient funding range for your goals.

Who is an IUL a good fit for?

An IUL can be appropriate for people looking for long-term growth potential with protection, a way to create tax-advantaged retirement income, and flexibility and control over cash access. It may benefit professionals, business owners and families building long-term financial security.

How does an IUL help with taxes?

IULs operate under favorable IRS rules designed for long-term planning. When structured correctly, the policy can provide access to funds in a way that helps minimize taxes in retirement. This is valuable because many retirees face higher taxes than expected once deductions begin to phase out.

What happens if the market drops?

Your cash value is not directly tied to the market. During market declines, your credited interest does not go negative. The policy protects your value and allows you to participate when markets recover.

Do I need to replace my 401(k) or IRA?

Not necessarily. An IUL can complement existing retirement accounts by helping offset market risk and potential future tax exposure. Many people combine strategies for balance and control.

Are there fees?

Yes, all permanent life insurance policies include fees and insurance costs. With an IUL, costs are generally higher in the early years and are built into the policy. We review your personalized illustration together so you can clearly understand how the plan functions over time.

How do I get started?

The first step is a brief strategy call to understand your goals, timeline and current planning structure. From there, we create a personalized illustration and walk through it together so you can clearly see how the strategy works and whether it aligns with what you want for your financial future.
You can schedule your call directly through the website at a time that works best for you.

Barry Financial | 314-410-7882
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