The cash accumulation method is one of several methods used to compare the cost of life insurance. It may be used to compare both similar and dissimilar policies (e.g., term with term or term with permanent) where premiums are different.
Using the Cash Accumulation Method to Compare Life Insurance Costs
Here is a simplified explanation of how the cash accumulation method works. The policies used in the examples are an ordinary life policy and a one-year renewable term policy.
Step 1: The premiums paid for the policies (outlays) are equated, meaning that if one policy’s premium is more than another, the difference between the two is placed in a side fund.
For example, the premium for Policy A (an ordinary life policy) is $1,000. The premium for Policy B (a one-year renewable term policy) is $200. So, the amount placed in the side fund is $800.
Step 2: Accumulate the amount in the side fund at an assumed rate of interest (6 percent is common).
For example, the difference in premiums (the side fund) is accumulated at 6 percent interest, so the amount in the side fund in Year 1 is $848.
Step 3: Change the face amount of the policy with the lower premium so that the sum of the side fund and the face amount of that policy equals the face amount of the policy.
For example, the original face amount of Policies A and B is $100,000. The face amount of Policy B is changed, however, so that the sum of the side fund ($848) and the face amount (now $99,152) equals the face amount of Policy A.
Step 4: Compare the cash value of Policy A with the side fund balance of Policy B over a period of years to see which is the better value.
For example, the side fund value of Policy B is more than the cash value of Policy A until Year 10, when the cash value of Policy A exceeds the side fund value of Policy B. This means that Policy A may be a better value if you plan to keep the policy for more than 10 years.
Note, though, that if you buy term insurance and invest the difference between the premium cost of the term policy and the whole life policy, you must also consider the tax consequences. The interest on the investment may be taxable income, but inside an insurance contract, it is tax sheltered. Consider also that some term insurance premiums rise every year.
Strengths
Good Way to Compare Term Insurance with Permanent Insurance
The cash accumulation method is a good way to compare term insurance with permanent insurance because it allows you to equate two policies that are dissimilar and usually difficult to compare. The result is usually clear-cut as long as the appropriate interest rate is used and the appropriate term for the policy is considered. See Tradeoffs.
Tradeoffs
This Method May Inaccurately Portray Policy Costs Unless Data is Carefully Chosen
One problem with the cash accumulation method (which is a problem with other methods as well) is that the results may be misleading if the interest rate chosen to apply to the side fund is unrealistic. If the interest rate chosen is too high, then the policy with the lower premium and the side fund will usually seem like a better buy than the policy with the higher premium. So, when you perform the calculation, you must choose the interest rate with care. Select an interest rate that closely matches the rate you could expect to earn on the cash value of the other policy so that the comparison will be fair. In addition, the calculation must be completed for a sufficient period of time (10-20 years, perhaps) because one policy may perform better when a shorter time frame is used, the other when a longer time frame is used.
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Disclosures: The following information is reprinted with permission from Forefield, a division of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. This article is meant to provide valuable background information on particular investments, NOT a recommendation to buy. The investments referenced within this article may currently be traded by Henssler Financial. All material presented is compiled from sources believed to be reliable and current, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The contents are intended for general information purposes only. Information provided should not be the sole basis in making any decisions and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional, such as a tax consultant, insurance adviser or attorney. Although this material is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with respect to the subject matter, it may not apply in all situations. Readers are urged to consult with their adviser concerning specific situations and questions. This is not to be construed as an offer to buy or sell any financial instruments. It is not our intention to state, indicate or imply in any manner that current or past results are indicative of future profitability or expectations. As with all investments, there are associated inherent risks. Please obtain and review all financial material carefully before investing. Henssler is not licensed to offer or sell insurance products, and this overview is not to be construed as an offer to purchase any insurance products.
