MassMutual Analysis: Whole Life Insurance Can Help Supply Retirement Income, Preserve Equity Portfolios During Be...( SPRINGFIELD Mass. Aug. 27 /- ...),Health

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Aug. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Retirees who are able to supplement their retirement income during economic downturns by tapping the cash values of their whole life insurance policies could have a secret weapon to keep their plans on track during future recessions, according to planning scenarios studied by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual).

By drawing on the cash values of their whole life insurance policies -- and avoiding the sale of equities from their retirement accounts in a depressed market -- retirees could end up with more cash and a larger net legacy to their families at death, while still meeting their retirement income needs, according to MassMutual's analysis.

"With this strategy, retirees don't have to settle for liquidating assets in a down market or cutting back on their lifestyle choices," said Melissa Millan, senior vice president, MassMutual. "A retirement income strategy incorporating whole life insurance and an equity-based portfolio can tame a bear market by creating the flexibility needed to respond to changing economic conditions."

Dave Janca, a 48-year old small business owner in Orchard Park, NY, is using whole life insurance as a foundation for his larger retirement plan.

"It's nice to know you can access the cash if you need it as you grow older. Investments and other assets like your house may fluctuate, but the value of whole life insurance is predictable, it grows and it's there if you need it," he said.

Whole life insurance provides an income t
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