The Power of a Love Letter

When Shannon sat down to write her love letters to her children, she didn’t expect just how meaningful the process would be.

What began as a simple act of putting words on paper quickly became one of the most profound steps in her family’s legacy journey. The letters reflected a lifetime of love, intention, and values that now had a permanent home.

https://www.youtube.com/live/VzJGf5fD2Jk

For Shannon and her husband, legacy planning for families wasn’t about cold documents or rigid legal structures. It was about love, clarity, and making sure their kids were taken care of—not just financially but emotionally and relationally.

Not because of the words alone—though they were beautiful and heartfelt—but because those words captured something far deeper: a lifetime of intention, care, and values that now had a permanent home. For Shannon and her husband, legacy planning for families wasn’t about cold documents or rigid legal structures. It was about love, clarity, and making sure their kids were taken care of—not just financially but emotionally and relationally.

This is the heart of legacy planning for families: making sure the people you love feel your guidance, presence, and blessing long after you’re gone. It’s not just about transferring assets—it’s about transferring identity, vision, and faith. And when done well, legacy planning becomes a source of peace, not pressure.

Their journey through the Seven Generations Legacy process turned what they feared would be an overwhelming task into one of the most empowering experiences of their life.

And they didn’t do it alone.

They did it with guidance, structure, support—and a shared commitment to doing legacy differently.

The Power of a Love LetterLegacy Planning for Families is More Than PaperworkStarting the Journey: A Shared Dream, Two Different PrioritiesBringing the Kids Into the ConversationWriting Love Letters: The Emotional Heart of the LegacyCreating a Structure That Feels Like Coming HomeWhy This Matters for Your FamilyLearn More in the Podcast EpisodeBook A Strategy Call

Legacy Planning for Families is More Than Paperwork

When most people hear "legacy planning for families," their minds jump straight to legal documents, trusts, and spreadsheets. But the truth is, your legacy isn’t built by lawyers alone. It’s not just about asset protection or tax strategy. As we learned from our client Shannon on the Money Advantage Podcast, the real work of legacy planning is deeply human.

It’s about putting into words what matters most. It’s about facing the hard questions that too often get avoided. And it’s about making decisions now that reflect not just your net worth, but your heart.

In this blog, we’re sharing the real-life story of Shannon and her family. You’ll walk through their experience of legacy planning with the Seven Generations Legacy coaching program, and come away with:

A clear definition of what legacy planning for families actually involves

A step-by-step account of how to design a plan that aligns money with mission

A framework for engaging adult children in meaningful, productive ways

Insight into why emotional clarity is just as important as financial clarity

And encouragement to start your own journey before it’s too late

Because this kind of work doesn’t just benefit your kids when you’re gone. It changes the way your family lives together today.

Starting the Journey: A Shared Dream, Two Different Priorities

When Shannon and David began this journey, they were on the same team but holding different blueprints. David’s background, having grown up with limited financial resources, made it important for him to build a financial legacy. For him, the goal was protection and provision. He wanted to pass along what he had worked so hard to build.

Shannon’s focus was more relational. She wanted to ensure their kids had emotional security and that nothing about th...

I’ll never forget Bruce’s story about his car—check engine light on, a mechanic insisted it needed a $1,500 catalytic converter. Bruce knew better and fixed it by simply tightening the gas cap. That story isn't just about auto repair; it perfectly illustrates why questions a good financial advisor should ask matter. Without probing, you might be sold something you don't need. Competency—not just good intentions—matters.

https://www.youtube.com/live/oyEbgdU1MGI

It’s not about distrust—it’s about asking the right questions so you're not blindly following advice. And that principle applies fully when choosing a financial advisor, especially when your spouse might need to take over the reins someday.

Why “Questions a Good Financial Advisor Should Ask” Are Essential1. The Big Picture: Comprehensive Financial Planning2. Spouse Financial Preparedness: Including Both of You3. Risk and Protection: Insurance, Deductibles, and Peace of Mind4. Tax Strategy and Social Security Planning5. Legacy Planning: Aligning Values and Wealth Transfer6. Financial Alignment Between SpousesWhy You Need These QuestionsReady to Empower Yourself With Questions a Good Financial Advisor Should Ask?Book A Strategy Call

Why “Questions a Good Financial Advisor Should Ask” Are Essential

Bruce makes a powerful point: finance isn’t limited to investment products. Just like a mechanic or doctor examines the whole system, a skilled advisor should ask questions that uncover your entire financial ecosystem. Without comprehensive inquiry, blind spots linger—insurance gaps, overlooked risks, or hidden fees can derail your legacy.

Are you unknowingly trusting a financial advisor without knowing enough about your overall financial picture? In today’s complex financial world—from taxes and Social Security to estate planning, insurance, and cash flow—a narrow focus on one product is risky.Questions a good financial advisor should ask aren’t optional—they're essential. They give you clarity, align planning with your goals, and ensure your spouse is equipped to manage your shared financial future.

1. The Big Picture: Comprehensive Financial Planning

Bruce sums it up: “You cannot make financial decisions in a vacuum.” Advisors who focus only on investments or insurance miss how those decisions affect cash flow, taxes, estate planning, and more.

Ask:

What are your current net worth and cash flow statements?

How do your investments, insurance, and debts interrelate?

Why it matters:Like a doctor who reviews your medical history before prescribing treatment, a competent advisor will want to see your full financial picture before making recommendations.

2. Spouse Financial Preparedness: Including Both of You

Too often, one spouse is left out of discussions and can feel lost if the other dies.Key questions include:

Who are your trusted advisors (financial, legal, tax)?

Does your spouse know how to access online accounts, passwords, and digital assets?

What’s your “Alternative Income Plan” for the surviving spouse?

How comfortable is your spouse with the household financial framework?

Bruce and Rachel discuss this as part of the LIFE framework:

Liquid assets—money accessible within 15 minutes

Income plan—monthly income goals

Flexible investments—capital that can be reallocated

Estate plan—how wealth transfers to future generations

Both spouses should discuss and agree on how these pieces look today and tomorrow.

3. Risk and Protection: Insurance, Deductibles, and Peace of Mind

Bruce shared his own experience with PNC: they asked about deductible choices and emotional tolerance for risk during the house fire recovery process.Essential questions a good financial advisor should ask include:

What insurance do you have—life, disability, health, auto, home?

Are deductibles appropriate to your cash reserves and risk tolerance?

Are beneficiary designations updated and aligned with estate go...

I’ll never forget the moment my co‑host Bruce Wehner shared a powerful story: Nelson told his wife, Mary, “I need to teach you how to be a widow.” That striking phrase stopped us in our tracks. It wasn’t morbid—it was strategic. Nelson recognized that spouse financial preparedness is the cornerstone of true legacy planning. If your partner isn’t prepared to manage finances when the unthinkable happens, your careful planning unravels—and unintentional burdens form.

https://www.youtube.com/live/bVBMnWHGp1Y

In today’s fast-paced world, talking about money can be uncomfortable. But taking the time to ensure spouse financial preparedness isn’t just responsible—it’s transformative. As Rachel Marshall and Bruce Wehner, co-hosts of The Money Advantage Podcast, we’re here to walk you through why preparing your spouse is crucial, and how to do it effectively.

By reading this article, you’ll discover:

What “financial preparedness” truly means

The critical pieces every spouse should know

Practical tools we use with clients

How to handle emotional differences in money habits

A step-by-step framework to empower your spouse today

Why Spouse Financial Preparedness MattersKey Areas for Spouse PreparednessIncome Plans—Now & ContingencyTaxes, Medicare & Social SecurityInsurance & ProtectionDigital Access & Password SharingEngaging Trusted AdvisorsThe LIFE Financial FrameworkManaging Emotional DifferencesTools & Rituals for PreparednessEquip Your Spouse. Protect Your Legacy.Book A Strategy Call

Why Spouse Financial Preparedness Matters

Bruce and I often see one partner “in the dark.” The hardworking spouse makes decisions—but the other may trust blindly, unaware of details. That puts them at risk—be it missing advisors’ phone numbers, not understanding insurance coverage, or worse: being blindsided by critical decisions.

One case Bruce shared involved a wife who thought their net worth was minor—only to discover $30 million after her spouse had passed. Imagine the emotional shock—and legal busyness. That’s why spouse financial preparedness is a legacy necessity, not an optional extra.

Key Areas for Spouse Preparedness

To be truly ready, your spouse needs awareness and access across five areas:

Income Plans—Now & Contingency

Your spouse should understand both your current income strategy and what happens financially if one partner isn’t there. Bruce calls it having a “backup income plan.” Ask: what if I retire early? What if one income stops?

Taxes, Medicare & Social Security

One spouse passing makes tax filing switch to “single,” which can raise Medicare Part B and D costs by up to $500/month. Understanding IRMA brackets and how Social Security survivor benefits work is vital. A spouse who knows the rules won’t fall prey to unexpected costs.

Insurance & Protection

Life is unpredictable. Couples need clarity on life, health, disability, home, auto, liability—and how they work together. A clear policy keeps your spouse empowered and protected.

Digital Access & Password Sharing

In today’s digital age, locked-out accounts are a nightmare. Did you know iPhone allows a “Legacy Contact”? A shared password vault ensures your partner can access bank, utilities, email—and even that mysterious password for your favorite travel site.

Engaging Trusted Advisors

Make sure your spouse knows and trusts your financial, legal, insurance, and tax advisors. Ideally, they attend meetings together or at least meet face-to-face. That ensures seamless transition—and peace of mind—should something happen.

The LIFE Financial Framework

Bruce and I use a powerful acronym—L.I.F.E.—to frame preparedness:

Liquid: How much cash is needed within minutes for emergencies?

Income: Do you want fixed guaranteed income to cover essentials, plus variable funds for lifestyle?

Flexible: Which assets can be repositioned for other goals—travel, education, emergencies?

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need? Why That’s the Wrong Question

If you’ve ever asked, “How much life insurance do I need?”—you’re not alone. It’s a common starting point. But in this article, Bruce and I (Rachel) want to challenge that question and offer something better. Because "need" is often based on a survival mentality—what’s the bare minimum? But the real question isn’t about scraping by. It’s about what you want your life insurance to do—for you, for your spouse, for your children, and for future generations.

https://www.youtube.com/live/xhGublGpz7w

In this article, you'll learn:

Why a needs-based approach might be leaving your family unprotected

How to calculate a more empowering life insurance amount

What insurance companies actually look for (and why you can't be "overinsured")

The role of Infinite Banking in maximizing death benefit and legacy

How to think long-term, strategically, and legacy-minded when it comes to life insurance

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need? Why That’s the Wrong QuestionWhy My Husband’s First Thought Was Our Life InsuranceNeeds-Based Life Insurance Leaves You ShortThe Real Question: How Much Life Insurance Do I Want?Income Replacement + Future Value = What You’re Really ProtectingDeath Benefit Grows with Infinite BankingInsurability: Use It or Lose ItCost vs. Value: What Wealthy People UnderstandBuild a Life Insurance Strategy That EmpowersLearn More in the PodcastBook A Strategy Call

Why My Husband’s First Thought Was Our Life Insurance

Six years ago, I was in the ICU. My husband, Lucas, held our newborn baby girl as the doctors delivered updates that swung between hope and despair. One moment, it was "we stopped the bleeding," the next, "this is still serious." As he prayed through the fear and the unknown, one practical thought anchored him: We have life insurance. Not just any policy—we had as much life insurance as we could get. And in that moment, he knew he wouldn't have to make rushed decisions or shoulder financial pressure on top of emotional trauma. That policy was our safety net, our peace of mind.

That’s why this conversation matters. It’s not just about numbers on paper. It’s about preparing for the moments you hope never come—and giving your family the ability to respond from a place of strength.

Needs-Based Life Insurance Leaves You Short

Most people approach life insurance with a checklist:

Mortgage? Check.

College for kids? Check.

Debts? Check.

Burial expenses? Check.

And that’s how traditional advisors calculate the "amount you need." They total up obligations and say, “That’s your number.” But this method reduces life insurance to a bill-pay strategy. It doesn’t account for who you are, the value of your work, or the future your family deserves to continue building.

In the Infinite Banking world, we don’t view life insurance as just a financial parachute. We see it as a tool for opportunity, a storehouse of value, and a means to start your family ahead, not just keep them from falling behind.

The Real Question: How Much Life Insurance Do I Want?

"Need" is survival. "Want" is vision.

If your life insurance policy could fund your family’s future, preserve your estate, and launch the next generation into opportunity—how much would you want?

Bruce and I often see families with grossly underfunded policies simply because they didn’t know what was possible. Insurance companies assess what’s called your human life value—a calculation of your income, age, and potential future earnings. Based on that, they allow you to apply for a corresponding death benefit. If you qualify for $4 million in coverage, it's because they believe your life’s economic value warrants it.

You can’t be overinsured. The carriers won’t let you.

So the real question becomes: If they’ll insure me for this amount… why wouldn’t I take it?

Income Replacement + Future Value = What You’re Really Protecting

Lately, we’ve seen a troubling trend online.

People—some well-meaning, some not—are sharing misinformation about mutual holding companies, claiming these companies are no longer mutually owned or that they’ve quietly abandoned their policyholders.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.

So Joe, Bruce, and I decided it was time to clear the air. Because when it comes to protecting your family’s legacy, clarity matters more than opinion. You deserve to understand the facts—not fear-based interpretations.

And as we’ve seen too often, when confusion spreads unchecked, people start making financial decisions on the wrong foundation.

That’s not stewardship. That’s reaction.

Why We Had to Talk About Mutual Holding CompaniesWhat Is a Mutual Holding Company?Do Policyholders Still Have Ownership and Voting Rights?Why Would a Company Make This Change?Are Mutual Holding Companies Dangerous?What Does This Mean for Your Infinite Banking Strategy?What This Means for YouBook A Strategy Call

Why We Had to Talk About Mutual Holding Companies

When you use whole life insurance as a long-term asset—and especially when you're building a Privatized Banking System—you want to know the company you’ve partnered with is stable, aligned with your values, and built to honor policyholders for the long haul.

That's why we recorded this episode:

To define what a mutual holding company really is

To contrast it with traditional mutual companies

To explore how it affects voting rights, ownership, and trust

And to provide clarity amid a cloud of online confusion

Our goal is not to push any specific company, nor to attack those raising questions. But we do want to make sure the conversation is grounded in accuracy—because your stewardship depends on it.

What Is a Mutual Holding Company?

At its core, a mutual holding company (MHC) is a specific kind of corporate structure that allows a life insurance company to retain mutual ownership while gaining the flexibility to create stock subsidiaries. This means the parent company is still owned by policyholders, while the subsidiary has the ability to raise capital through stock offerings.

Bruce broke it down this way:

“A mutual company is owned by the policyholders... When it becomes a mutual holding company, it’s still owned by the policyholders, but they insert a stock company below that for reasons like expanding or raising capital.”

This structural change is about flexibility—especially for future growth, acquisitions, or increased reserve requirements. It’s not inherently negative. It’s a strategic business decision, and it's one we should understand, not fear.

Do Policyholders Still Have Ownership and Voting Rights?

Yes—and this is where the misinformation gets loudest and most misleading.

In a mutual holding company, policyholders still own the mutual holding company itself. That hasn’t changed. What has changed is that the operational insurance company underneath the holding company is now a stock entity—one that may have shareholders in addition to the parent company.

Rachel explained:

“There’s this perception that if a company becomes a mutual holding company, they’re no longer mutually owned... But that’s not true. The policyholders still own the mutual holding company. They still elect the board.”

So yes, the structure is layered. But no, policyholders haven’t been stripped of ownership or voting rights.

Joe added that this structure can even be a way for companies to avoid full demutualization, which would entirely sever mutual ownership.

Why Would a Company Make This Change?

There are many reasons an insurer might transition to an MHC:

To raise capital for growth

To meet solvency or reserve requirements

To create a defensive structure to avoid hostile takeovers or future demutualization

To diversify business offerings or form subsidiaries

Bruce emphasized that mutual companies must act in the poli...

A few weeks ago, something special happened as we kicked off a podcast recording—Joe DeFazio held up a first edition copy of Becoming Your Own Banker by Nelson Nash. It had just arrived in his hands, passed down like a sacred trust.

https://www.youtube.com/live/4MpwxirBpGA

We weren’t in the same room, so Bruce and I couldn’t flip through the pages or feel its weight for ourselves—but even through the screen, we felt the gravity.

Because legacy isn’t just a word. It’s a responsibility. A principle to be protected. A baton handed from one generation to the next.

That moment with Joe sparked a powerful conversation—one that led us straight into one of the most debated and misunderstood topics in the Infinite Banking world: Single Premium Paid-Up Additions (SPUA).

So we hit record.

What This Article Will Help You UnderstandWhat Are Single Premium Paid-Up Additions (SPUA)?Why Single Premium Paid-Up Additions Sound So AttractiveThe Hidden Risks of SPUA-Focused Policy DesignWhat Nelson Nash Actually TaughtWhen Might Single Premium Paid-Up Additions Make Sense?Designing Policies with Stability, Not Just SpeedWhy This Matters to Your LegacyLearn More in the Full EpisodeBook A Strategy Call

What This Article Will Help You Understand

Whether you're new to Infinite Banking or already several policies in, the way your policy is designed will either set you up for long-term success or put you on shaky ground.

In this article, you’ll learn:

What a Single Premium Paid-Up Addition (SPUA) actually is

Why it’s used and how it can be beneficial in certain scenarios

The hidden risks of designing your policy with a large SPUA

The difference between short-term cash value and long-term capital building

What Nelson Nash really taught—and why his principles are more relevant than ever

How to make smart, future-focused decisions about your family’s financial system

This is for anyone who wants clarity, not confusion. Stewardship, not hype. And legacy, not just liquidity.

What Are Single Premium Paid-Up Additions (SPUA)?

Let’s define this clearly.

A Single Premium Paid-Up Addition, or SPUA, is a one-time lump sum payment you make into your whole life insurance policy. This premium increases your death benefit and creates immediate cash value—without any future obligation to continue funding that specific rider.

It’s often marketed as a fast way to “supercharge” your cash value in the first year of your policy.

But here’s what we want you to know: while that may be true in the short term, SPUAs come with trade-offs that must be understood before you jump in.

Why Single Premium Paid-Up Additions Sound So Attractive

In theory, Single Premium Paid-Up Additions are incredibly appealing:

You get immediate access to a large chunk of cash value

You avoid the need to commit to an ongoing payment

You increase the policy's death benefit right away

You can “jumpstart” the banking process sooner

If you just received a windfall—or you want liquidity right now—this can sound like the perfect fit. And that’s why it’s being marketed so heavily.

But we urge you: don’t just ask what sounds good today. Ask what still works 30 years from now.

Because when you dig into the details, you realize it’s not about how fast your policy can go. It’s about how well it can hold up when the storms come.

The Hidden Risks of SPUA-Focused Policy Design

Here’s where we need to slow down and talk about the bigger picture.

When a policy is designed to accept a large SPUA, a few things must happen under the hood:

The policy’s base premium is minimized

A significant term rider is added to prevent MEC (Modified Endowment Contract) status

The design often pushes the illustration right up to the IRS limits for tax-advantaged treatment

This creates a fragile foundation.

Think of it like this: if your policy is a sailboat, the base is the hull. The PUA is the sail.

In today’s post, Bruce and I (Rachel Marshall) want to bring you behind the scenes of a candid and educational conversation we had with Matt Ewald, Vice President of Life Insurance at Advisors Excel. If you’ve ever wondered when and why to use guaranteed universal life insurance (GUL) —especially in the context of estate planning—this one is for you.

We’ve been having more and more conversations with families who aren’t just thinking about how to grow their wealth—but how to keep it intact for the next generation. And when estate taxes enter the picture, the stakes change. It’s not just about protecting income anymore—it’s about protecting impact. About making sure what you’ve built doesn’t get lost in fees, confusion, or government claims.

Because when it comes to life insurance in the context of wealth transfer, you’re not just planning for protection—you’re planning for legacy.

Let’s get into it.

Why This Conversation MattersFrom Infinite Banking to Estate Strategy: A Shift in FocusGuaranteed Universal Life insurance 101: What It Is (and Isn’t)Estate Planning and the Tax ConversationThe Myth of “Set It and Forget It”What About Accessing Capital?Roth Conversions, IRA Taxes, and Legislative RiskThe Real Value: Peace of Mind, Not Just Rate of ReturnWhat We CoveredBook A Strategy Call

Why This Conversation Matters

If you’re like most of our clients, you’re already successful. You’ve created wealth, you’ve stewarded well—and now you’re asking deeper questions.

Questions like:

How do I pass on what I’ve built with intention?

How do I shield my estate from unnecessary taxation?

Is whole life the only tool for this? Or is there something else I should consider?

In this blog, we’re breaking down exactly what guaranteed universal life insurance is, how it’s different from traditional IULs and whole life, and why it could be a strategic piece in your legacy plan.

From Infinite Banking to Estate Strategy: A Shift in Focus

We spend a lot of time on this podcast talking about whole life and its power as a privatized banking system—a way to store capital, access liquidity, and fund your life on your own terms.

But not every financial goal calls for cash accumulation.

Sometimes, the goal isn’t to use the money during your lifetime at all. It’s to transfer wealth efficiently, minimize estate taxes, and ensure your heirs receive more—without the friction and loss.

And that’s where guaranteed universal life enters the scene.

Guaranteed Universal Life insurance 101: What It Is (and Isn’t)

Matt Ewald described guaranteed universal life insurance as a permanent term contract. That phrase stuck with me.

Here’s what it means:

GUL is designed to give you the most death benefit for the least premium.

Unlike cash-rich whole life or traditional IULs used for banking or income, GUL is a protection-first strategy.

The focus is not on growing cash inside the policy. The focus is on locking in a death benefit that will be there guaranteed—no matter what the market does.

And what makes it guaranteed?

The no-lapse guarantee rider.

This rider is the linchpin. It says, “As long as you pay the premium exactly as illustrated, this policy will not lapse—no matter how the underlying market indexes perform, no matter what cap rates change, no matter what happens behind the scenes.”

It’s simple. It’s predictable. And it’s ideal for estate planning when death benefit certainty is the priority.

Estate Planning and the Tax Conversation

Here’s the reality we’re facing:

The estate tax exemption today is high—around $13 million per person. But it won’t stay there forever.

Just 20 years ago, it was $1 million. And the political winds are already shifting toward reducing the exemption again.

That means more families will face estate tax exposure in the future—even those who don’t consider themselves “ultra-wealthy.”

And taxes at death are not just a theoretical prob...

There’s a story Buffy Ruthardt shared that still gives me chills.

She and her husband Darren were on a drive, just processing life and legacy—wondering aloud what it might look like for their children to live in their inheritance while they were still alive. Not just financially, but spiritually, relationally, and generationally.

https://www.youtube.com/live/dMMgfxEohsI

It was a bold idea.

But they didn’t know how to do it. No roadmap. No clarity. No strategy to get there. And then… they heard a Facebook ad for Seven Generations Legacy®.

That was the nudge.

They followed that moment of divine appointment to begin faith-based legacy planning, and today, their family is operating with a whole new level of clarity, unity, and purpose.

“We were doing our best… but we had no tracks to run on.”Faith-Based Legacy Planning in ActionFrom Disconnected Assets to a Unified Legacy VisionThe Meaning: Writing Down the Culture That Was Already ThereThe Mechanism: Getting the Legal and Structural House in OrderThe Money: From Siloed Accounts to Stewardship StrategyThe Fruit of Faith-Based Legacy Planning: Family Meetings, Health Goals, and a Future PodcastWhat It Really Means to Align Wealth with ValuesWant to Build Your Own Legacy?Book A Strategy Call

“We were doing our best… but we had no tracks to run on.”

I’ll never forget this moment.

Buffy and Darren sat across from me on Zoom, eyes bright with conviction, reflecting on their journey. They’d built a beautiful life—decades of hard work, provision, blessing. But as they looked at their children, now adults, they knew something deeper was stirring.

“We had direction,” Buffy said, “but no map.”

That’s when they found the Seven Generations Legacy® Coaching Program. And everything changed.

They weren’t just searching for a way to preserve wealth. They were on a mission to steward something sacred: their faith, their values, and the legacy they knew God had placed in their hands for generations to come.

Faith-Based Legacy Planning in Action

When we talk about faith-based legacy planning, we’re not just talking about trust documents or estate strategies. We’re talking about shaping the kind of family culture that lasts beyond your lifetime.

That’s what Darren and Buffy came looking for—and that’s what they built.

They had wealth. They had faith. They had a vision.

What they needed was a mechanism.

At The Money Advantage™, we don’t talk about inheritance the way the world does. This isn’t about how much you leave—it’s about what you leave in the people you love.

If you’ve ever thought…

“I’ve built something valuable—but how do I pass it on with meaning?”

“Our kids aren’t quite ready… but I want to guide them.”

“We have the assets, but not the structure. Where do we start?”

…then you’re not alone. And this story is for you.

In this episode of The Money Advantage™ Podcast, we unpack their full journey—from feeling stuck with disjointed entities and unspoken hopes… to confidently stewarding their family’s meaning, mechanism, and money with purpose.We’ll walk you through Darren and Buffy’s real-life experience using the Seven Generations Legacy® process, including:

Why they felt stuck, even after decades of success

How they aligned their faith, finances, and family

The power of creating meaning and mechanism—not just money

What happened after they hosted their first Family Legacy Summit

This isn’t theory. This is transformation.

If you’ve ever wondered how to truly align your values with your wealth—or how to pass on something deeper than money—this story is for you.

From Disconnected Assets to a Unified Legacy Vision

Darren and Buffy didn’t come to Seven Generations Legacy empty-handed.

They had two decades of successful business ownership, investments, and assets. But what they didn’t have was an integrated plan—or a way to ensure it wouldn’t all unravel when passed to the next generat...

Let me tell you a quick story.

Imagine walking into your local grocery store, grabbing a can of peas, and sneaking out the back door without paying. It sounds ridiculous—maybe even unethical, right? Now, imagine the opposite: You pick up the same can, go to the register, pay for it, and walk out the front door with a receipt in hand. 

https://www.youtube.com/live/GZ7wNDb-ugY

That simple act—paying at the register instead of sneaking out the back—perfectly illustrates one of the most misunderstood aspects of how to design a whole life policy for Infinite Banking.

In the world of Infinite Banking, how you design your policy—how you pay into it, structure it, and use it—determines whether you’re building a self-sustaining system or just draining your wealth through the back door.

Why Policy Design Isn’t Just Technical—It’s TransformationalWhy Most People Start Too Small—or Too FastHow to Design a Whole Life Policy for Infinite Banking That Lasts a LifetimeUnderstand the Balance: Base Premium vs. PUAYou’re Plugging Into a 200-Year-Old Business ModelCompound Interest Only Works If You Stop Interrupting ItLegacy Isn’t a Caboose—It’s the EngineWhat Happens When You Design It RightBook A Strategy Call

Why Policy Design Isn’t Just Technical—It’s Transformational

Most people hear about infinite banking and jump to the mechanics: “Just get a whole life policy, borrow against the cash value, and repeat.” But here’s what they don’t realize—the policy design is the difference between building a thriving family banking system and being stuck in financial frustration.

It’s not just about having a policy. It’s about knowing how to design a whole life policy for infinite banking that supports liquidity, growth, leverage, and generational transfer.

In this blog, we’re going to walk you through:

Why policy design matters more than people think

The difference between base premium and paid-up additions (PUAs)

The hidden costs of “high cash value” quick starts

How to build a system of policies, not just one

Why thinking generationally changes everything

By the end, you’ll understand exactly how to create a design that serves your financial life now and becomes a blessing to future generations.

Why Most People Start Too Small—or Too Fast

We see it all the time. Someone discovers infinite banking and gets excited. They want a policy with the most cash value right now. And that’s not wrong—it’s just shortsighted.

Here’s the truth: Policies that prioritize high early cash value often sacrifice long-term performance.

The reason? To make those numbers work, designers load up the policy with PUAs (paid-up additions) and sometimes minimal base premium. That means you get very high liquidity early, yes—but you may cap out your insurability and miss the long-term efficiency that comes from a well-balanced policy.

As Joe put it: "The only truly bad policy is the one that uses up all your capacity and then handicaps you from fixing it later."

The real win is designing a policy you can grow with—and expand into a system over time.

How to Design a Whole Life Policy for Infinite Banking That Lasts a Lifetime

Nelson Nash, the father of infinite banking, made it crystal clear: You’re not solving your entire banking need with a single policy. You’re building a system—a privatized family banking system that scales with your life.

If you view your first policy as the only policy, you’ll over-optimize for short-term performance and miss the compounding tailwinds available when you structure for longevity.

Instead, when you're considering how to design a whole life policy for infinite banking, think in terms of scalability. Start with one. Make sure it’s structured well. Then expand.

Think of it like building a fleet of airplanes, not just one solo jet. Each new policy adds to your system's speed, altitude, and carrying capacity. Over time,

It started with a bold question that showed up in a public comment: "If infinite banking is so powerful, why wouldn't I just put all my income into a whole life policy?" That single comment sparked a deeply layered, thoughtful conversation that we knew needed more attention.

It wasn't criticism. It was curiosity.

And curiosity, when channeled with wisdom and humility, can be a catalyst for generational transformation.

So today, we’re opening up that conversation—and giving you the full picture of what it really means to go "all in" with infinite banking.

What You’re Really Asking When You Consider Putting All Your Income into a Whole Life PolicyShould You Really Put All Your Income into a Whole Life Policy? (The Real Answer May Surprise You)The Spirit Behind the Question Think Long Range: The Power of Time Don’t Be Afraid to Capitalize—But Be Strategic Policy Design: Base vs. PUA, and Why It Matters Understand Insurability and Premium Affordability Sustainability Is Freedom The Danger of Over-Leveraging and Poor RepaymentWhy All Your Income into a Whole Life Policy Shouldn’t Be Your Only StrategyBook A Strategy Call

What You’re Really Asking When You Consider Putting All Your Income into a Whole Life Policy

The idea of putting all your income into a whole life policy sounds bold—even radical. And in the context of the infinite banking concept (IBC), it’s a question worth exploring.

As someone who's lived and breathed this philosophy, I (Rachel Marshall) have heard this question before. And in this conversation with my colleague Joe DeFazio, we wanted to approach it with both clarity and candor. Because here’s the truth:

Yes, whole life insurance and infinite banking can be incredibly powerful tools for financial freedom, stewardship, and legacy-building. But like any strategy, the design and implementation matter.

In this article, we're going to unpack the principles behind the idea of putting all your income into a whole life policy, the risks, the benefits, and most importantly—the mindset that helps you use this tool to its fullest, most sustainable potential.

You’ll learn:

- Why infinite banking isn't just about the numbers—it's about long-term thinking

- The role of policy design and insurability

- How to balance capitalization with sustainability

- Why freedom comes through commitment

Let’s dive in.

Should You Really Put All Your Income into a Whole Life Policy? (The Real Answer May Surprise You)

If you're asking whether to put all your income into a whole life policy, you’re not alone. It’s a question we hear often—and for good reason.

The Infinite Banking Concept is compelling. It gives you control, liquidity, privacy, and long-term access to capital. It feels like the financial tool we’ve all been waiting for—and in many ways, it is.

But let’s be clear: Infinite Banking is a system. Not a silver bullet.

Going "all in" on a whole life policy without the right structure is like planting seeds without soil. Yes, premium matters. But without a clear understanding of how that premium fits into your broader wealth strategy, you could easily find yourself over-leveraged and cash-strapped.

Nelson Nash taught us that capitalization is essential, but he never said to abandon wisdom in the process.

That’s why our answer is almost always: no, don’t put all your income into a policy.

Instead, fund it based on your long-term strategy, your liquidity needs, your investing rhythm, and your ability to keep the policy active through every season of life. Think marathon, not sprint.

When clients ask this question, we gently guide them back to the deeper one: What are you really trying to build?

Because when you understand the real vision, your policy becomes a tool—not a trap.

The Spirit Behind the Question

We weren’t offended by the question. Quite the opposite.

It takes courage to ask, "Why not go all in?" But before we can even answer that,