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Better than an IUL – Is a VUL?
Explores why many consumers are never shown Variable Universal Life as an option when comparing life insurance for accumulation. Due to licensing, regulation, and compensation structures, most agents only offer fixed products like IUL or Whole Life. This article explains how modern VULs have evolved, why transparency and FINRA oversight matter, and why an independent second opinion from a Licensed Life Insurance Analyst at LIR can help consumers and professionals avoid costl
LIR TEAM
2 days ago4 min read


The 10 Costs of Being Sold a Bad Policy
The 10 Costs of Being Sold a Bad Policy reveals the hidden financial, tax, time, and health consequences of poorly designed life insurance. Learn why an independent second opinion from licensed life insurance analysts can prevent costly mistakes—especially during the free look period.
LIR TEAM
Jan 104 min read


The Missing Financial Planning Piece for 2026
Now that we are in 2026, the most overlooked part of financial planning isn’t a new product—it’s reviewing what you already own. Life, annuity, disability, and long-term care policies are long-term financial contracts that often go unchecked. An independent second opinion from a Licensed Life Insurance Analyst helps consumers and professionals identify risks, avoid costly mistakes, and use the Free Look Period to make informed decisions before it’s too late.
LIR TEAM
Jan 34 min read


The Gift of An Independent Review
The Gift of An Independent Review is one of the most valuable protections consumers and professionals can give during year-end insurance sales season. With a legally required 10–30 day free look period, policyholders can review, modify, or cancel life, annuity, disability, and long-term care insurance with no penalty. An independent Licensed Life Insurance Analyst helps ensure policies are suitable, transparent, and aligned with long-term goals before it’s too late.
LIR TEAM
Dec 27, 20254 min read


Key Findings in Life Insurance Studies by J.D. Power & Others
Life insurance and annuity products are increasingly complex, and recent J.D. Power studies confirm that many consumers do not fully understand the policies they own. With infrequent advisor communication and confusing policy statements, serious issues often go unnoticed until it’s too late. This is why consumers and professionals alike should use the free-look period and seek an independent second opinion from a Licensed Life Insurance Analyst.
LIR TEAM
Dec 20, 20254 min read


Buying Life Insurance in December / Year-End: Smart Move or Sales Trap?
Buying life insurance in December is often more sales pressure than real savings. Learn why year-end “deals” can mislead consumers, how age and health truly determine pricing, and why an independent second opinion from a Licensed Life Insurance Analyst and LifeInsuranceReview.com (LIR) is essential. Protect yourself—and your clients—before buying any policy.
LIR TEAM
Nov 29, 20254 min read


Insurance Agent Formal Lawsuit Complaint
This formal lawsuit complaint review shows how misleading IUL sales, unrealistic illustrations, and hidden risks can lead to major financial harm. It’s a clear reminder why every consumer and professional should strongly recommend an independent second opinion—ideally from a Licensed Life Insurance Analyst. Cash value policies can lapse due to performance issues, making expert, conflict-free reviews essential.
LIR TEAM
Nov 22, 20254 min read


Agents & Life Insurance Companies Can Be Sued & Be Liable
Agents and life insurance companies can be sued and be liable for misrepresentation and negligent sales practices, especially with rising IUL and premium financing lawsuits. Consumers and professionals should always get an independent second opinion from a Licensed Life Insurance Analyst. LifeInsuranceReview.com (LIR) provides unbiased, fiduciary policy reviews that protect clients and prevent costly mistakes before they lead to litigation.
LIR TEAM
Nov 14, 20254 min read


Using AI to Do a Policy Review: Helpful, But Never a Replacement for a Licensed Analyst
Discover how using AI like ChatGPT or Gemini can assist in reviewing your life insurance policy — but why only a Licensed Life Insurance Analyst at LifeInsuranceReview.com (LIR) can provide a truly independent, fiduciary-level second opinion you can trust.
LIR TEAM
Nov 7, 20254 min read


🎃Buyer Beware: Be Cautious and Protect Yourself from Being Sold
Buyer Beware! Learn the top 3 Halloween scares of buying life insurance — bad policies, hidden costs, and underinsurance. Discover why getting an independent second opinion from a licensed life insurance analyst at LifeInsuranceReview.com protects consumers and professionals alike.
LIR TEAM
Oct 31, 20254 min read


Policy Charges & Expenses Page Often Not Disclosed
Most agents don’t show the Policy Charges & Expenses page — it’s not required to be included unless requested, and too technical to explain. Learn why consumers and professionals should get independent reviews from LifeInsuranceReview.com (LIR) before buying or recommending a policy.
LIR TEAM
Oct 17, 20255 min read


Life Insurance Product Concepts and Illustrations Are Not Reality
Life insurance and annuity illustrations often look perfect on paper — but they’re not reality. Discover how fiduciary, fee-based reviews from California-licensed Life Insurance Analysts at LifeInsuranceReview.com protect clients and professionals from misleading projections.
LIR TEAM
Oct 11, 20255 min read


Questions to Ask After Being Sold Life Insurance
Learn the 5 key questions to ask after being sold life insurance and why getting a second opinion from a licensed Life Insurance Analyst at LifeInsuranceReview.com protects both consumers and professionals from unsuitable policies.
LIR TEAM
Oct 3, 20254 min read


Premium Finance Review & Rescue
Protect yourself from failing premium finance life insurance. Learn how LIR’s Premium Finance Review & Rescue helps consumers & advisors avoid costly mistakes.
LIR TEAM
Sep 19, 20254 min read


IUL AG 49 Illustration Regulations AG49-A, AG49-B, Soon AG49-C
Did you know that most Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policies fall far short of their original projections? Since their launch in 1997, IULs have been sold as powerful cash value accumulation and death benefit tools—but the reality often doesn’t match the glossy illustrations.
That’s why state regulators keep revising Actuarial Guideline 49 (AG 49). First introduced in 2015, it became AG 49-A in 2020, then AG 49-B in 2023—with AG 49-C already on the horizon. Each new version
LIR TEAM
Sep 12, 20253 min read


The Life Insurance Review (LIR) Challenge!
Life Insurance Awareness Month: Get a second independent review by a licensed life insurance analyst agency today! When it comes to life...
LIR TEAM
Sep 5, 20254 min read


What is a Licensed Life Insurance Analyst – and Why Work With One
Most people buy life insurance from an agent or broker, but for complex policies like IUL, Whole Life, and VUL, the smarter choice may be a Licensed Life Insurance Analyst. Unlike sales-driven professionals, analysts provide objective, fee-based reviews, aligning your policies with financial and estate planning goals. At LifeInsuranceReview.com (LIR), clients gain unbiased expertise to protect their wealth and future.
LIR TEAM
Aug 22, 20255 min read


Why “0% No Loss” in IUL Is Misleading — And Why an Independent Second Opinion from LifeInsuranceReview (LIR) Matters
Many agents sell Indexed Universal Life (IUL) on the promise of “0% no loss” or even a 1% floor—but that’s only half the story. Policy charges and rising insurance costs mean “zero” years are actually negative, often -2% to -2.5% net. Floors above 0% are usually temporary, can be reduced anytime, and come with hidden costs. That’s why IULs must be explained and designed properly—and why an independent review from LifeInsuranceReview.com (LIR) is essential.
LIR TEAM
Aug 15, 20254 min read


Life Insurance Confidential 1st Book
LifeInsuranceReview.com (LIR) announces its first book in the Life Insurance Confidential series — Don’t Let Yourself Own a Bad Policy, by Chief Life Insurance Analyst John Nguyen, EA, CLU®, ChFC®. This consumer guide exposes industry practices, reveals why most policies can be improved, and empowers readers to demand transparency, act in their best interest, and seek independent reviews.
LIR TEAM
Aug 8, 20253 min read


Life Insurance, Annuities, Disability & LTC After the OBBB Act
Many agents are selling life insurance, annuities, disability, and LTC policies based on outdated or self-serving advice. The new OBBB Act changes the tax landscape, reducing the need for many of these products — yet the sales push continues. LifeInsuranceReview.com offers independent, fiduciary policy reviews to help you avoid being sold and start making decisions in your best interest.
LIR TEAM
Aug 1, 20256 min read

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