11/06/2023
Black people have always been disproportionately targeted by scammers. Financial fraud is rampant today, a fact which should cause us to carefully vet every. single. product. marketed to us! Life insurance is no different. Is it a scam? In short, no, but let's talk about why.
Is the stock market a scam? Most would say no and they're correct. But look deeper and the reality is that you can invest in the market for years and depending on a range of factors beyond your control-- the broader economy, overseas wars or corporate malfesance-- the entire stock market could crash. Life insurance, on the other hand, is the single wealth creation vehicle which is certain today and forever. Black families should pay much closer attention.
No investment-- stocks, startup companies -- is without risk. Yes, there are investments that might be potentially be more lucrative than life insurance. For example, someone who invested in Amazon in its first year would be insanely wealthy today. However, the likelihood of choosing the next Amazon stock is small. The certainty of paying a life insurance premium each month and receiving the full benefit of it, tax-free, is 100%. For what it's worth, by the way, gains on investments are still subject to taxation.
Life insurance is the one product that you invest in and get a certain return, without your estate being taxed for it. Life insurance is guaranteed, there is no risk. Unlike the banks that play fast and loose, insurance companies are extremely conservative, ensuring that they're able to make good on their promises. Let's make sure we're building Black wealth: absolutely invest in the market but please lay a good, guaranteed foundation for your family through life insurance.