An expert said overfunded whole life was often pitched as a generational wealth shortcut, but the math rarely worked as salespeople suggested.
Early in a whole life policy, buyers could pay heavily yet remain far underwater, with capital locked up for years and little useful benefit.
Inflation worsened that drag. With CPI at 330.3 and ↑~1% MoM, slowly growing cash value lost real purchasing power while owners waited.
In the current rate environment, a 10-yr Treasury near ~4% plus a trust structure could offer predictable, lower-cost returns than fee-heavy whole life.
The tax pitch also needed caution. An expert said these policies were tax-advantaged, not tax-free, so costs and tradeoffs still mattered.