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July 16, 2025 9 mins

Ernst & Young recently came out with a new updated study, which is likely to scandalize mainstream financial experts like they did with their 2021 study.

Back then, they asked the question, “Is the stock market-only retirement approach really the strategy that gives you the highest levels of income and the best outcomes over a 30-year retirement?”

In their new study, on the other hand, they substituted Indexed Universal Life for Whole Life, and Fixed Index Annuities for Deferred Income Annuities – a move that led to unexpected and spectacular results. 

Host David McKnight explains that by going beyond the investment-only playbook and by integrating tools like Whole Life and Deferred Income Annuities into your retirement strategy, you get higher levels of income and a higher likelihood of your money lasting through life expectancy and beyond.

For years, Indexed Universal Life and Fixed Index Annuities have been misrepresented by many (inexperienced) insurance agents, have been vilified by media personalities using a “one-size-fits-all” approach, and have been ignored by investment-only advisors.

In the latest iteration of their study, Ernst & Young ran three case studies: one featuring a 35-year-old couple just starting their financial journey, one involving a 45-year-old couple, and the last one looking at a 65-year-old couple on the doorstep of retirement.

David asks why, if the E&Y case studies show that IULs and FIAs can dramatically improve income levels and the likelihood of money lasting through life expectancy and wealth to heirs, they have been so frequently demonized?

David touches upon three distinct reasons why he believes the critiques occur.

“Together, the IUL and FIA act as the stabilizers on your retirement journey,” says David.

Utilized in conjunction with your investment portfolio, IUL and FIA increase your income, the likelihood your money lasts through life expectancy, and they increase the money that gets passed on to your heirs.

For David, data proves that cash value life insurance and annuities work whether you’re just getting started or are stepping into retirement.

 

 

Mentioned in this episode:

David’s national bestselling book: The Guru Gap: How America’s Financial Gurus Are Leading You Astray, and How to Get Back on Track

DavidMcKnight.com

DavidMcKnightBooks.com

PowerOfZero.com (free video series)

@mcknightandco on Twitter 

@davidcmcknight on Instagram

David McKnight on YouTube

Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at taxfreetoolkit.com

Ernst & Young

Dave Ramsey

Suze Orman

S&P 500

Mark as Played

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