The primary purpose of life insurance is to provide financial protection for your family in the event of the death of the breadwinner. But some types of life insurance provide additional features. In addition to providing a death benefit, they can also serve as an estate and investment vehicle. For example, life insurance death benefits are generally paid income tax free. So life insurance can be an effective estate planning vehicle to protect one?s family or business by leaving an income tax-free benefit to heirs. Estate taxes, however, may apply.

Whole life insurance policies, particularly Variable Universal Life (VUL) policies, may offer the potential for tax-deferred growth to supplement retirement income. All potential earnings are income tax-deferred, so the cash value has an opportunity to grow. Further, the cash value can be accessed for a variety of needs?not just for retirement.

Variable Universal Life insurance offers access to an array of investment options. Many VUL policies offer respected, brand-name investment options, often from premier money managers, covering a variety of asset classes including stocks (both domestic and international), bonds, money markets and often a guaranteed interest option. *Many policies provide the freedom to choose the asset mix that best suits an individual?s tolerance for risk as well as one?s investment time horizon. In fact, many insurers have programs that can help determine a customized asset allocation for each client.

VUL policies are highly flexible, in many cases allowing for adjustments to coverage and premium payment amounts. Further, VUL policies give access to cash value throughout the life of the policy as needs and objectives change.

As long as the policy remains in force, consumers can withdraw or borrow** money from the cash value when needed to help pay for college tuition or a down-payment on a new home. The concept is similar to borrowing from a 401(k), except that, generally, the money doesn?t need to be repaid until the death of the insured or when the policy is surrendered. And unlike a 401(k) loan, borrowing against cash value can be done for any reason?you can use the money for a down payment on a child?s home or a grandchild?s education, for example.

For more information on how variable universal life combines life insurance, investment features and flexibility, contact your financial professional.

AXA Advisors, LLC does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your tax or legal advisor regarding your individual situation.

*All guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Values in variable investment options and rates of return will fluctuate and shares may be worth more or less than your original contribution when redeemed.

**Loans and withdrawals will reduce the life insurance policy?s death benefit and cash surrender value. Loans and withdrawals may also cause tax consequences in certain situations, and increase the chance that the policy will lapse.
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[Financial Professional?s name] offers securities through AXA Advisors, LLC (member NASD, SIPC) [Registered Office Address] [City, State, Zip] and offers annuity and insurance products through an insurance brokerage affiliate, AXA Network, LLC and its subsidiaries.

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