Is it too late to start saving for retirement?

What Could Kai-Zen Look Like? Case Study: Is 55 Too Late to Start?

Key Takeaways

55

Age

$250k

Total out-of-pocket- contribution

$41.430M

Total tax-free income received (65–95)

Important Disclosures

This is a conceptual example for educational purposes only. All policies are subject to underwriting. Loan values and benefits are not guaranteed and depend on policy performance. Taking loans from a life insurance policy reduces the death benefit and may cause the policy to lapse if not properly managed. Bank participation is subject to approval. NIW and Kai-Zen are not affiliated with National Life Group.

Properly structured life insurance can be more than protection—it can be a powerful, tax-smart financial tool.

If you’re a high-income earner in your 20s or 30s and want to:

  • Supplement future retirement income
  • Reduce long-term tax exposure
  • Lock in protection while costs are low
  • Build leveraged legacy wealth

Then Kai-Zen may be worth exploring.

Learn more here

Client Profile

Age: 55
Health: Excellent
Contribution: $50,000 annually for 5 years
Total out-of-pocket: $250k

Bank Leverage

Years 1–5: $34,150/year
Years 6–10: $82,800/year
Total lender contribution: $585,750

Total Contributions

Combined total: $834,750

Disclosures

  • Assumes excellent health

  • Non-tobacco and non-marijuana user

  • At higher ages, $25,000 may fall below the program’s minimum contribution requirement. 

  • These illustrative numbers are hypothetical and may change with shifts in interest rates or market conditions     

What Does the Client Get?

Life Insurance Protection

Net death benefit from day one: $1,189,346

Living Benefits

Chronic Illness: Up to $7,917/month and Critical Illness/Injury: Up to $268,502 lump sum

Tax-Free Retirement Income

Starting at age 65:

(Net of all loan repayments)

Legacy + Liquidity at Age 95

Total tax-free income received (65–95): $41.430M
Remaining death benefit to beneficiaries: $454,134

Why This Matters:

With just $250,000 of personal contributions, this young professional may gain access to:
  • Substantial tax-advantaged income through policy loans
  • Living benefits protection for chronic and critical illness
  • Long-term life insurance coverage
  • Strategic leverage to potentially enhance outcomes
  • Downside protection with a 0% floor

This is how the wealthy use life insurance.

Not just for protection—but as a smarter asset class.

If you’re a high-income earner, business owner, or executive looking to:

  • Create more retirement income
  • Reduce future tax burdens
  • Offer elite employee benefits
  • Protect your estate while still growing your wealth

 

…Kai-Zen may be worth exploring.