Turn a taxable retirement account into a flexible, tax-advantaged asset.
For people with $3M or more in traditional IRAs or 401(k)s who want control over their retirement income and less of it going to taxes.
20 minutes. If nothing fits, we'll say so.
- 01 5-year transition
- 02 $3M+ in qualified accounts
- 03 No required minimum distributions afterward
Not all retirement savings are created equal.
You saved diligently. But every dollar in a tax-deferred account still carries a tax bill. Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income, possibly at a higher bracket than you expected in retirement. At 73, required minimum distributions force you to take money out whether you need it or not.
Those withdrawals can also raise your Medicare premiums and the tax on your Social Security. And if the market drops when a distribution is due, you lock in the loss. The bigger the account grows, the bigger the problem becomes.
How it works, without the jargon
Set up the plan
Wilson Hand establishes an LLC-sponsored 401(k) to receive rollovers from your existing accounts.
Transfer over five years
Each year, a portion of your retirement funds moves into a custom-designed, cash-value life insurance policy built for growth and access, not traditional coverage.
Distribution in year six
The policy is distributed to you. Because expenses are front-loaded in the early years, the taxable value at distribution is typically 50–60% of what you contributed.
A policy loan covers the tax
Instead of paying the tax bill out of pocket, you use a loan against the policy's cash value.
Access for life
From then on you can borrow against the policy whenever you choose. Policy loans are not counted as income.
Who it's for
You may be a fit if
- Age 50–70, approaching or in early retirement
- $3M or more in traditional IRAs or 401(k)s, in accounts eligible for rollover
- High-earning professional, executive, or business owner
- At least five years before you need full access to the funds
- Concerned about RMDs, future tax rates, or leaving assets to heirs
Key benefits
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Lower lifetime taxes
Tax applies to a fraction of what you contributed, rather than to every future withdrawal.
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No required minimum distributions
You decide when and how much to access.
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Income that doesn't count as income
Policy loans don't raise your taxable income, Medicare premiums, or Social Security taxation.
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Protection from market timing
Cash value grows with guarantees, so you're never forced to sell in a downturn.
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Legacy planning
The policy's death benefit passes to beneficiaries income-tax-free.
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Built-in health protection
Chronic illness riders can help with unexpected care costs.
ARP vs. a Roth conversion
A Roth conversion makes you pay tax on the full converted amount up front. The ARP phases the transition over five years and covers the tax at distribution with a policy loan, so the effective rate is typically much lower.
Accelerated Retirement Plan in practice
A retiree with a $2.8M IRA restructured the account through the ARP. The plan is projected to provide about $185,000 a year in retirement income and avoid more than $1M in lifetime taxes.
Questions
What does it cost to start?
A $2,000 setup fee covers the legal documents for the strategy.
Does this eliminate all taxes?
No. Tax is paid at the year-six distribution, but on a reduced value and through a policy loan rather than out of pocket.
Can I keep working while I do this?
Yes. Many clients start the ARP while still working.
Is there a faster version?
Yes. Future Ready completes the transfer in three years. Learn about Future Ready →
See what the ARP could mean for your retirement.
20 minutes. If nothing fits, we'll say so.
The ARP involves a life insurance product. Policy loans reduce cash value and death benefit and may cause a lapse if not managed. Results depend on individual facts and policy performance. This is not tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult your own advisors.