F&G Indexed Universal Life — Ruschurance Financial
★ Built by a firefighter-focused agent Can write in any state in the union
Flagship IUL Carrier

Tax-advantaged growth.
Lifetime flexibility.
Living benefits baked in.

F&G's Indexed Universal Life policies are one of the sharpest tools in the box for firefighters who want permanent life insurance that grows without market risk, pays at diagnosis (not just at death), and can be used as a personal bank later. Here's when it makes sense — and when it doesn't.

Why F&G Specifically

Of the 19 carriers we work with, F&G's IUL stands alone for a few reasons.

F&G (Fidelity & Guaranty Life) has been building indexed products for 65+ years. Their Indexed Universal Life lineup is what we reach for when a firefighter wants: tax-advantaged growth without market risk, living-benefit riders that actually pay at diagnosis, and the flexibility to treat the policy as a private banking system later in life.

Not every firefighter needs an IUL. But for the ones who do — it's hard to outrun what F&G has put together.

IUL Primer (30-second version)

What the hell is an Indexed Universal Life policy?

It's permanent life insurance with a cash-value account inside it. That cash value earns interest based on the performance of a market index (typically the S&P 500 or similar), but with a critical twist: you don't lose principal when the market drops. The account has a floor — usually 0% — which means a down year doesn't hurt you.

In return for the downside protection, your upside is capped or participation-limited. A great market year might be capped at 10–12% instead of the full gain. That trade — give up some upside, eliminate all downside — is what makes IUL attractive for retirement-age firefighters who can't afford another 2008.

Why F&G's version specifically

  • Multiple index options including traditional S&P 500 strategies and newer volatility-controlled indexes that tend to cap less aggressively
  • Built-in living benefits (critical illness, chronic illness, terminal illness riders) on most products at no additional premium — meaning cash at diagnosis, not just at death
  • Policy loan structure that lets you borrow against cash value for a truck, a house, or income in retirement without triggering a taxable event
  • A-rated by A.M. Best with decades of claims-paying history
  • Specific firefighter-friendly underwriting — not every carrier quotes firefighters the same way. F&G tends to be reasonable.
How We Use It

Three plays we run with F&G IUL.

Play 1 — Living Benefit Life Insurance for a Working Firefighter (age 28–50)

Large death benefit with cash value that grows tax-deferred inside. Critical illness rider pays a lump sum at a cancer, heart attack, stroke, or ALS diagnosis. Your family wins whether you live or die. Premiums sized to match the firefighter's budget.

Play 2 — Debt-Free Life Strategy (any age)

Same policy, used differently. Over-fund it for 5–10 years until cash value is meaningful. Then borrow against it to pay off a mortgage, truck, or credit cards — and pay yourself back on your own schedule. See the Debt-Free Life page for the full breakdown.

Play 3 — Tax-Free Retirement Income (age 45+)

In retirement, take policy loans against the cash value for income. Done correctly, these loans don't count as taxable income in the eyes of the IRS. It's not a replacement for your pension or 457(b) — but it can be the tax-free layer on top that lets you stop worrying about next year's tax bracket.

"An IUL isn't magic and it isn't for everyone. But for a firefighter who wants to grow money without getting seasick every market correction — F&G's product is one of the cleanest tools in the box."
Watch

Eric walks through an F&G IUL illustration.

Video placeholderShare-screen walkthrough of a real F&G Pathsetter illustration

F&G IUL is worth exploring if...

  • You want permanent life insurance, not just 20-year term
  • You've maxed (or can't use) a Roth IRA and want another tax-advantaged bucket
  • You hate the idea of losing principal in a down market year
  • You want living benefits built into the policy — not a separate cancer policy
  • You can commit to funding the policy for at least 5–7 years to let cash value build
Reality check: IUL policies have internal costs (cost of insurance, policy fees, rider costs). Over the long haul, a properly structured IUL can outperform the alternatives — but a poorly structured or under-funded IUL can lapse and create tax problems. This is why it's not a DIY product. Run the numbers with someone who does it every day.

Know what you actually have.
Know what you actually need.

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30-min Zoom

When you're ready to pull up your current coverage, map out the gap, and see exactly what it would cost to close it. Screen-share, real numbers.

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or call direct: (616) 291-7205

Ruschurance Financial is the marketing name for Eric Rusch, a licensed life insurance agent. Eric is licensed in multiple states and can obtain non-resident licensing in any state in the union upon request. Product availability, features, and benefits vary by state and carrier. Not all carriers file in all states. Living benefits are available on select policies and may be subject to underwriting approval, exclusions, waiting periods, and benefit limits. Nothing on this website constitutes a solicitation of insurance in any state where Eric Rusch is not licensed. Information on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as individualized financial or tax advice. Always consult a qualified advisor before making financial decisions. This website is not affiliated with any government agency or fire department. Always review policy documents carefully before purchase. Carrier-specific product features are summarized for educational purposes only; complete terms, limitations, and exclusions are contained in each policy contract.