When securing lifelong protection for your loved ones, choosing the right life insurance product is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make. For many, permanent life insurance offers the right mix of coverage and long-term value, but not all policies are created equal. In fact, there are three types of permanent life insurance you’ll want to consider — Whole Life, Indexed Universal Life (IUL), Variable Whole Life (VWL), and Armed Forces Mutual’s Value-Added Whole Life Insurance (VAWL). Read on to see why VAWL may be the strongest choice in today’s economic environment. 

Understanding Your Options 

Indexed Universal Life (IUL) 

A common permanent life insurance structure, IUL policies link their cash value growth to a market index such as the S&P 500. Policy features include: 

• Flexible premium payments 
• Cash value growth that is tied to market index performance, subject to caps and floors 
• Adjustable death benefits 

An IUL plan can offer upside potential, but this type of life insurance requires ongoing attention and may underperform in flat or declining markets. While it may lead you to a stronger financial position, it does carry some risk — and your budget must be prepared for and able to endure it. 

Variable Whole Life (VWL) 

Variable Whole Life combines the guarantees of traditional whole life insurance with the investment potential of mutual-fund-like sub-accounts. It also features: 

• Guaranteed base death benefit and fixed premiums 
• Cash value that fluctuates with market performance 
• Greater long-term growth potential, but also greater risk 

It’s important to note that policyholders who choose a VWL life insurance policy option must be comfortable managing investment choices and market exposure. 

Armed Forces Mutual’s Value-Added Whole Life Insurance 

Offered exclusively to the military community, our Value-Added Whole Life insurance is guaranteed over the life of the policy to earn a minimum crediting rate (full terms are specified in your policy). It also features: 

• Lifetime guaranteed coverage 
• Level premiums that never increase 
• Guaranteed cash value growth 
• Access to unique military-focused benefits, including a $10,000 living needs benefit, Survivor Assistance Services, and eligibility for Wealth Builder Life Insurance 

This policy is built for security, simplicity, and service, with no exposure to market fluctuations. 

Why Armed Forces Mutual’s Value-Added Whole Life Is a Smart Choice for You 

In a time of economic uncertainty, policies that prioritize stability over speculation are more appealing than ever. Here’s why our Value-Added Whole Life stands out in the current market landscape: 

1. Insulation from Market Volatility 

Both IUL and VWL policies rely on market performance. That means stock market instability — which can be influenced by inflation, interest rate swings, global tensions, and more — can reduce growth, affect policy values, or even trigger the need for increased premiums to keep the policy in force. 

In contrast, a Value-Added Whole Life policy offers: 

• Guaranteed cash value growth 
• No dependence on stock indexes or investment performance 
• Predictable outcomes, even in turbulent times 

2. Protection from Rising Costs 

Some market-tied policies can require additional premium payments if returns fall short of projections — especially in IUL policies with flexible structures. This can be an unwelcome surprise to policyholders, especially in later years. 

Armed Forces Mutual’s Value-Added Whole Life policy locks in: 

• Fixed, level premiums 
• Guaranteed death benefit for life 

That makes budgeting easier and prevents unexpected costs down the line. 

3. Simple, Reliable Planning 

With IUL and VWL, you may need to monitor index caps, participation rates, fund allocations, and more. For military families with busy lives, that complexity can be a burden. 

Armed Forces Mutual offers: 

• Simplified planning with set benefits and consistent growth 
• Exclusive support services to assist beneficiaries when they need it most 
• Confidence backed by trusted service to the military community since 1879 

At-a-Glance Comparison  

In Times of Uncertainty, Go with the Guarantee 

For military families seeking a secure, long-term solution with meaningful Member benefits, Armed Forces Mutual’s Value-Added Whole Life Insurance delivers where market-dependent policies can fall short. It’s more than just life insurance — it’s a commitment to peace of mind, backed by over a century of service to those who serve. Get a quote today.