Variable Insurance Trust: An Overview

Variable insurance trusts are becoming increasingly popular among investors as well as beneficiaries. In simple terms, it is a trust that is created by a group of investors who contribute funds to the trust. The trust then invests these funds in variable annuity contracts, which offer a variety of investment options.

How Does a Variable Insurance Trust Work?

A variable insurance trust is created by a group of investors who pool their funds together. These funds are then used to purchase variable annuity contracts. A variable annuity contract is an insurance contract that allows the owner to allocate their funds among a variety of investment options.

Based on the investment options chosen, the value of the contract will fluctuate over time. The contract value will increase or decrease based on the performance of the underlying investments.

The trust is managed by a trustee, who has the responsibility of allocating the funds among the various investment options available in the variable annuity contracts.

What are the Benefits of a Variable Insurance Trust?

There are several benefits of a variable insurance trust, including:

Benefits
Description
Diversification
A variable insurance trust offers a variety of investment options, which can help to reduce risk and increase returns.
Tax Benefits
Investors in variable insurance trusts may be able to take advantage of tax-deferred growth and potentially lower tax rates when withdrawing funds in retirement.
Flexibility
Variable annuity contracts offer a range of investment options, which can be adjusted over time to meet changing investment objectives.
Estate Planning
Variable insurance trusts can also be used as part of an estate planning strategy to provide for beneficiaries.

Who Should Consider a Variable Insurance Trust?

Variable insurance trusts are an option for those who are looking for a way to invest in a variety of asset classes, while also receiving the benefits of an insurance product. It may be particularly beneficial for those who are looking to diversify their investments, while also receiving tax-deferred growth.

It is important to note that variable insurance trusts may not be suitable for everyone. Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses associated with the underlying investments and the contract before investing.

FAQ

What is a variable annuity contract?

A variable annuity contract is an insurance contract that allows the owner to allocate their funds among a variety of investment options. The contract value will increase or decrease based on the performance of the underlying investments.

What is a trustee?

A trustee is the person or entity responsible for managing the trust assets and ensuring that they are invested in accordance with the trust’s objectives.

What are the tax benefits of a variable insurance trust?

Investors in variable insurance trusts may be able to take advantage of tax-deferred growth and potentially lower tax rates when withdrawing funds in retirement.

Who should consider a variable insurance trust?

Variable insurance trusts are an option for those who are looking for a way to invest in a variety of asset classes, while also receiving the benefits of an insurance product.

Are variable insurance trusts suitable for everyone?

No, investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses associated with the underlying investments and the contract before investing.