LTC Expense Shield™: How to Protect Against Long-Term Care Costs

Most retirees don’t see it coming — but 70% of people over age 65 will need long-term care, and the average cost is over $100,000 per year.

In this episode of the Retirement Income School™, I introduce the third and final piece of the Guaranteed Income Blueprint™: the LTC Expense Shield™ — a flexible system that helps you protect your retirement savings from being drained by rising healthcare costs.

You’ll discover how to choose from three powerful solutions to get long-term care coverage that fits your goals, your lifestyle, and your budget — and why this step is absolutely essential for a relaxed, secure retirement.

Why Long-Term Care Is the Most Overlooked Retirement Threat

Most people don’t plan for it — and most financial advisors don’t talk about it enough.

But here’s the truth:

• 70% of people over age 65 will need care

• The average annual cost of a private room in a nursing home is $108,000

• Medicare doesn’t cover custodial long-term care

• Most long-term care needs arise suddenly and last 2–4 years — or longer

Without a plan, the result is often:

• Depleted retirement income

• A burden on your spouse or children

• Fewer choices for how and where you receive care

• No legacy left to pass on

The Emotional Side of Long-Term Care Planning

Let’s be honest — this isn’t a fun topic.

It’s tough to think about a future where we might be physically or cognitively impaired. But that’s exactly why having a plan in place today gives you peace of mind for tomorrow — and it also supports your family, who won’t be left scrambling or struggling if something happens to you.

The LTC Expense Shield™: 3 Smart Solutions

There are three powerful ways to cover long-term care needs — and each can be customized based on your age, health, and financial situation.

1. Whole Life Insurance with LTC Riders

This hybrid approach uses your Smart Life Plan™ to:

• Access part of your death benefit tax-free for care

• Provide a guaranteed pool of funds

• Preserve your legacy if benefits aren’t used

2. Fixed Index Annuities with Income Doublers

This SafeFlow Income™ feature lets you:

• Double your monthly annuity payout for up to 5 years

• Trigger payments when you need help with activities of daily living

• Avoid taxes on income used for qualified care

• Maintain guaranteed lifetime income

3. Traditional Long-Term Care Insurance

This is the most comprehensive option, offering:

• Flexible benefits for home care, assisted living, or nursing care

• Optional inflation protection

• Reimbursement or direct payments

• Lifetime or limited coverage terms

Busting the Top Myths About Long-Term Care

Here are a few common misconceptions I address in this episode:

• “I won’t need it.” → Statistically, you likely will

• “My family will take care of me.” → They may want to, but often can’t

• “It’s too expensive.” → Modern policies are more flexible and affordable than ever

• “I’ll lose my money if I don’t use it.” → Hybrid solutions preserve your assets

• “Medicare covers it.” → It doesn’t cover custodial care at all

How the LTC Expense Shield™ Protects You

Each of the three solutions helps you reduce risk in different ways:

1. Longevity Risk – Prevents outliving your money due to healthcare expenses

2. Market Risk – Guaranteed benefits not tied to the market

3. Withdrawal Rate Risk – Avoid overspending by having dedicated care funding

4. Inflation Risk – Optional inflation riders keep your coverage strong

5. Healthcare Cost Risk – Shield your income and legacy from rising medical expenses

Which Solution Is Right for You?

Everyone’s needs are different. You might:

• Choose just one strategy (life insurance, annuity, or LTC policy)

• Layer two strategies together

• Use all three for maximum protection

I’ve worked with clients who start small and add on later — and others who lock in comprehensive protection all at once. I can help you create a custom plan that fits your life, your values, and your future care preferences.

What’s Next in the Guaranteed Income Blueprint™?

This is the final lesson in the 3-part Guaranteed Income Blueprint™ series:

1. Smart Life Plan™ – Using whole life insurance for retirement income

2. SafeFlow Income™ – Turning assets into lifetime income with annuities

3. LTC Expense Shield™ – Protecting your retirement from long-term care costs

If you haven’t watched the full series, be sure to go back and listen or view those episodes.

And if you’re ready to build your own customized blueprint, I’d love to support you in the process.

Ready to Retire Financially Relaxed?

My goal is to help you eliminate the fear of running out of money, avoid costly mistakes, and retire with confidence and security. When you have safe, predictable income in place, you’re free to actually enjoy retirement — not just worry your way through it.

👉 Learn more at the Retirement Income School™
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This is your chance to learn what you wish school had taught you so you can learn how to keep your money safe and make it last, so you can enjoy retirement!