Case Studies

“Case studies turn theory into proof.”

—Jim Collins

True stories. Real solutions. Your future deserves more than guesswork.

From Confusion to Clarity — Retirement Planning with Indexed Universal Life (IUL)

Client: Karen M., 57, Single Mother, Registered Nurse
Location: Tampa, FL
Service: Tax-Free Retirement Planning (Indexed Universal Life Insurance)

The Situation:
Karen spent her life caring for others—her patients, her two children, and her aging mother. But like many caregivers, she had neglected herself financially. With only a modest 401(k) and Social Security on the horizon, Karen feared she’d never be able to retire with dignity. She was overwhelmed, distrustful of “salespeople,” and unsure whom to turn to.

The Solution:
Through a local wellness workshop, Karen discovered Ai Merchantry. What stood out to her wasn’t the product—it was the approach. No pressure. No jargon. Just honest conversation.

One of our advisors showed Karen how an Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policy could protect her income, allow for tax-free retirement income, and even provide living benefits if she faced chronic illness down the road.

The Impact:

Karen repositioned $350/month from her underperforming mutual fund into the IUL.

After 10 years, she’s projected to access over $45,000/year in tax-free income for retirement.

Her policy includes $500,000 in death benefit and $250,000 in living benefits, should health challenges arise.

She gained peace of mind knowing she could retire with grace and leave a legacy—not a burden.

Karen’s Words:

“Ai Merchantry didn’t just sell me something—they gave me hope and a plan. For the first time, I feel like my future is in my hands.”

Securing a Family Legacy — Premium-Financed Life Insurance for Business Owners

Client: James & Latasha D., 42 and 44
Location: Charlotte, NC
Service: Advanced Estate Planning with Kai-Zen® Premium Financing

The Situation:
James and Latasha built a successful logistics company from the ground up. They were making high six figures, but nearly every dollar was tied up in business assets, real estate, and reinvestment. They had a will but no cohesive plan for protecting their wealth—or each other.

They feared what would happen if one of them died unexpectedly. Could the business continue? Would their kids inherit opportunity or chaos?

The Solution:
Ai Merchantry introduced them to the Kai-Zen® premium financing strategy—a powerful, institutionally-backed tool that allows high-income earners to leverage bank financing to secure millions in permanent life insurance, with minimal out-of-pocket cost.

The Impact:

With only $42,000/year for 5 years out of pocket, they secured a $5.3M life insurance policy.

The policy also provides chronic illness protection and future tax-free income options.

If something happens to either spouse, the business and their children’s future are protected—without needing to sell the company or liquidate assets.

They avoided unnecessary estate taxes and implemented a true succession plan.

James' Reflection:

“I always thought insurance was a cost. Ai Merchantry showed me it’s a strategy. We protected our business, our legacy, and created a powerful financial tool for our future.”

From Tax Burden to Tax Strategy” — Advanced Tax Planning for High Earners

Client: Robert T., 52, Orthopedic Surgeon
Location: Dallas, TX
Service: Tax Strategies & Planning

The Situation:
Robert was earning over $600,000/year and feeling the sting of taxes every April. Despite a solid investment portfolio, he lacked a cohesive tax plan. His CPA did great work filing, but no one was proactively planning with him to reduce his tax liability.

The Solution:
An Ai Merchantry advisor collaborated with Robert’s CPA to design a comprehensive tax strategy that included:

Setting up a Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Leveraging cost segregation on his investment properties

Funding a cash-value life insurance policy for future tax-free income

The Impact:

Reduced annual taxable income by $84,000

Created an additional $1.2M in projected retirement assets

Gained a tax-free retirement income stream for life

Robert’s Words:

“I’ve worked hard for my money. Ai Merchantry helped me keep more of it—without cutting corners.”

A Safety Net for the Unexpected — Living Benefits Life Insurance

Client: Angela P., 41, Marketing Executive, Single Mother
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Service: Life Insurance with Living Benefits

The Situation:
Angela was a healthy, active professional raising her 9-year-old daughter. She thought life insurance was only for death benefits and delayed making any decisions. Then, at 39, she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Fortunately, she had already met with Ai Merchantry and implemented a permanent life policy with living benefits.

The Solution:
When Angela needed time off work for treatment, her policy allowed her to accelerate $180,000 of her death benefit—tax-free—to cover medical bills and living expenses.

The Impact:

Paid off medical debt without draining savings

Kept her home and lifestyle stable for her daughter

Maintained her retirement plan without interruption

Angela’s Words:

“They didn’t just plan for my future—they protected my present. I can’t imagine what I’d have done without Ai Merchantry.”

The Special Needs Pathway — Protected Tomorrows Planning

Client: The Reynolds Family, Parents of a Child with Autism
Location: Richmond, VA
Service: Special Needs Financial & Legal Planning

The Situation:
The Reynolds’ 12-year-old son, Matthew, has autism. They were overwhelmed by the complexity of future care planning—guardianship, benefits, and financial security after they’re gone. They feared burdening their daughter with this responsibility.

The Solution:
Ai Merchantry partnered with Protected Tomorrows® to create a holistic care plan, including:

Setting up a Special Needs Trust

Coordinating with attorneys for guardianship

Aligning insurance and investments to fund Matthew’s lifetime care

The Impact:

Secured government benefits eligibility for Matthew

Funded a trust to provide $45,000/year for his lifetime needs

Gave the family peace of mind knowing both children’s futures are secure

Mrs. Reynolds’ Words:

“For the first time, I can breathe. We have a plan that will outlive us.”

From Chaos to Control” — Asset-Map® Financial Organization

Client: Daniel & Priya K., 35 and 33, Dual-Income Family with Two Kids
Location: Seattle, WA
Service: Asset-Map® Financial Visualization

The Situation:
Daniel and Priya had accounts scattered across multiple banks, investment firms, and retirement plans. They had insurance policies but weren’t sure what they covered. Every financial decision felt like guesswork.

The Solution:
Ai Merchantry’s Asset-Map® tool consolidated their entire financial life onto a single, easy-to-read page, showing:

All assets, liabilities, income, and insurance in one place

Gaps in life and disability coverage

A clear path to funding college and retirement

The Impact:

Increased retirement savings rate by 15%

Closed a $500,000 life insurance gap

Reduced financial stress by having a clear, visual plan

Priya’s Words:

“Seeing everything in one place made us feel in control for the first time. Now we make decisions with confidence.”