The Patient Agent - Clay Huffman

The SGLI question every separating service member should ask.

I was talking to a Marine last week who's getting out in 6 months. Smart guy. Great career ahead of him. But when I asked about his SGLI, he said, "Yeah, I've got $400k. I'm set."

Here's what he didn't know.

SGLI stops the day you separate. Gone. Your family goes from $400k protected to zero overnight.

You can convert to VGLI, and at 29 or younger, $400k costs $24/month. That's actually reasonable. I'll give it that.

But VGLI premiums increase every 5 years as you age. By 55-59, that same $400k coverage runs $200/month. By 80+, you're looking at $1,760/month — for the exact same coverage you had in uniform.

Most people keep paying until it becomes painful, then cancel. And then they have nothing.

The question isn't whether VGLI is affordable today. It's whether you want a bill that never stops growing, or coverage with level premiums locked in while you're still young and healthy.

The transition isn't just about finding a new job. It's about replacing the financial safety net you had in uniform, before you need it.

Did you know about the VGLI rate increase before you separated? What would you tell someone getting out next month?

Rate source: VA.gov official VGLI rate tables https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/vgli/

Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) | Veterans Affairs With Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI), you may be able to keep your life insurance coverage after you leave the military for as long as you continue to pay the premiums. Find out if you qualify for VGLI and how to manage your coverage.

I spent the weekend at the Aspire Tour surrounded by entrepreneurs and business builders. Two things I heard are still rattling around in my head and I think every veteran needs to hear them.

First one came from Andrew Cordle. He talked about how most people confuse business IQ with financial IQ. You can be crushing it at work, pulling in good money, and still be broke. Because earning money and keeping money are two completely different skills.

Think about it. In the military, we got a steady paycheck. BAH. BAS. Maybe some special duty pay. But nobody sat us down and said hey, here's how you actually structure your finances so that money works for you long after you take the uniform off.

We learned discipline, systems, and how to execute under pressure. But financial engineering? That wasn't part of the training.

The wealthy don't just out-earn everyone else. They out-structure everyone else. They understand tax law. They build systems that create, keep, and multiply wealth. That's the game most of us were never taught to play.

The second thing came from Kim Walsh Phillips. She said out of one billion people on LinkedIn, only 1% are actually posting. One percent. She challenged everyone to stop sitting on the sidelines and start sharing what they know and who they serve.
So here's mine.

I empower military families to build tax-advantaged retirement income without contribution limits or early withdrawal penalties.

Four years ago, I was medically discharged from the Coast Guard, limping around on a cane, trying to figure out what came next. I tried different businesses and industries. Nothing stuck until I found life insurance and realized I could take everything the military taught me and use it to protect families the way I wish someone had protected mine.

When my wife's great uncle Bob passed away, a World War II veteran, we found out the hard way that VA burial benefits don't work the way most people think. We paid everything out of pocket, saved receipts, and waited over a month for reimbursement before he could even be buried.

My own father still believes the VA will take care of everything when he dies. Most veterans and their families believe the same thing.

That experience changed me. It's why I do this work now.
If you're a veteran or active duty and you've been meaning to look into your financial picture but keep putting it off, I get it. Life is busy. Transition is overwhelming. But the structure you build now is what protects your family later.

You don't have to figure it all out today. Just start asking the right questions. And if you want someone to walk through it with you who actually understands military life, send me a message. No pitch. Just a conversation.

Drop your branch and years of service in the comments. I want to know who's in here.
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Just got back from the Aspire Tour in Charlotte.

Snowstorm tried to keep me home.

Didn’t work.

Here are my three main takeaways:

1. Wealth is engineered, not earned.

Andrew Cordyle broke down how most of us confuse business IQ with financial IQ. We work our asses off to make money, then structure our businesses to get rid of it by the end of the year. Meanwhile, the wealthy engineer systems to create, keep, and multiply their money tax-free.
I teach military families about IULs and tax-advantaged wealth building. But am I applying those same principles to my own finances? That’s the work I’m doing now.

2. Your boring is someone else’s magic.

Dan Fleyshman said something that stuck:

“What’s boring to you seems like magic to other people.”

Your daily routines. Your struggles. Your comebacks. That’s the content that builds trust.
I wake up early, walk my dog Cash, make sourdough pancakes, and train for a marathon while building a business. To me, that’s just Tuesday. To someone else, that might be the permission they need to start telling their own story.
Document everything. Your life is your content.

3. Sell yourself on yourself first.

David Goggins and Touré Roberts hit the same point from different angles: clarity on your identity determines the quality of your decisions.
Every morning, I go back to who I was four years ago.

Injured. Broke. Lost.

That reminds me of what I’ve already overcome. It reminds me I can do hard things.
If you’re not rooting for yourself every single day, no one else will.

I’ll be breaking these down in more depth this week. But if you’re building something right now, remember this: the work you’re doing today is building the resume you’ll need tomorrow.

Patience isn’t waiting. It’s working while you wait.

What’s one thing you’re working on right now that feels boring to you but might be magic to someone else?

VGLI: The Bridge Nobody Tells You About (And Why You Need a Better Plan)

When I sat through my TAPS class before leaving the Coast Guard, they talked about VGLI like it was this lifeline we'd all need after we got out.

"Your SGLI converts to VGLI. Keep your coverage. Simple."

What they didn't explain was what VGLI actually is, how it works, or why it might not be the best long-term move for most of us.
So let me break it down in plain English.

What is VGLI?
VGLI stands for Veterans' Group Life Insurance. It's designed to replace your SGLI (Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance) after you separate from the military.

Here's the basic setup:

You had up to $400K in SGLI coverage while you were in, probably paying around $29/month.
When you get out, that coverage disappears unless you convert it to VGLI within 1 year and 120 days.
VGLI lets you keep that same $400K (or less if you choose) without a medical exam.

Sounds good on paper. And for some people, it is. But here's what they don't tell you.

How VGLI Actually Works
VGLI is what's called an Annual Renewable Term (ART) policy.

Let me explain what that means without the insurance jargon:

1. It renews every year automatically

As long as you pay your premium, the policy stays active.
You never have to reapply or take another medical exam.
It can last your entire lifetime if you keep paying.

2. The premiums increase every 5 years

Because it's term insurance, the cost is based on your age.
Every 5 years, you move into a new "age bracket," and your premium goes up.
By the time you're 70+, the premiums can be brutal.

3. You can't "outlive" it, but you might not be able to afford it

The policy doesn't expire like a traditional 10 or 20-year term policy.
But as the premiums climb, a lot of veterans end up canceling because it's just too expensive.

Let's Talk Numbers
Here's what most people don't realize until it's too late:
VGLI Premium Example (for $400K coverage):

Age 30: ~$32/month
Age 35: ~$36/month
Age 40: ~$52/month
Age 50: ~$112/month
Age 60: ~$260/month
Age 70: ~$1,200+/month

By the time you're in your 60s and 70s, you're paying $15,000+ per year for the same $400K policy you used to get for $348/year in your 20s.
Most veterans can't afford that. So they cancel. And then they're left with nothing.

The Real Purpose of VGLI
Here's what I think VGLI is actually designed to do:
It's a bridge.
It's there to give you time to figure out your next move. To transition from the military's group coverage to a private policy that you control.

But here's the problem: nobody explains that in TAPS.

They make it sound like VGLI is the solution. Like you convert and you're set for life.
But that's not the full story.

What Nobody Tells You: The Conversion Option
Here's the safety net most people don't know about:
You can convert your VGLI to a commercial permanent policy at any time.

That means:

You can switch to a Whole Life, Universal Life, or Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policy with a participating insurance carrier.
You can do it without a medical exam, regardless of your health.
You lock in a level premium that won't increase every 5 years.

This is huge for veterans who develop health issues after they get out. If you have a VA disability rating, chronic conditions, or anything that would make you "uninsurable" on the open market, this conversion option is gold.

But again, most people don't know it exists.

The Better Plan (In My Opinion)

If you're still young and healthy when you separate, here's what I recommend:

Step 1: Get a private policy while you can

Whether it's Term, Whole Life, IUL, or Final Expense, lock in coverage now while you're insurable.
If you're in your 20s or 30s, the premiums will be significantly lower than what VGLI will cost you in 20 years.

Step 2: Use VGLI as a temporary bridge

Keep VGLI for the first 1-5 years after you get out if it makes you feel secure.
But don't plan on keeping it forever. Plan on replacing it.

Step 3: Understand your goals

Do you need permanent coverage? Go Whole Life or IUL.
Just need coverage for the next 20 years while you build wealth? Term might be enough.
Want to leave something behind for final expenses? Final Expense policies are designed for that.

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your situation, your family, your goals.
But almost every veteran I've worked with benefits from having a private policy they control, not a government plan that gets more expensive every 5 years.

The Bottom Line
VGLI isn't a bad product. It serves a purpose.
But it's not a long-term strategy.
It's a bridge. And bridges are meant to get you from one place to another, not to live on forever.

If you're a veteran or active duty member and you're still relying on SGLI or VGLI as your only life insurance, do yourself a favor:

Talk to a licensed agent. Get a quote for a private policy. Understand your options.
You served your country. You deserve a plan that actually serves you.

Questions? Drop them in the comments or DM me. I'm here to help, not to sell you something you don't need!

The Hardest Job in the Military Isn't the One You Think

When people thank me for my service, I always think: "You should be thanking my wife."

I got to serve in the Coast Guard. I had a mission, a team, structure, camaraderie. I knew what was expected of me every day.

My wife? She had to figure it out alone.

Over my years in service, I watched six of our closest friends' marriages fall apart. Not because they didn't love each other. Not because they weren't committed. But because the military spouse life is brutal in ways most people never see.

You move every two to three years, leaving behind friends, jobs, support systems. You raise kids solo during deployments with no breaks and no backup. You absorb all the stress your spouse brings home from work. You manage the household, the emotions, the logistics. Everything. And you can't build a career because who's hiring someone who'll leave in 18 months?

And through all of it, you're expected to smile, be strong, and "support the mission."

It's exhausting. It's isolating. And too often, it's invisible.

That's why I'm backing Allison Burton's new book project. Allison is a military spouse of 17 years who's finally saying out loud what so many spouses whisper in private: "I'm tired. I'm overwhelmed. I love him... but this life is breaking me."

Her book isn't a rah-rah military spouse guide. It's raw. It's honest. It's real. And it's exactly what military spouses need. Someone who tells the truth without apology.

If you've ever been a military spouse or loved one, this book is for you. If you've ever wondered why military marriages struggle, this book will show you.

Check out her Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/allisonburton/help-me-pay-someone-to-make-this-manuscript-behave?ref=thanks-copy

One more thing. If you're a military spouse reading this and you're tired of starting over every PCS, I get it. I'm building something that might help.

I work in financial services now. Fully remote. Flexible schedule. Take your business with you anywhere. It's not for everyone. But for military spouses who need meaningful work that moves with them? It's perfect.

If you're curious, send me a message. No pressure. Just offering what I wish my friends' spouses had years ago: a career that doesn't punish you for serving your country.

To every military spouse reading this: You are seen. You are valued. And your story matters.

Let's make sure the world knows it.

Help Me Pay Someone to Make This Manuscript Behave Turning chaos into a real, publishable book—one paid professional at a time.

4:30 AM wake up. Cold pool. Sourdough pancakes. Major exam today. Two evening meetings. Still found time to run the business.
Here's what I'm learning about building something while juggling everything:

You don't need more hours. You just need to use the ones you have like they actually matter.

This morning I jumped in the pool before the sun came up (cold shower works too, you just gotta shock your system awake). Made sourdough pancakes that I'm still thinking about🤤. Dropped the Wife off at work, found a corner at a coffee shop, put on my headphones with some alpha waves, and knocked out my business tasks before my exam at 3pm https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcrgfVlHDJk.

Passed the test. Picked up the Wife. Now I've got two evening meetings with my team, helping them close deals and recruiting new agents.
Later tonight? KPI tracker, journal, workout, and early to bed so I can do it again tomorrow.

I know a lot of you are in the same boat. You're juggling school, work, family, and building something on the side. It's not easy. But it's possible.

And the secret isn't some crazy productivity system.

It's just this:
Wake up early.
Fuel your body right.
Lock in during the pockets of time you have.
Then rest hard so you can go again.

I'm building a life insurance business, finishing my degree, training for my first marathon, and trying to be a good husband. Some days are smoother than others. But every day I'm moving forward.

Patience isn't waiting around for things to happen. It's working while you wait.

If you're grinding through multiple things right now, drop a comment and let me know what you're working on. I see you. Keep going. You're closer than you think.

I had three conversations today that broke my heart a little.
All three people thought they were too old for life insurance.

One was 67. Another was 72. The third was 89.

They'd convinced themselves their time had passed. That it was too late to leave something behind for their families.

Here's what I told them:
We work with carriers that go up to age 89. And depending on your health, coverage can be a lot more affordable than you think.

But the real issue isn't age. It's the story we tell ourselves.

"I should've done this years ago."
"It's too expensive now."
"I missed my chance."

Maybe. But you won't know unless you ask.
I've seen people in their 70s and 80s get approved for policies that gave their families peace of mind. Not millions of dollars. Just enough to cover final expenses, pay off debt, or leave something behind.

If you've been putting this off because you think you're too old, do your family a favor: talk to a licensed agent. Get a real quote. THEN make an informed decision.

Your family deserves that. And so do you.
If you want to explore your options, send me a message. No pressure. Just a real conversation.

FACT CHECK: "The VA will cover my burial when I die."
I spoke with three veterans this week who all said the same thing:

"I don't need life insurance. The VA will bury me."

Here's what they don't know (and what their families will find out the hard way if we don't talk about it now).

WHAT THE VA ACTUALLY COVERS:
If you're buried in a VA National Cemetery (like Arlington):
- Plot/gravesite (free)
- Opening and closing the grave (free)
- Headstone (free)
- Perpetual care (free)
- Burial flag and Taps (free)

BUT – your family still pays for:
❌ Funeral home services
❌ Casket or urn
❌ Embalming or cremation
❌ Viewing or memorial service
Average cost to the family: $3,000–$7,000+

If you're buried in a private cemetery:
The VA provides a reimbursement allowance:

Service-connected death: Up to $2,000
Non-service-connected death: Up to $2,004 total (burial + plot)

BUT – private burials typically cost $7,000–$12,000+.
So the VA only covers about 20–30% of the actual cost.

HERE'S THE PART THAT HURTS FAMILIES MOST:
You pay upfront and wait for reimbursement.
Your family writes the check to the funeral home. Then they submit receipts to the VA via Form 21P-530EZ and wait weeks (sometimes months) to get paid back.

When my wife's great-uncle Bob passed away—a World War II veteran—we paid everything out-of-pocket. Over a month went by before we could even have the burial because of the financial chaos and red tape. On top of losing him, we were navigating paperwork, saving receipts, and waiting for reimbursement.
That's not how it should be. Not for someone who served.

THE BOTTOM LINE:
The VA provides some burial benefits. But it's not a blank check. And it's rarely automatic.
If you want your family to have a dignified burial without scrambling for cash or waiting on reimbursements, you need a plan in place now.
Life insurance isn't about you. It's about protecting your family from having to choose between honoring you properly and paying their bills.

If you're a veteran or active duty and you've been told "the VA has you covered," let's talk.
I'm not here to scare you. I'm here to make sure your family isn't blindsided when the time comes.
Drop a comment or send me a DM. Let's make sure there's a real plan in place.

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Excited to launch my new page - follow along for insurance tips and remote work opportunities!

🇺🇸 From Coast Guard to Insurance Agent

A year ago, I was dealing with a sciatic nerve injury that had me using a cane and questioning everything.

Today? I'm training for a marathon AND building financial freedom through life insurance.

The lesson: Your body can heal. Your wealth can grow. But both require PATIENCE.

That's why I built "Patient Wealth" because fast money leaves fast. Patient money compounds forever.

Who else is playing the long game?