The Balaban Group Revolutionizes Estate Planning with Pension and IRA Rescue Strategy
LOS ANGELES, June 30, 2025 – The Balaban Group, a renowned independent life-insurance, benefits, and estate-planning firm serving affluent families since 1986, has unveiled its groundbreaking Pension and IRA Rescue strategy. This innovative approach transforms multi-million dollar IRAs into tax-free legacies for heirs, addressing the crippling tax implications of traditional retirement accounts.
The Problem: Devastating Tax Implications on Large IRAs
Under current tax laws, distributions from large traditional IRAs are taxed as ordinary income, while the remaining balance is subject to estate tax upon the account holder’s death. This double taxation can result in heirs losing up to 70% of the IRA’s value, leaving them with a fraction of the intended legacy. The Balaban Group’s new strategy directly addresses this issue, providing a sophisticated solution to protect client wealth across generations.
Four-Step Pension and IRA Rescue Process
- Rollover the IRA to an ERISA-qualified profit-sharing plan that can own life insurance.
- Use plan assets to purchase a permanent life insurance policy on the client with a face amount equal to or close to the IRA balance.
- After allowing the policy to season for two to five years, engage an appraiser to obtain an appraisal reflecting a 50–61% discount.
- Sell the policy at the appraised value to a newly formed Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust, effectively removing the death benefit from the taxable estate and allowing beneficiaries to receive the proceeds free of income and estate tax.
“The rescue only works when every element – ERISA design, appraisal, trust sale, and funding – aligns exactly with IRS rules,” emphasized Mark Balaban, Founder and President of The Balaban Group. “Our internal underwriters and outside counsel thoroughly test each scenario before a client signs an application, ensuring a clear path for families seeking certainty.”
Leadership Expansion to Serve Next Generation Clients
To meet the growing demand from athletes, entertainers, and digital creators, The Balaban Group has promoted Zach Wolkstein to Managing Director. Wolkstein joined the firm in 2021 and has extensive experience guiding clients through advanced insurance designs. In his new role, he will lead the Sports and Entertainment division, build strategic partnerships with other financial professionals, mentor the next wave of advisors, and serve the evolving needs of affluent clients.
“Zach combines the energy of a modern advisor with the values that built our firm,” Balaban noted. “His promotion keeps leadership in the family while expanding our reach to where new wealth is being created.”
Wolkstein added, “We’re seeing a surge in wealth from media, sports, and generational transfers. Clients need clarity on risk and taxes, and they want answers in plain language. My goal is to deliver that clarity while preserving the trust we’ve earned over four decades.”
What Sets The Balaban Group Apart
- Independent since 1986, based in Los Angeles, serving clients nationwide
- Informal medical inquiry and internal underwriting identify exact costs before any carrier application
- Collaboration with leading law, accounting, and wealth-management firms ensures comprehensive planning
- Proven ability to secure coverage for high-risk health profiles, hazardous occupations, and jumbo policies above standard carrier limits
The Balaban Group is a distinguished life-insurance, benefits, and estate-planning boutique serving ultra-affluent individuals, family offices, and closely held businesses. Their proprietary process delivers transparent pricing, rigorous risk analysis, and integrated advice that protects and grows wealth for future generations.
