Whole life insurance, or term + invest the difference?

The classic comparison: whole-life cash value versus buying cheap term and investing the premium difference yourself.

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Premium difference invested ($/yr)
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Invest-the-difference balance
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Total term premiums paid
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Whole-life 'gross cost' (premiums)
What is this really comparing?Buy cheap term life (low fixed premium, pure death benefit) and invest the premium you didn't pay into whole life. Over 30 years at 6-7% the invested gap usually dwarfs any projected whole-life cash value — the 'buy term and invest the difference' strategy.
Is whole life ever better?Sometimes — guaranteed cash value, lasting coverage past the term, and borrowing features are real. But the math is opaque and funded by big premiums. This tool shows what the same money does in the market, which is the honest baseline.
Why is the 'gross cost' not the real comparison?Whole-life cash value is a mix of premiums, cost-of-insurance and dividends — insurers rarely disclose the build schedule. The premium sum shown is a proxy; the invested-difference line is the real opportunity-cost picture.
Is this advice?No — a strategic comparison. Insurance needs depend on dependents, health and policy terms. Run your real quotes in both columns before deciding.