The “Super Roth” Strategy: The Tax Loophole Most Accountants Miss

What if your highest-earning clients could put away more money, grow it tax-deferred, and potentially access it tax-free in retirement—even when they make too much to contribute directly to a Roth IRA?

Eric Green sits down with Rick Wells and Doug D’Andrea of Baystate Financial to reveal one of the most overlooked tax planning strategies available: using Variable Universal Life (VUL) insurance to create what Eric calls a “Super Roth.”

They break down how the strategy works, why high-income earners and business owners should know about it, how to avoid the Modified Endowment Contract (MEC) trap, and what can go terribly wrong if a policy isn’t properly structured and maintained.

Eric even shares the story of a client whose collapsed policy resulted in a massive tax liability—and how explaining the situation to an IRS Revenue Officer led to an unexpected outcome.

For CPAs, EAs, and tax professionals, this episode is about more than insurance. It’s about bringing sophisticated planning ideas to your clients, strengthening relationships, and uncovering new revenue opportunities.

PLUS: Join Tax Rep Network and Baystate Financial on November 9 and 11 for a FREE six-hour estate planning webinar series, with up to 6 hours of CE/CPE. Register for free.

This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute individualized tax, legal, or investment advice. VUL policies involve fees, investment risk, underwriting requirements, and potential tax consequences.

Contact Rick Wells here: rwells@baystatefinancial.com

Contact Doug D’Andrea here: douglasdandrea@financialguide.com

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Watch the episode here

Listen to the podcast here

Important Links

• Richard Wells on LinkedIn
• Doug D’Andrea on LinkedIn
• Baystate Financial
• MassMutual
• RWells@BaystateFinancial.com
• DouglasDAndrea@FinancialGuide.com
• When a Client Dies: What Every Tax Professional Needs to Know

About Rick Wells

Rick Wells is a dedicated leader, educator, and advisor with over three decades of service to his community and country. A retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, Dr. Wells spent his military career in both active duty and reserve roles, culminating in his retirement after years of exemplary service.

In addition to his military career, Dr. Wells retired as a highly respected elementary school teacher from the West Hartford Public Schools. Throughout his tenure, he inspired young minds with a commitment to fostering growth, resilience, and achievement. His innovative approach to education emphasized the importance of perseverance, mastery, and the cultivation of self-awareness—skills he believes are foundational to both academic and personal success.

As a financial advisor, Dr. Wells brings his service-oriented ethos to helping families, professionals, and organizations build strong financial futures. His expertise in retirement planning and wealth management reflects his dedication to guiding others through challenges to create sustainable solutions that align with their values and goals.

A staunch advocate of health and wellness, Dr. Wells champions the principles of commitment and consistency as a key to building strength and overcoming challenges. Drawing from his military, educational, and personal wellness journey, he inspires others to embrace challenges as opportunities for mental, physical, and spiritual growth.

Through his work as a mentor, speaker, and advisor, Dr. Wells shares powerful insights on goal setting, leadership, and wellness. With decades of dedicated service to the community and the country, Dr. Wells continues to lead by example, offering practical strategies to elevate individuals and organizations alike.

About Douglas D’Andrea

Douglas D’Andrea has been in the financial services industry for more than 20 years, providing clients with creative planning strategies that integrate all aspects of their financial lives. He delivers strategic solutions in employee benefits, retirement plans, and personal wealth management. By focusing on each client’s unique financial and investment objectives, Doug develops customized strategies designed to help them achieve their goals.

Doug graduated from Western Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and holds FINRA Series 7, 63, 65, and 24 securities registrations.

He also holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) designation, reflecting his commitment to fiduciary excellence, ethical standards, and prudent investment guidance. This specialized training reinforces his dedication to helping clients make informed financial decisions while always serving their best interests.

In addition, Doug has earned the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA®) designation, demonstrating specialized expertise in retirement plan fiduciary responsibilities, ERISA compliance, and plan governance. This credential underscores his commitment to helping plan sponsors navigate the complexities of employer-sponsored retirement plans and fulfill their fiduciary obligations.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Doug serves as a Trustee of the Watertown Foundation, a 102-year-old nonprofit organization that awards more than $200,000 annually in scholarships and grants to members of the local community. He enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, woodworking, and photography. Doug resides in Watertown, Connecticut, with his wife, Kristi, and their daughter, Brooklyn.