Cash value whole-life insurance can provide benefits for retirement in several ways: 

1. Guaranteed Death Benefit: With a whole-life policy, you have a guaranteed death benefit that will be paid out to your beneficiaries upon your death. This death benefit can be used to provide income for your loved ones or to pay for final expenses.

2. Cash Value Accumulation: Whole-life policies also have a cash value component that accumulates over time. This cash value grows tax-deferred, meaning you don't have to pay taxes on the growth until you withdraw the money. The cash value can be accessed through policy loans or withdrawals to supplement retirement income.

3. Dividends: Many whole-life policies also pay out dividends to policyholders. These dividends can be used to purchase additional coverage, pay premiums, or be taken as cash. Dividends are not guaranteed, but some insurance companies have a long history of paying dividends to policyholders.

4. Estate Planning: Whole-life policies can also be used as part of an estate planning strategy. The death benefit can be used to pay estate taxes or provide flexibility to the estate. Additionally, if the policy is owned by an irrevocable trust, the death benefit can be protected from estate taxes.

Overall, cash value whole-life insurance can provide a reliable and tax-efficient way to save for retirement while also providing peace of mind that your loved ones will be taken care of in the event of your death. However, it's important to carefully evaluate the costs and benefits of a whole-life policy and to consider other retirement savings options before making a decision.

Withdrawals and loans from a life insurance policy reduce the death benefit and cash value, may increase the chance the policy will lapse, and may result in a tax liability if the policy terminates before the death of the insured. Life insurance should be purchased by individuals that have a need to provide a death benefit to protect others with insurable interests in their lives against financial loss. Life insurance is not a retirement plan, investment, or savings account.