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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.3

[KPMG LOGO]


The Board of Directors
Citizens, Inc.:

We consent to the use of our report on Citizens, Inc. incorporated herein by
reference and to the reference to our Firm under the heading "Experts" in the
Form S-4.

/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Dallas, Texas
November 10, 1998