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Life Insurance: Protect What Matters Most

It’s always a good time to learn and educate others about how life insurance is an important part of a sound financial strategy

How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to life insurance. How much and what type of coverage is needed is based on the individual and his or her:

  • Age
  • Health
  • Income, current financial situation
  • Number of dependents

Plus, as people move through life, their life insurance needs may change based on changes in their personal situation, including getting married or divorced, having children, change in income, etc.

Based on these considerations, a basic rule of thumb is to have enough life insurance coverage to provide approximately 10 times your annual household income. For example, if the current household income totals $50,000, consider having a total of $500,000 in life insurance protection.

7 of 10

Americans say they personally need life insurance

52%

of American adults own some form of life insurance

73 Million

American say they need life insurance

Types of Life Insurance

Term Life Insurance

Offers an individual life insurance protection for a specified number of years (i.e. term). This type of insurance is usually less expensive than permanent insurance with the same face value, however term insurance does not accumulate cash value.

Permanent Life Insurance

Coverage remains in effect until the policy holder’s death as long as the premium payments are made, unless the policy lapses or is surrendered. Most permanent life insurance policies also have some type of savings component that can build cash value over the life of the policy.

  • Varies on the type of permanent life insurance.
  • Depends on the type of permanent life insurance. Not all permanent insurance participates in the stock market or index funds.
  • Whole Life Insurance does not allow for flexible premium payments. Subject to certain limitations, premiums may be increased, decreased, skipped or stopped on other types of permanent life insurance policies, such as universal life insurance. However, the risk of a policy lapsing increases if regular premium payments are not made.

Finding the Right Insurance for Your Future

When assessing your life insurance needs consider these questions and answer them honestly:

  • - How much long- and/or short-term debt do you have?
  • - What are your long-term goals?
  • - How much of the insured’s income will be needed and for how long (how many years)?
  • - How much do you want to set aside for funeral costs   and/or an emergency fund?
  • - What assets do you have that may be able to cover these costs?
Make sure to meet with an experienced life insurance agent for a thorough evaluation of your needs to ensure you obtain the right type and amount of life insurance coverage.