If your family relies on your income, it’s critical to consider having enough life insurance to provide for them after you pass away. But too often, life insurance is an overlooked aspect of personal finances.
In fact, according to a 2021 study conducted by Life Happens and LIMRA, which closely follows life insurance trends, nearly 50 percent of Americans say that they have no life insurance coverage at all, even though 59% of people without life insurance recognize the need to obtain it.1
Role of Life Insurance
Realizing life insurance’s role in your family’s finances is an essential first step. A critical second step is determining how much life insurance you may need.
Several factors will affect the cost and availability of life insurance, including age, health, and the type and amount of insurance purchased. Life insurance policies have expenses, including mortality and other charges. If a policy is surrendered prematurely, the policyholder also may pay surrender charges and have income tax implications. You should consider determining whether you are insurable before implementing a life insurance strategy. Any guarantees associated with a policy are dependent on the ability of the issuing insurance company to continue making claim payments.
Rule of Thumb
One widely followed rule of thumb for estimating a person’s insurance needs is based on income. One comprehensive guide suggests a person may need a life insurance policy valued at five times their annual income. Others recommend up to ten times one’s annual income.
If you are looking for a more accurate estimate, consider completing a “DNA test.” A DNA test, or Detailed Needs Analysis, considers a wide range of financial commitments to help better estimate insurance needs.
The first step is to add up needs and obligations.
Short-Term Needs
- Which funds will need to be available for final expenses? These may include funeral costs, final medical bills, and any outstanding debts, such as credit cards or personal loans. How much to make available for short-term needs will depend on your individual situation.
Long-Term Needs
- How much will it cost to maintain your family’s standard of living? How much is spent on necessities, like housing, food, and clothing? Also, consider factoring in expenses, such as travel and entertainment. Ask yourself, “what would it cost per year to maintain this current lifestyle?”
While this blog is an excellent start to understanding your insurance needs, a more detailed review may be necessary to assess your situation better. Carpenter Financial Services can help you build a plan as you pursue your long-term goals to protect yourself through proper insurance coverage. If you feel you need to do more planning for the future or rethink your current insurance policies, then it is time to call a Carpenter. (814) 534-4445
- LIMRA.com, 2021