You may have known someone who passed away without life insurance — or with just enough to cover a funeral, maybe $10,000 or $20,000. That might have been enough for their situation, and that’s okay. But for most families, losing a loved one often brings financial challenges that go far beyond burial costs.
Of course, no amount of money can replace a person. But what life insurance can do is help replace the financial support that person provided.
This is one of the most important questions when it comes to life insurance. If policies were free, most of us would choose millions in coverage. But since cost matters, it’s about finding the right balance between what your family needs and what fits your budget. With nearly 30 years of experience and hundreds of thousands of clients helped, we’ve seen the real impact of life insurance. One thing we’ve never heard a widow say her spouse had too much coverage.
Immediate Needs:
When planning for life insurance coverage, start by considering the one-time expenses your loved ones would face in the event of your death. These immediate financial burdens can be substantial and often include funeral and burial costs, which can easily exceed several thousand dollars. In addition, there may be unpaid medical bills, especially if your passing followed a serious illness or hospitalization. Other obligations might include outstanding personal or credit card debt, auto loans, or the remaining mortgage balance on your home. If you have children, think about funding college tuition or setting aside resources for their future education. Ensuring these immediate costs are covered can help your family avoid financial stress during an already difficult time.
Ongoing Income:
Beyond one-time expenses, it’s equally important to plan for your family’s day-to-day living expenses. This includes housing costs such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, childcare, transportation, and health insurance premiums. If you have young children or dependents, their care and education will also continue to require funding over time. Life insurance can help replace your lost income, allowing your family to maintain their lifestyle and meet ongoing financial commitments. Without this safety net, your loved ones might struggle to pay bills, relocate, or make difficult adjustments. With the right coverage in place, you can ensure they stay on solid financial footing, even in your absence.
Figuring out how much life insurance you need can feel overwhelming, but our short contact form makes it easy — just answer a few key questions and we’ll do the rest. You’ll start by entering your annual income before taxes, followed by an estimate of what percentage of that income your family would need to maintain their current lifestyle comfortably. You’ll also input your age and how long your loved ones may need financial support — whether it’s a few years or several decades.
To fine-tune your estimate, the calculator also takes into account your assumptions about inflation and interest rates, helping you understand how these economic factors could affect your family’s future purchasing power. By answering these key questions, you’ll receive a personalized estimate tailored to your unique circumstances, giving you a clearer picture of the coverage that’s right for you.
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