Life Insurance

There are many kinds of life insurance, but they generally fall into two categories: term insurance and permanent insurance.

Term insurance is designed to meet temporary needs. It provides protection for a specific period of time (the "term") and generally pays a benefit only if you die during the term. This type of insurance often makes sense when you have a need for coverage that will disappear at a specific point in time. For instance, you may decide that you only need coverage until your children graduate from college or a particular debt is paid off, such as your mortgage.

In contrast, permanent insurance provides lifelong protection. As long as you pay the premiums, and no loans, withdrawals or surrenders are taken, the full face amount will be paid. Because it is designed to last a lifetime, permanent life insurance accumulates cash value and is priced for you to keep over a long period of time.

It's impossible to say which type of life insurance is better because the kind of coverage that's right for you depends on your unique circumstances and financial goals.

How Much Insurance is Enough - Life

Life insurance is a crucial step in planning for your future. Not only can life insurance fulfill promises made to your family if you are no longer around, there are several life insurance policies that provide benefits while you are living.

Determining Your Need ?

The need for life insurance is dependent on your own personal and financial needs. We can assist you in determining what type and amount of life insurance is appropriate for you. Generally, you should consider life insurance if:

• You have a spouse
• You have dependent children
• You have an aging parent or a physically challenged relative who depends on you for support
• Your retirement savings are not enough to insure your spouse's future against a rising cost of living
• You have a sizable estate
• You own a business

There are benefits of life insurance other than providing for your loved ones in case something happens to you:

• The cash value earned and borrowed from a permanent life insurance policy can be used to help with large expenses, such as a college education or down payment on a home.
• The growth of a cash-value policy is tax-deferred -- you do not pay taxes on the cash value accumulation until you withdraw funds from the policy.
• Life insurance can be used to cover funeral expenses and pay estate taxes -- consult your tax advisor agent for more information.

Life Changes - So Should Your Policy ?

Your need for life insurance is dependent on your personal and financial needs. As your life changes, your life insurance coverage may need to change as well to adapt to your current needs. Some life changes that may require a policy "tune-up" include:

• You recently married or divorced
• You have a new child or grandchild
• Your health or your spouse's health has deteriorated
• You are providing care or financial assistance to a parent
• Your child or grandchild requires assistance or long-term care
• You recently purchased a new home
• You are planning for a child or grandchild's education
• You are concerned about retirement income
• You have refinanced your home mortgage in the past six months
• You or your spouse recently received an inheritance

But remember, the best way to figure out the amount and type of life insurance that makes sense for your particular situation. We recomend that you meet with us to review your needs. We are a qualified and licensed life insurance professional.

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