Important, affordable coverage that can help secure your family’s future.
Creating a safety net that protects your loved ones and all that you’re working hard to build may be more important than you realize. Whether you’re just starting out and thinking more about big life goals, such as marriage, kids and real estate, or you’re already juggling kids, helping aging parents, tackling home renovations and possibly switching careers, you need a solid plan – and that plan should include life insurance.
Why do I need it?
Nobody likes to think about the “what ifs,” but they can happen. Life insurance is a way to ensure some peace of mind that your loved ones will be supported in the event of your death. Think of it in practical terms:
Your loved ones will have guaranteed financial support to carry on after you’re gone
A home mortgage can be paid off rather than your family having to sell and start over
Your children will have the financial means to pursue post-secondary education
How much insurance do I need?
Having enough life insurance to cover 10 times your annual salary is generally considered an appropriate benchmark. For example, an annual salary of $75,000 would translate into a policy worth about $750,000. While this might seem like an extravagant sum of money, consider what your current monthly expenses add up to each year.
The purpose of having life insurance is to prevent financial hardship. If 10 times your annual salary feels like a bigger policy than you want, look closely at your monthly expenses, which may include mortgage payments, property taxes, daycare costs, tuition fees, financial support for aging parents, utilities, groceries and more. Then factor in any outstanding debt, future education costs for children, cost of living increases that your family may have to contend with, and how much you ultimately want them to inherit.
Figuring out expenses, budgets and the right amount of insurance coverage might feel overwhelming, but this is where your advisor can be a solid guide and source of information.
Term can be a great starter option
Of the various types of life insurance available, term life insurance can be a good place to start. The application process can be quick and easy and gets you on your way to providing protection for a set period, such as 10 or 20 years, that can be renewed up to a certain age. Term insurance often has lower premiums (the payments you make) than other kinds of life insurance.
A term life insurance policy can be created for essentially any amount that you need – from just enough to cover funeral expenses right up into the millions of dollars. And in the unfortunate case of being diagnosed with a terminal illness, you could have the option of taking a cash advance on the policy.
Today, some new types of term life insurance also offer potential cost savings on insurance premiums in recognition of healthy living habits.
Term coverage for business
Not only is term life insurance a good option for individuals and families, it can also add an important layer of protection for business owners. Including a term life policy as part of your business strategy can help to ensure that the company you’ve worked hard to build continues to run with minimal disruption in the event of a tragedy. The coverage can help beneficiaries handle day-to-day operating expenses, capital gains or estate taxes, and some of the potential costs associated with transferring ownership.
Important considerations
Term insurance policies have a defined expiry date, so it’s important to review your life insurance needs as you move through different life stages. What may have seemed like enough coverage in your early 20s might feel inadequate as you approach midlife. By working with an advisor, you can make adjustments as your circumstances change. Be sure to have your advisor explain the options regarding renewals for term coverage, or whether converting into a permanent policy makes more sense. Permanent policies usually have higher premiums, but they carry a cash value, which could be used to supplement retirement income.
Owning life insurance is like laying a foundation upon which you can build your overall life plan by providing a layer of protection and security for your loved ones.
Thanks to all the recent technological advances in the industry, getting a policy in place and applying has become easier than ever. I would be glad to meet with you to discuss your options.
647-670-2544
The information contained in these articles are for general information purposes only. Nicole Marques assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service. In no event shall Nicole Marques be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the information provided in this article. Nicole Marques reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents on the Service at any time without prior notice. The information provided above is for general information only. It is not to be relied upon as providing legal or tax advice. You are encouraged to consult with a professional tax and/or legal advisor and/or financial advisor about your particular circumstances.