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We have all experienced an unexpected loss, or know someone who has. Although everyone knows the importance of life insurance in these situations, many of us tend to ignore the reality of what happens after an unanticipated death without proper protection and planning.
Don’t leave the future of you and your loved ones to chance. Having an open conversation with an advisor can help you weigh your life insurance options and select the strategy that best aligns with your needs and financial goals.
Life changes– so should your policy
As your life changes, you may need to revise your life insurance coverage to adapt to your current needs. Some life transformations that may require a policy “tune-up” include:
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- You recently married or divorced
- You have a new child or grandchild
- You have opened or expanded a business
- 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
- You have a sizable estate
Types of Life Insurance Policies
Your situation is unique. Therefore, your financial planning is too. We can help you select the best life insurance coverage for your needs. There are several different types of life insurance products available – the most common include:
Term Life Insurance
Term life insurance provides protection for a specified period of time. If you do not currently have life insurance, term life can be a good place to start. It’s generally less expensive than permanent (whole) life insurance and is available in varying time periods with fixed premiums from a one year (annual renewable term) to 20-year (level term) period. Furthermore, term life insurance is sometimes convertible to permanent coverage, providing you with flexibility as your needs change.
Whole Life Insurance
Whole life insurance is a form of permanent life insurance that remains in force for your entire lifetime, provided premiums are paid as specified in the policy. Whole life insurance can be an investment opportunity, as many whole life insurance policies also build cash value over time.
Universal Life Insurance
Universal life is a form of permanent life insurance characterized by its flexible premiums, face amounts, and unbundled pricing structure. Universal life can build cash value, which earns an interest rate that may adjust periodically but is usually guaranteed not to fall below a certain percentage.
What are the advantages of life insurance?
Having the right life insurance is essential to planning for your present, and your future. Not only can life insurance provide assurance for your family after you are gone, but many life insurance options also offer other benefits and investment opportunities you can take advantage of while you are living.
Advantages of the life insurance death benefit: When you pass away, your life insurance provides income tax-free money to your named beneficiary or beneficiaries that can be used to pay funeral expenses, debt, tuition, estate taxes or virtually any financial need. Your policy can help provide security for your business security as well, by enabling partners to buy out the interests of a deceased partner and prevent a forced liquidation.
Advantages of Living Benefits: The cash value growth of a permanent (whole) life insurance policy is tax-deferred, meaning you do not pay taxes on the growth of cash value unless money is withdrawn. Loans or withdrawals can be taken against the cash value of a permanent life insurance policy to help with expenses, such as college tuition or the down payment on a home.
Whether your needs involve mortgage protection, coverage for dependents, or college funding, it is never too early to make sure that the ones who mean the most to you will be protected.
