Life Insurance

Good plans shape good decisions. That's why good planning helps to make elusive dreams come true. -- Lester R. Bittel

Why buy Life Insurance?
Many financial experts consider life insurance to be the cornerstone of sound financial planning. It is generally a cost-effective way to provide for your loved ones after you are gone. It can be an important tool in the following ways:

1. Income replacement
For most people, their key economic asset is their ability to earn a living. If you have dependents, then you need to consider what would happen to them if they no longer have your income to rely on. Proceeds from a life insurance policy can help supplement retirement income. This can be especially useful if the benefits of your surviving spouse or domestic partner will be reduced after your death.

2. Pay outstanding debts and long-term obligations
Consider life insurance so that your loved ones have the money to offset burial costs, credit card debts and medical expenses not covered by health insurance. In addition, life insurance can be used to pay off the mortgage, supplement retirement savings and help pay college tuition.

3. Estate planning
The proceeds of a life insurance policy can be structured to pay estate taxes so that your heirs will not have to liquidate other assets.

4. Charitable contributions
If you have a favorite charity, you can designate some of the proceeds from your life insurance to go to this organization. Along with your savings and investment strategy, life insurance should be part of your long-term financial planning.

Life Insurance as Part of Your Long Term Financial Plan
You may not like to think about it, but your death can be costly to your loved ones. At the very least, there will be funeral and burial costs. There may also be estate taxes and outstanding debts to pay, such as medical expenses not covered by health insurance. If you have dependents, they will have to cope with these costs while no longer having your income to rely on. The proceeds from a life insurance policy can be of tremendous value at this time. It will provide economic assistance to your family so they can pay off the mortgage, college tuition and other ongoing expenses and maintain their current lifestyle. There are many choices when it comes to life insurance and over 1,500 insurance companies to choose from, so it is important to work with a knowledgeable insurance agent or company representative.