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Tuesday, March 17, 2009

How You Can Make the Most of Your Life Insurance

By Tom Martens

The most important reason people buy life insurance is to make sure that their loved ones are covered from catastrophic expenses in the event of their death. Some of us also use whole life insurance to finance major life goals, such as university, marriage, or retirement. Whole life also can be used to finance unexpected needs when credit may be short. Taking a long, hard look at financial goals to determine the exact reasons you need life insurance coverage will help you make the most of your life insurance policy. Most of us want to leave our loved ones a death benefit, especially if they depend on us for their living expenses. But we also want to make sure they are covered in case of devastating illness or accidents. And if you want more income for your retirement, too, consider the amount of whole life insurance you need to make your retirement plans.

Once you decide why you need life insurance, then choose the type of policy that best meets your goals. Knowing what you want your life insurance policy to do for you enables you to get the maximum out of it, for both you and your family.

There are generally two types of life insurance. Term life insurance is temporary and covers a certain period, usually a set number of years. Term policies have no cash value and are usually purchased to provide a death benefit. Whole life insurance is a permanent policy that does offer cash value. This cash can also be accessed to cover expenses. Many people have both types of policies. A qualified insurance provider can help you determine what best suits your needs.

Once you figure out what you want out of life insurance, you also want to make sure you can afford the coverage. Purchasing life insurance, regardless of what type, will require you to pay a premium. Term life insurance tends to be cheaper than the permanent, whole life insurance policies. Again, you want to make sure that the policy also meets your specific needs, but you also want to make sure the premiums fit your monthly budget. Have an idea in mind of what you can afford before you start looking at policy specifics.

Be realistic about your life insurance needs. Be sure your death benefits can replace your actual earning power and your family's inflation-adjusted spending needs. If you are buying whole life, take a keen look at your financial goals for retirement. And don't forget that funerals are expensive and are getting more expensive every year. Make sure your loved ones are covered for all those costs.

Think about where you are and where you want to go with the rest of your life. Then you will be able to choose the policy that is right for you. Your licensed life insurance broker can answer all your questions and help you choose exactly the best policy for your family's future financial security.

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