Term life insurance lasts for a specified number of years and then ends. You choose the term when you take out the policy, with common terms being 10, 20, or 30 years. The best-term life insurance policies balance affordability with long-term financial strength.
Types of Term Life Insurance:
Term life insurance is attractive to young people with children because parents can obtain large amounts of coverage at reasonably low costs. Upon the death of a parent, a significant benefit can replace lost income.
These policies are also well-suited for people who temporarily need specific amounts of life insurance. For example, the policyholder may calculate that by the time the policy expires, their survivors will no longer need extra financial protection or will have accumulated enough liquid assets to self-insure.
Term life insurance is for a predetermined period, typically between 10 and 30 years. Term policies may be renewed after they end, with premiums recalculated based on the holder’s age, life expectancy, and health. By contrast, whole life insurance covers the entire life of the holder. Unlike a term life policy, whole life insurance includes a savings component, where the cash value of the contract accumulates for the holder. The holder can withdraw or borrow against the savings portion of their policy, where it can serve as a source of equity.
Whole life insurance, also known as traditional life insurance, provides permanent death benefit coverage for the life of the insured. In addition to paying a death benefit, whole life insurance also contains a savings component in which cash value may accumulate. Interest accrues at a fixed rate and on a tax-deferred basis.
Whole life insurance policies are one type of permanent life insurance. Universal life, indexed universal life, and variable universal life are others. Whole life insurance is the original life insurance policy, but it does not equal permanent life insurance as there are many types of permanent life insurance.
Universal life insurance and whole life insurance are both permanent life insurance types that offer guaranteed death benefits for the life of the insured. However, a universal life policy allows the policyholder to adjust the death benefit as well as the premiums. As one might expect, higher death benefits require higher premiums. Universal life policyholders can also use their accumulated cash value to pay premiums, provided the balance is sufficient to cover the minimum due. Whole life insurance, alternatively, does not allow for changes to the death benefit or premiums, which are set upon issue.
Universal life (UL) insurance is permanent life insurance (lasting the lifetime of the insured) that has an investment savings element and low premiums similar to those of term life insurance. Most UL insurance policies contain a flexible-premium option. However, some require a single premium (single lump-sum payment) or fixed premiums (scheduled fixed payments).
Unlike term life, UL insurance policies can accumulate interest-bearing funds like a savings account. Additionally, policyholders can adjust their premiums and death benefits. Those paying extra toward their premium receive interest on that excess.
If you want to build tax-deferred savings and don’t expect to tap into the funds for a long time, universal life may be a suitable option. The cash value option that’s part of a universal life policy may be available for you to withdraw or borrow against in an emergency.
It’s a good idea to talk with your insurance provider to better understand your life insurance options. They can help you review your personal situation and long-term goals to choose a policy that’s a good fit for you and your family.
Health insurance is essential for protecting you and your family from the high costs of medical care. It helps cover doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, preventive care, and unexpected medical emergencies. With the right health insurance plan, you can access quality care while safeguarding your finances.
Health insurance plans typically include coverage for routine checkups, specialist visits, emergency services, hospitalization, and prescription drugs. Depending on the plan, additional benefits may include mental health services, maternity care, and preventive screenings, ensuring comprehensive protection for both short-term and long-term health needs.
Imagine facing a sudden illness or injury that requires hospitalization. Without health insurance, medical bills can quickly add up to tens of thousands of dollars. With proper coverage, your health insurance helps manage these costs, allowing you to focus on recovery instead of financial stress.
Health insurance is not one-size-fits-all. From individual and family plans to employer-sponsored or marketplace options, choosing the right coverage depends on your healthcare needs and budget. Working with a knowledgeable agent helps ensure you select a plan that provides the right balance of coverage, affordability, and peace of mind.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed to help seniors and eligible individuals manage their healthcare costs. It provides coverage for hospital care, medical services, preventive care, and more, helping protect both your health and your budget as you age.
Medicare is made up of different parts, each covering specific services. Part A covers hospital stays, Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care, Part C (Medicare Advantage) combines coverage into one plan, and Part D helps cover prescription drugs. Understanding these options is key to choosing the right coverage.
Imagine needing surgery or ongoing treatment for a chronic condition. Without Medicare, medical expenses could be overwhelming. With the right Medicare coverage, many of these costs are reduced, giving you access to necessary care without the burden of excessive out-of-pocket expenses.
Medicare choices can be complex, and coverage needs vary from person to person. From selecting a Medicare Advantage plan to adding a Supplement or prescription drug plan, personalized guidance ensures your coverage fits your healthcare needs, lifestyle, and financial goals.
Final expense insurance is designed to help cover end-of-life costs such as funeral services, burial or cremation, medical bills, and other outstanding expenses. It ensures your loved ones are not left with unexpected financial stress during an already difficult time.
These policies are typically easy to qualify for and offer affordable premiums with fixed benefits. Final expense insurance provides peace of mind by ensuring funds are available when they are needed most, without complicated underwriting or lengthy approval processes.
Imagine your family facing thousands of dollars in funeral and final medical costs with no plan in place. Final expense insurance helps cover these expenses, allowing your loved ones to focus on honoring your life rather than worrying about finances.
Final expense insurance is a meaningful way to plan ahead and protect those you care about. Choosing the right policy ensures your wishes are respected and your family is supported, providing comfort and certainty for the future.
Retirement planning is essential for ensuring financial security and independence in your later years. It’s about more than just saving; it’s about creating a personalized strategy that protects your lifestyle, covers future healthcare needs, and prepares you for the unexpected, giving you the freedom to enjoy your retirement without financial worry.
Effective retirement planning includes setting savings goals, selecting the right investment strategies, and protecting assets with the right insurance products. Whether it’s life insurance, annuities, or specialized retirement accounts, building a secure foundation now helps you avoid financial stress later on.
Imagine reaching retirement age with confidence, knowing you have a steady income stream, healthcare costs covered, and a solid plan for future needs. Thoughtful retirement planning makes that vision possible, helping you enjoy more freedom, less worry, and a better quality of life during your golden years.
No matter where you are in your journey, it’s never too early—or too late—to start planning. Working with a trusted advisor helps you create a flexible, customized strategy that evolves with your goals, ensuring that your retirement years are everything you hope for and deserve.
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