Do I need Life Insurance?

A life insurance policy states that you will pay premiums to an insurance company over time, and, in exchange, the company will pay a lump sum amount to a designated beneficiary upon your death. The money from your life insurance policy can help pay bills and help support your surviving family members’ living expenses. You may need to adjust the amount of your life insurance policy related to major life events, like buying a home, getting married, or having a child.

There is no set amount of life insurance you need. If you have dependents you want to provide for or leave an inheritance to charities, you may need more life insurance than someone without dependents or charitable causes to support. Consider potential future expenses that your loved ones may need. The life insurance payout could be used to replace the money you would have earned to pay for their college education, moving expenses, or retirement. You can buy an individual life insurance policy from an insurance agent. You may also be part of a group life insurance policy through your employer or civic organization.