Life insurance
Life insurance sized to what your family would actually need
We start with the number. Debts, years of income, the mortgage and college add up to a real figure, and then we find the policy that fits it and your budget.
- Coverage amount built from your debts, income, mortgage and kids
- Term and permanent options explained so you can choose
- Work coverage counted for what it is
Coverage
The main types of life insurance
Most families start with term. Permanent coverage fits specific goals.
Term life
Coverage for a set number of years, often 10, 20 or 30. The lowest cost per dollar of coverage.
Whole life
Permanent coverage with a guaranteed premium and cash value that grows over time.
Universal life
Permanent coverage with more flexible premiums. Some versions guarantee the death benefit to a set age.
Final expense
Smaller permanent policies meant to cover funeral and end-of-life costs.
What we teach every client
Three things people get wrong about life insurance
Coverage through work usually ends with the job
Group life is a nice benefit, and it's often one or two times salary. If you leave or lose the job, the coverage typically goes with it.
The amount matters more than the type
A family with a large mortgage and young kids may need 15 times income or more. Start with the number, then decide on term or permanent.
Health changes the price
Rates are set by age and health when you apply. Buying sooner is usually cheaper than buying later.
Policy review
When we review your life coverage, we look at
If your coverage is solid, we'll tell you so and you keep it.
Free toolLife insurance calculator
Estimate your coverage need with DIME and the 10 to 12 times income check.
Open the calculator →- Total need using the DIME method
- Personal coverage separated from coverage through work
- Term length checked against the mortgage and kids' ages
- Beneficiaries, including contingent beneficiaries
- Coverage on a stay-at-home spouse
Questions
Common questions
How much life insurance do I need?
Add years of income, the mortgage, other debts, college and final expenses, then subtract what you already own. Our calculator does the math.
Does a stay-at-home parent need coverage?
Yes. Replacing childcare, driving and running the house costs real money if that parent dies.
Is term or whole life better?
They do different jobs. Term covers a need for a set period at the lowest cost. Whole life is permanent and builds cash value at a higher premium.
Send us your current policy
We'll go through it with you, explain what it pays for and what it doesn't, then build a quote around what you want covered. If yours already covers what matters to you, we'll say so.