Financial Literacy #2: Insurance Planning is Financial Planning

Insurance is a critical element of your financial plan and the foundation of your pyramid. Different kinds of insurance (including home, health, and car insurance) protect you and your family against the cost of accidents, illness or medical needs, and other unexpected loss.

Your insurance needs vary depending on your life situation, and may include:

Term Life

Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific time period (usually 10, 20, or 30 years) and could replace your income and help your family if you were to die prematurely.

Whole Life

Whole life insurance is a permanent life insurance policy that includes an investment component known as the cash value, a savings account funded by a percentage of your premiums. Whole life insurance premiums are more expensive than term policy rates because of the added financial benefits.

Annuities

Annuities combine insurance with investment components and can help you boost your retirement savings, provide a stream of income for retirement, or protect what you’ve saved, depending on your financial strategy.

Homeowners

Homeowners insurance protects your home and often includes coverage for injuries or losses occurred by others on your property. Monitor your policy to ensure that your house is insured to at least 80% of its value, and consider an umbrella policy to protect you and your assets against lawsuits and from others.

Schedule a consultation with us to discuss the insurance policies that are best for you and your overall financial picture—we can advise you on the best way to structure your insurance to protect your finances. Next, we’ll share tips about savings and becoming debt free.