Life Insurance Awareness Month: It's Not About Dying, It's About Living
September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, and while the topic may not sound exciting, the truth behind it is deeply human and profoundly important. For many, life insurance feels like a conversation about the end of a story, but it's actually about securing the chapters that come after. It’s not about death; it’s about ensuring the continuity of life for the people you love most.
We get it. Thinking about life insurance can be uncomfortable. It forces us to confront "what if" scenarios we'd rather not consider. But here's a different way to look at it: life insurance is one of the most powerful tools you have to protect your family's future and your legacy. It’s an act of love.
So, let’s reframe the conversation and address some of the most common myths and misconceptions that hold people back.
Myth #1: I’m too young/healthy to need life insurance.
This is perhaps the most costly misconception. The younger and healthier you are, the more affordable life insurance is. Waiting until you have a family, take on a mortgage, or develop a health condition can make premiums significantly more expensive, or even make you ineligible for certain types of coverage. A policy purchased in your 20s or 30s can lock in low rates for decades, providing peace of mind as your life changes.
Myth #2: Life insurance is too expensive.
Many people overestimate the cost of life insurance. A recent study by industry group LIMRA found that most consumers think a term life policy is three times more expensive than it actually is. For the price of a daily cup of coffee, you could secure a policy that provides hundreds of thousands of dollars in coverage for your family.
Myth #3: I have life insurance through my job, so I’m all set.
While employer-provided life insurance is a great benefit, it’s often not enough. These policies typically offer a modest amount of coverage—often just one or two times your annual salary—which may not be sufficient to cover a mortgage, future education costs, and everyday living expenses for your family. Additionally, this coverage is rarely portable, meaning if you leave your job, you lose your coverage.
What Does Life Insurance Actually Do?
Life insurance is financial security for your loved ones. It can:
- Pay off debts: Cover your mortgage, car loans, and credit card debt so your family isn't burdened.
- Replace lost income: Ensure your family can maintain their lifestyle and cover daily expenses without your paycheck.
- Fund future goals: Provide for your children’s college education, wedding expenses, or other long-term financial plans.
- Cover final expenses: Take care of funeral costs and other immediate expenses, so your family can grieve without financial stress.
This month, take a moment to think about the people who depend on you. Your parents, your spouse, your children—they are your reason for everything. Life insurance is a way to ensure their dreams and security are protected, no matter what. It’s not just a policy; it’s a promise.
Don’t let another September pass by without taking action. Let’s have a conversation about what your family needs and what options are available to you. Contact me today for a free, no-obligation consultation or to simply ask a question.
