Published: Sep 26, 2025
Written By: JB BURNETT
Life insurance is one of the most important financial tools available, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. At its core, life insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company: you pay premiums, and in return, the company promises to provide a lump-sum payment (called the death benefit) to your beneficiaries when you pass away.
This simple agreement can provide peace of mind, financial stability, and long-term protection for the people you love most.
Life insurance is about more than money—it’s about protection and planning. Here are a few common reasons people buy life insurance:
Income Replacement: If your family depends on your income, life insurance ensures they can continue to pay bills, maintain their lifestyle, and cover daily expenses.
Debt Protection: Life insurance can help pay off mortgages, car loans, or credit card debt, so your loved ones aren’t burdened.
Final Expenses: Funeral and burial costs can be expensive. Life insurance can take care of these costs, easing stress during a difficult time.
Legacy Planning: Some policies are designed to leave behind wealth, charitable gifts, or an inheritance.
Business Protection: Business owners often use life insurance to protect their company, fund buy-sell agreements, or secure business loans.
Coverage lasts for a set period (10, 20, or 30 years).
Typically offers the most affordable premiums.
Great option if you want straightforward protection during working years or while raising a family.
Provides coverage for your entire lifetime.
Includes a cash value component that grows tax-deferred over time.
Examples: Whole Life, Universal Life, Indexed Universal Life (IUL).
Often used for long-term wealth planning, tax strategies, or estate planning.
While everyone’s situation is different, life insurance is especially important if you:
Have dependents (spouse, children, aging parents).
Carry significant debts.
Own a business.
Want to leave a financial legacy.
Even single individuals may benefit from a policy to cover final expenses or to leave something behind for family or charities.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A common guideline is to aim for 10–12 times your annual income, but factors like debts, children’s education costs, and your overall financial plan also play a role. A licensed insurance professional can help tailor the right amount for your unique needs.
Life insurance is about more than preparing for the unexpected—it’s about creating security and confidence for the future. By putting a plan in place, you can make sure your loved ones are taken care of, no matter what happens.
✅ Next Step: Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your family. Schedule a free consultation today to review your options and get a personalized life insurance plan that fits your needs and budget.
JB grew up in Rochester, NY, and served in the US Air Force for 20 years, specializing in finance-related roles, from accounting to base comptroller. After retiring from the military, he earned two BBA degrees in Accounting, Finance, and Business Management. His entrepreneurial experience includes real estate investing and sales. He obtained his Health and Life license in 2013 and completed Certification in Financial Planning from Howard University in 2019, focusing on various planning areas. For over 30 years, he has worked as a Personal Financial Advisor, passionate about helping people with their finances. He aims to assist individuals in securing affordable health coverage, Medicare, and a stable retirement income for a worry-free life. He has served in his church's Personal Finance Ministry since 2003, and is now focused on helping people prepare for retirement. JB is married to Lucy and has two sons, a daughter-in-law, and a granddaughter.