Presented by: John Maggio LUTCF
As a single parent, your children depend on you for everything they have – including a feeling of safety and security. So what would happen if you suddenly weren’t here? Would another parent or relative step in to care for them? Would that person have the ability (or financial means) to give them the kind of future you want for them?
If you’re month the many single mothers who feel they need more protection, but who aren’t sure where to begin, take heart. You do have options. But before you go out and buy an insurance policy, there are a number of factors you should first consider, including:
The needs and expenses you are trying to cover, such as funding your children’s higher education expenses if you’re not here; paying for funeral expenses and any related medical costs; paying off debt, including your mortgage; providing income for a child with special needs; or if you don’t die prematurely, supplementing your own retirement income.
How much premium can you afford? It makes no sense to purchase a policy that exceeds your monthly budget.
The length of time you will need your coverage. Term policies for example, which are generally the least expensive, provide coverage for a specific number of years only – usually 1, 5, 10, 15, or 20 years. Term policies do not build cash values, and when the term period expires, it can be prohibitively expensive to maintain the coverage. Permanent (or, “Whole Life”) policies, on the other hand, provide protection for life, but they are also more expensive. Permanent policies build cash values which can be borrowed against to help fund planned expenses such as college costs, or to supplement other sources of retirement income.*
Some advisors say you should own an amount of coverage equal to between five and ten times your annual income. but that’s not always true, especially for single moms. Your needs – and income – are likely to change over the years and life events such as the birth of another child, the purchase of a new home, or perhaps a promotion at work, could change your circumstances. For that reason, our might want to consider a policy that give you the flexibility to increase or decrease both your coverage amount, and premium, as your needs and cash flow situation changes. Universal Life policies provide this kind of flexibility.
When it comes to protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your future financial security, there is simply no substitute for life insurance. For just pennies on the dollar, life insurance provides the foundation on which your dreams, and your dreams for your children, can be built – especially if you can’t be here to build them yourself.
*Accessing cash values may result in surrender fees and charges, may require additional premium payments to maintain coverage, and will reduce the death benefit and policy values.
This information is for educational purposes and should not be considered specific financial, tax or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified advisor regarding your individual circumstances.
