How Much Life Insurance Should We Get?

  1. 12689 POINTS
    Ted Ratliff
    Owner, SFS Associates,
    That can vary according to your situation and the reason for purchasing the insurance. Do you have debts such as a mortgage or credit cards you want paid off in the event of your death? Do you just want to cover final expenses? In the case of final expenses you need to consider not just the cost of a funeral but also possible medical bills that may be incurred, an emergency fund for your loved one, and a variety of factors. Each case is different. You need to sit down with a qualified insurance agent and discuss your needs. A good agent will not just sell you a policy, he will consider your situation and find you an affordable plan.
    Answered on April 10, 2013
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  2. 1976 POINTS
    Ronald Hinch
    Regional Marketing Director, Capital Choice Financial Group,
    A quick answer to this question is 7 to 10 your income but I use a calculated method with my clients that will be more precise. I use what is known as the DIME method to determine the correct face amount for a client. The D stands for debt & death, the amount needed to pay off all debt such as credit cards, small loans, automobiles, etc. I represents income replacement, the amount needed to replace a monthly income for a minimum of 10 years. M is the mortgage payoff. E stands for education for the kids which I use $64,500 per child for a 4-year education. This is the only one that I may leave off if there is a budgetary concern. When we do the math the insurance need is fully funded. The DIME method is the most accurate way to determine the right amount of life insurance a person needs.
    Answered on April 10, 2013
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