Family Articles

Why Now is a Good Time to Consider Life Insurance

Life insurance isn't a topic that is usually brought up at dinner time.  No one likes to think about their death or the death of a family member.  And no one thinks it could happen to them, but the reality is it could!

This September marks the third annual Life Insurance Awareness Month, making it a good time for you to examine and evaluate your life insurance needs and review your current coverage.

So how can you bring up the topic without sounding like a soap opera villain? Byron Udell, founder and CEO of AccuQuote,  a life insurance brokerage firm, offers these helpful tips to make bringing up the topic a little easier:

* Use life events as a conversation starter - almost every life event presents itself with the opportunity to discuss life insurance.  If you know someone who is getting married, having a baby, buying a new house or even retiring, check out www.talkaboutlifeinsurance.com and send them a customized e-card that will not only congratulate them, but remind them of the importance of life insurance.  Or if you're going through one of these life events, take the time to talk with your family about how life insurance can help protect you and your loved ones.

* Discuss your financial plan and determine where life insurance fits into the larger picture - whether you're young or old; have children or don't - you and your loved ones should take a moment to consider how life insurance fits into your financial plan.  When you and your husband/wife, parents, etc. are discussing financial plans it's a perfect time to bring the subject up.

* Talk about your family's estate planning needs - if your parents and/or grandparents have a considerable estate, make sure that they are aware that everything they worked hard for their entire lives may not be passed down to their heirs because Uncle Sam could take up to 48 percent after they die. Explain that the proceeds of a life insurance policy are payable immediately, allowing their heirs to take care of these estate taxes.  

"I think letting your family members know you are concerned about your well-being, as well as theirs, if one of you should die is the best way to bring up the conversation," says Udell.  "Sixty-eight adult Americans do not have any life insurance. Of those who have policies, nearly 50 million lack adequate coverage.  If conversations like this took place, it would prevent a lot of families from having to suffer unnecessary financial hardship."

Life insurance costs are at their lowest levels in years right now.  To find the best rates you can qualify for from multiple companies, log on to www.accuquote.com and fill out their simple online form.  You'll get back quotes from several different companies in a matter of seconds.  

If you like the numbers that come back, you can click on the quote for instructions on how to obtain a policy.  An AccuQuote agent will act as your liaison with the company you select.

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