USA Today reports a very sad fact: "Households with life insurance hits lowest level in 50 years." In times of economic challenges and uncertainty, it's understandable that life insurance is not on the top of consumers' list of essentials.
And consumers don't need another lecture on the importance of life insurance. Many acknowledge that if their family's primary breadwinner died, they'd have trouble making ends meet.
What consumers do need is compassionate, experienced and well-trained advisors to help them build the financial plans that will allow them to include life insurance -- and the protection it gives their family's future -- in their budgets. Life insurance rates are at an all-time low, so with some budgeting, research and the guidance of a professional insurance agent, you may find coverage is more affordable than you imagined.
The USA Today article may give the impression that it's hard to find someone to sell you life insurance. "Nearly 80% of families don't have a personal life insurance agent or broker," according to the LIMRA survey quoted in the article. The article even recommends finding life insurance online.
But a website won't sit down at your kitchen table and work the numbers with you. A faceless voice on an 800 number won't get to know your family, your dreams for your children's education and your retirement goals.
And if the worst does happen, don't you want a real person to be there for you, with a handshake or a hug and the benefits check that will give your family financial security?
Finding a professional insurance advisor doesn't have to be a challenge. The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors offers a member locator that makes it easy find an agent located near your home or office. Try it out at www.naifa.org/consumer/advisor.cfm
The nonprofit Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE) is also a great resource for consumers, with information on the basics of buying life insurance coverage, and a Life Insurance Calculator that can help you determine how much life insurance you need. Find LIFE online at www.lifehappens.org.
When dealing with today's financial uncertainty, it's easy to put off thinking about the future, but the future isn't going away. Talk to an agent to see if you can find a way to fit life insurance into your budget. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your family's financial future is secure is certainly worth it.