Life Insurance: Purposeful Protection in an Uncertain World for an Unknown Future
Life insurance is arguably one of the most powerful financial instruments ever created. For a generally reasonable cost, an individual can purchase a substantial amount of security for his or her family, business or estate. Approximately 60% of American adults possess life insurance -- with about 20% of them saying they lack adequate coverarage; and 44% of younger Americans way overestimate the cost life insurance. Generally speaking, the purpose of purchasing a life insurance policy is to meet one of four primary financial objectives:
Life Insurance for One's Surviving Family & Loved Ones
If loved ones depend on you and your paycheck or other means of income, then you really need to purchase a life insurance policy. From covering funeral expenses to eliminating debt, the financial well-being of your surviving loved ones depends upon replacing your income support as quickly and reliably as possible during a very stressful and mournful period of time. Such coverage also provides a means to fulfill the dreams of and your promises to your children -- from helping pay for college tuition to wedding expenses to home downpayments, etc.; and, and for parents with special needs children, such policy protection can help pay lifelong medical needs.
Life Insurance Can Save a Business & Its Financial Health Should Key Personnel Perish
Most businesses rely on key personnel to maintain their high level of success. Should such key and vital personnel unexpectedly pass away, then an organization may be unable to recover without proper safeguards. Key-man or key-person life insurance plays a critical role in literally buying time to stabilize by keeping things afloat by preserving the knowledge base and resulting financial soundness of closely-held ventures; achieved by the policy providing an influx of cash to supplement sales, hire consultants, etc. until the emergency passes over time. Moreover, life insurance policies are commonly used to fund cross-sell purchase agreements; effectively preventing survivors from becoming partners with someone never intended.
Life Insurance Can Leave a Philanthropic & Charitable Legacy
When philanthropists pass away, so too do their charitable contributions die; unless there exists a life insurance policy that specifically names a given charitable organization as a beneficiary. With relatively low cost, the charitable proceeds can continue flowing to designated charities; thus leaving an indelible mark on those being helped through an ongoing legacy of one's philanthropic contributions.
Life Insurance Is Vital to Estate Planning | Estate Taxes, AKA the Death Tax, Ramifications
Estate taxes, also known as the generally dreaded and despised "Death Tax," remain a part of the United States' tax code. While wealthy individuals certainly need to plan in advance how their heirs will pay for the potential 40% tax rate on inherited property, the death tax can also sneak up on everyday Americans, sadly. To wit, small business (SMB) owners, farmers and property owners may find themselves with assets worth more than the current $11.58-million estate tax threshold (set to sunset to the pre-2018 $5.00-million level by 2025.) Ugh. Therefore, without proper planning by an estate, the IRS will look to liquidate assets to pay the estate tax as soon as nine months after one's passing! This asset liquidation can lead to the stressful, unwanted sale of a business, property or farmland. Fortunately, life insurance can provide the financial means necessary to avoid such a horrible asset liquidation scenario.