The Purpose of Life Insurance

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 87 views

Introduction

DeShawn, a 38-year-old married man with three young children, is planning for his future. With a modest income of $45,000 per year, he aims to retire at 60. To ensure his family's financial security in the event of his untimely passing, DeShawn has purchased a $900,000, 20-year term life insurance policy. In this article, we will assess whether DeShawn's decision to buy this policy is financially sound.

DeShawn's Financial Situation

DeShawn's income of $45,000 per year is relatively modest, and his expenses are likely to be substantial with three young children. His decision to buy a $900,000 life insurance policy may seem excessive, especially considering his income. To put this into perspective, let's examine DeShawn's financial situation:

Income: $45,000 per year
Expenses: Housing, food, transportation, education, and other expenses for himself and his family
Life Insurance Policy: $900,000, 20-year term policy

The Purpose of Life Insurance

Life insurance is designed to provide financial protection to your loved ones in the event of your passing. The primary purpose of life insurance is to:

Replace Income: Provide a steady income stream to support your family's living expenses
Pay Off Debts: Cover outstanding debts, such as mortgages, car loans, and credit cards
Funeral Expenses: Cover the cost of funeral expenses and other final costs

Is DeShawn's Life Insurance Policy Adequate?

Given DeShawn's income and expenses, his $900,000 life insurance policy may be excessive. Here are some factors to consider:

Income Replacement: DeShawn's income of $45,000 per year is relatively modest. A life insurance policy of $900,000 may provide a significant income replacement, but it may not be necessary to cover his family's living expenses.
Debt Coverage: DeShawn's policy may cover his outstanding debts, but it's essential to consider the total amount of debt he has, including his mortgage, car loans, and credit cards.
Funeral Expenses: DeShawn's policy may cover the cost of funeral expenses, but it's essential to consider the actual cost of funeral expenses in his area.

Alternatives to Term Life Insurance

Given DeShawn's financial situation, he may want to consider alternative options to term life insurance:

Whole Life Insurance: Whole life insurance provides a guaranteed death benefit and a cash value component that grows over time. This type of insurance may be more suitable for DeShawn's needs, as it provides a guaranteed death benefit and a potential source of cash value.
Universal Life Insurance: Universal life insurance is a flexible premium policy that allows DeShawn to adjust his premium payments and death benefit. This type of insurance may be more suitable for DeShawn's needs, as it provides flexibility and potential cash value growth.

Conclusion

DeShawn's decision to buy a $900,000, 20-year term life insurance policy may be excessive, given his income and expenses. It's essential to consider his financial situation and the purpose of life insurance before making a decision. DeShawn may want to consider alternative options, such as whole life insurance or universal life insurance, to ensure his family's financial security in the event of his passing.

Recommendations

Based on DeShawn's financial situation, we recommend the following:

Conduct a Needs Analysis: DeShawn should conduct a needs analysis to determine the actual amount of life insurance he needs to cover his family's living expenses, debts, and funeral expenses.
Consider Alternative Options: DeShawn should consider alternative options, such as whole life insurance or universal life insurance, to ensure his family's financial security in the event of his passing.
Review and Adjust: DeShawn should review his life insurance policy regularly and adjust it as needed to ensure it remains adequate to cover his family's financial needs.

Introduction

In our previous article, we assessed DeShawn's decision to buy a $900,000, 20-year term life insurance policy. We discussed the potential risks and benefits of this policy and recommended alternative options, such as whole life insurance or universal life insurance. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to DeShawn's life insurance dilemma.

Q: What is the purpose of life insurance?

A: The primary purpose of life insurance is to provide financial protection to your loved ones in the event of your passing. This can include replacing your income, paying off debts, and covering funeral expenses.

Q: How much life insurance do I need?

A: The amount of life insurance you need depends on several factors, including your income, expenses, debts, and funeral expenses. It's essential to conduct a needs analysis to determine the actual amount of life insurance you need.

Q: What are the different types of life insurance?

A: There are several types of life insurance, including:

Term Life Insurance: Provides a death benefit for a specified period (e.g., 10, 20, or 30 years).
Whole Life Insurance: Provides a guaranteed death benefit and a cash value component that grows over time.
Universal Life Insurance: A flexible premium policy that allows you to adjust your premium payments and death benefit.
Variable Life Insurance: A type of whole life insurance that allows you to invest a portion of your premium payments in various investments.

Q: What is the difference between term life insurance and whole life insurance?

A: Term life insurance provides a death benefit for a specified period, while whole life insurance provides a guaranteed death benefit and a cash value component that grows over time. Whole life insurance is typically more expensive than term life insurance, but it provides a guaranteed death benefit and a potential source of cash value.

Q: Can I cancel my life insurance policy?

A: Yes, you can cancel your life insurance policy, but you may be subject to penalties or surrender charges. It's essential to review your policy and understand the terms and conditions before canceling.

Q: How do I choose the right life insurance policy?

A: To choose the right life insurance policy, consider the following factors:

Your income and expenses: Determine how much life insurance you need to cover your family's living expenses, debts, and funeral expenses.
Your health: Consider your health and any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your life insurance premiums.
Your budget: Determine how much you can afford to pay for life insurance premiums.
Your goals: Consider your long-term goals, such as saving for retirement or paying off debts.

Q: Can I use my life insurance policy as a source of cash?

A: Yes, you can use your life insurance policy as a source of cash, but you may be subject to surrender charges or penalties. It's essential to review your policy and understand the terms and conditions before using your policy as a source of cash.

Conclusion

DeShawn's life insurance dilemma highlights the importance of understanding the purpose and benefits of life insurance. By answering these frequently asked questions, we hope to provide you with a better understanding of life insurance and help you make informed decisions about your policy.

Recommendations

Based on our Q&A, we recommend the following:

Conduct a needs analysis: Determine how much life insurance you need to cover your family's living expenses, debts, and funeral expenses.
Choose the right policy: Consider your income, expenses, health, budget, and goals when choosing a life insurance policy.
Review and adjust: Review your policy regularly and adjust it as needed to ensure it remains adequate to cover your family's financial needs.

By following these recommendations, you can ensure your family's financial security in the event of your passing and make informed decisions about your life insurance policy.