What Life Insurance Coverage Do You Really Need?

Start by defining the risk: who depends on your income, what expenses continue, and how long support would be needed if you died.
Coverage should reflect real household impact, including childcare, mortgage costs, college funding, business obligations, or lifetime support for a child with special needs.
Needs can shrink over time as children become independent, mortgages are paid, and retirement assets grow, making periodic reviews of coverage especially important.
Term insurance can fit temporary goals, while permanent coverage may add cash value, tax-deferred growth, and legacy planning features for lifelong protection needs.
A blended approach can match changing goals: larger term coverage for temporary needs, smaller permanent coverage for lasting legacy objectives, reviewed as life changes.