Frequently Asked
Questions
Term Life Insurance FAQ
How much term life insurance do I need?
A common guideline is 10–15 times your annual income, though the right amount depends on your debts, mortgage, number of dependents, and future goals like college tuition. I can help you calculate a personalized number based on your actual situation.
What term length should I choose — 10, 20, or 30 years?
Choose a term that matches how long your family would need financial protection. A 20-year term often lines up with raising children through adulthood, while a 30-year term is common for covering a mortgage or providing protection through your full working career.
What happens if I outlive my term life policy?
If your term ends and you're still living, coverage simply expires — there's no payout and no refund, since term life is designed purely for protection during a set period, not as a savings vehicle. Many policies offer the option to renew or convert to permanent coverage before the term ends.
Can I convert my term policy to a whole life or permanent policy later?
Many term policies include a conversion option, allowing you to switch to permanent coverage (like whole life) without a new medical exam, usually within a specific window of your term. This is worth discussing early, especially if your health may change over time.
Do I need a medical exam for term life insurance?
It depends on your age, health, and the coverage amount you're applying for. Many applicants qualify for accelerated or simplified underwriting, which uses a health questionnaire instead of a physical exam. Larger policies or older applicants may still require a traditional exam.
Is term life insurance cheaper than whole life insurance?
Yes, generally. Term life insurance is typically the most affordable type of life insurance because it only provides coverage for a set period and doesn't build cash value, unlike whole life insurance, which is permanent and costs more.
What happens to my term life policy if I miss a payment?
Most policies include a grace period (commonly 30 days) after a missed payment before the policy lapses. If you're at risk of missing a payment, reach out as soon as possible — there may be options to keep your coverage active.
Can I have more than one term life insurance policy?
Yes, many people "ladder" multiple term policies with different lengths and coverage amounts to match changing needs over time (for example, a larger policy while raising young children, and a smaller one that lasts through mortgage payoff).
Final Expense Insurance FAQ
What does final expense insurance cover?
Final expense insurance is designed to help cover end-of-life costs like funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, and other final debts, so your family isn't left with the financial burden.
Do I need to answer health questions for final expense coverage?
Many final expense policies are guaranteed issue, meaning approval is based on age alone with no health questions or medical exam required. Some simplified issue options may ask a few basic health questions in exchange for lower premiums.
Is there a waiting period before final expense coverage starts?
Some guaranteed issue policies include a graded benefit period (commonly 2-3 years) where a full payout isn't available if death occurs from natural causes early in the policy. Ask about the specific terms before choosing a policy.
How much final expense coverage do I need?
Most final expense policies range from $2,000–$25,000 — enough to cover funeral costs, medical bills, and small remaining debts. I can help you figure out the right amount for your situation.
Whole Life Insurance FAQ
How does whole life insurance work?
Whole life insurance provides coverage for your entire life, as long as premiums are paid. It also builds cash value over time at a guaranteed rate, which grows tax-deferred and can potentially be accessed later through loans or withdrawals.
Can I access the cash value while I'm still alive?
Yes. Many whole life policies allow you to borrow against or withdraw a portion of your cash value while you're living, though doing so may reduce your death benefit if not repaid.
Why are whole life premiums higher than term life?
Whole life insurance costs more because it provides lifelong coverage and includes a cash value savings component, unlike term life, which only covers a set period and has no cash value.
Is whole life insurance a good investment?
Whole life insurance is primarily designed for lifelong protection, with cash value growth as a secondary benefit — it's not intended to replace traditional investment accounts. It works best as part of a broader financial plan, not a sole investment strategy.
Do I need a medical exam for whole life insurance?
Many applicants qualify without a full medical exam by answering a simplified health questionnaire instead, depending on age and coverage amount.
Indexed Universal Life (IUL) FAQ
How is IUL different from whole life insurance?
Both are permanent life insurance, but IUL's cash value growth is linked to the performance of a market index (like the S&P 500), offering higher growth potential than whole life's fixed rate — along with more variability.
What happens to my IUL cash value if the market goes down?
Most IUL policies include a guaranteed floor (often 0%), meaning your cash value won't lose money due to market downturns, even if the index performs poorly that year.
Are there limits on how much my IUL can grow?
Yes, most IUL policies include a cap on the maximum growth rate you can earn in a given period, even if the underlying index performs better. This is the tradeoff for the downside protection.
What are living benefits on an IUL policy?
Many IUL policies include riders that let you access a portion of your death benefit early if you're diagnosed with a qualifying critical or chronic illness — providing support while you're still living, not just after death.
Is IUL a good option for retirement planning?
IUL can serve as a supplemental, tax-advantaged source of funds later in life, but it works best as one part of a broader retirement strategy — consult a financial professional about how it fits your specific goals.
Wills & Trusts FAQ
Is the wills and trust tool really free?
Yes, this is included at no additional cost when you get covered with a life insurance policy through me.
Is this a replacement for hiring an attorney?
These tools are provided as a complimentary resource and are not a substitute for personalized legal advice. For complex estate planning needs, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney in your state.
What documents are included?
[Confirm exactly what's included — e.g., last will and testament, living trust, healthcare directive, power of attorney]
Is this available in every state?
Availability may vary by state — reach out and I can confirm what's available where you live.
