01
Debts and final expenses that must be paid
PROTECTION DECISION SYSTEM
Life insurance: replace obligations and income, not emotion.
Coverage should fund the economic work that disappears at death. Calculate the gap, choose the term and keep investing and insurance questions separate.
MEASURE THE EXPOSURE
Collect the inputs before shopping.
02
Years and amount of income or caregiving to replace
03
Education, dependent-care and other dated obligations
04
Existing liquid assets and reliable survivor benefits
DECISION MAP
Match the protection to the risk retained.
| Situation | Evidence | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary obligations dominate | Children, mortgage or income need declines over time. | Model term coverage matched to the obligation period. |
| Permanent estate/liquidity need exists | Need does not expire and is supported by estate analysis. | Define the permanent need before comparing complex policies. |
| No dependents or shared obligations | Death creates little financial loss. | Coverage may be minimal; prioritize disability and reserves if earned income is the larger risk. |
ORDER OF OPERATIONS
Build the protection file.
Measure
Calculate survivor cash needs and reliable income.
Translate
Subtract assets truly available to survivors.
Compare
Match coverage duration to each obligation.
Document
Compare guarantees, exclusions, conversion rights and total premiums.
Use the contract, not the pitch.
Policy language and state law control. Use licensed professionals for coverage details and qualified legal or tax counsel when ownership, business activity, dependents or estate consequences materially change the result.
PRIMARY REFERENCES
Verify current rules and contracts.
NEXT DECISION