RECOGNIZING WHEN TO HAVE A REVIEW
Routine reviews every year or two are important to:
- Evaluate policy performance in the current economy
- Review industry trends
- Uncover subtle changes that may otherwise go unnoticed
Certain events, though, often signal a more urgent need to re-evaluate. The following is a list of events and life changes that often directly affect life insurance needs. If you have experienced any of these since your last policy purchase or review and do not have a review scheduled soon, you should consider initiating one with your financial professional. Common life-changing events that may affect life insurance needs include:
- Change in job status, including a new job or promotion
- Marriage, divorce or death of spouse
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Child or children “left the nest”
- Purchase of a new home
- Experience significant change in assets, such as high losses, gains or an inheritance
- Increase/decrease of debt load
This list is not meant to be exhaustive. Your individual circumstances will guide your policy review.
WHY SELF-MONITORING MAY BE SELF-DEFEATING
On the surface, it may seem like life insurance is something you can purchase and then either forget or self-monitor. However, a proper policy review is an involved process and mistakes can be costly to your strategy. Your financial professional can:
- Simplify it for you by knowing where to look and what to analyze
- Facilitate any changes that may be necessary
- Offer experience and knowledge about tax implications and the uses of life insurance
- Be a resource for the latest advancements in underwriting, costs and benefits
Life insurance is a fitting component of any sound financial strategy. It is important to routinely make sure your coverage still provides the right fit. By setting aside some time for a routine policy review appointment, you may save your beneficiaries a lot of time, frustration — and money, later.
For more information, or to schedule your policy review, contact your financial professional.