Choosing Life Insurance
"Which Life Insurance is Right For Me?"
Life insurance fits into two board categories: temporary and permanent. Policies come in four basic types: Term Life, Whole Life, Universal Life, and Variable Life. This guide summarizes key features of each type to help you determine which is right for you:
General Life Insurance Benefits
-
Income Replacement: Provide for Dependents
- Death Benefit: Cover Death Expenses
- Inheritance: Pass on money probate-free
- Grow Wealth: Save for Retirement, Tuition, etc.
- Tax Free: Interest Compounds Income Tax Free
- Safety: Backed by Large Insurance Companies

Term Life Insurance
- Temporary Coverage (1-30 years)
- No Investment
- No Investment Control
- Premiums Increase with Time
- Can't Increase Coverage
- No Interest Earned
- No Capital
- Best for Temporary Death Benefits
Whole Life Insurance
- Permanent Coverage
- Invest in Insurer's General Account
- No Investment Control
- Level Premiums
- Can't Increase Coverage
- 4%-6% Long-Term Dividend Yield
- Can Borrow Against Account Value
- Best for Basic Permanent Coverage
Universal Life Insurance
- Permanent Coverage
- Invest in Short-term Interest Vehicles
- Moderate Investment Control
- Flexible Premiums
- Flexible Coverage
- 6%-8% Long-Term Yield
- Can Cashout Account Value
- Best for Growing Wealth w/o Risk
Variable Life Insurance
- Permanent Coverage
- Invest in Equities
- Complete Investment Control
- Level Premiums
- Can't Increase Coverage
- Returns Vary, Greatest Potential
- Can Cashout Account Value
- Best for Max Growth w/ Moderate Risk

