More than three years ago now, I posted about some things (many things) I was working on to get my life in order after my divorce in 2020.
I called it KATN (Kicking Ass and Taking Names), because that’s exactly what it was. I had no idea what in the world I was doing or needed to do — especially in categories like finances and insurance. But I figured it out — and many of you did, too.
But we also had so many questions about the big life things that we put [[waves hand]] over here to deal with at some later, undefined date.
For me, one of those big life things was this: Life Insurance. I hardly knew what it was, or if I needed it, or what I needed from it — I literally knew nothing. But, as the sole earner now in my house with five kids, I could no longer ignore this big, looming, unknown quantity.
Sisters, you shouldn’t ignore it either.
I learned so much — and one thing I learned is that whether you’re single, married, divorced, have kids or don’t have kids, it doesn’t matter. Life insurance is for human people. We all need to have this stuff in place. None of us are immune to divorce, disease, death, and disability which are life-changers that do not discriminate.
If you’re like I was and have no idea what life insurance even is or why you need it, I wanted to share some things I learned along the way.
Read on for a little Q&A I had with Modern Woodmen, an incredible, member-owned fraternal financial services organization that serves nearly 700,000 members and has been doing so since 1883. How’s that for longevity? They are definitely doing all the things right.
Let’s start with the basics: Why is life insurance so important?
Life insurance, and the need for it, is a topic most people don’t want to think about — and rightfully so. It’s a hard thing to plan for the unexpected and think about what could happen if you become seriously ill, have an accident, or die too soon.
But it is so important — particularly for women.
Life insurance is all about protecting your future — and it is the foundation of planning. Some people think that life insurance is ONLY about funeral costs. And that is a myth.
Life insurance is actually as unique as you are and the journey you’re on. It’s about protecting against life’s uncertainties; it’s about retirement planning; it’s about estate planning; it’s about business planning. There are many ways you can leverage life insurance to enhance your financial goals.
I am a _______. Do I need life insurance?
The answer is “yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes.” Here’s why:
PRIMARY BREADWINNER
Nearly 4 in 10 women are the primary breadwinners for their families (U.S. Census Bureau). If you fall into this category, you need life insurance. The proceeds will help cover your family’s day-to-day expenses and your funeral costs if you die. Down the road, the money could help your kids afford college or your spouse meet retirement goals.
SECONDARY EARNER
About two-thirds of American households have dual incomes. If your paycheck helps support your children and/or your partner, you need life insurance. The money will give financial support to your family if you die, helping them maintain their current lifestyle.
SINGLE MOM
Life insurance is a must for anyone with dependent children. You likely shoulder all the responsibilities of raising your family. Life insurance can provide financial security in your absence. Don’t worry – coverage isn’t as expensive as you may think. Your Modern Woodmen rep can help you find an option to meet your needs and budget.
SAHM
Think you don’t need life insurance? Think again. You provide services that are just as important to your family’s well-being as work outside the home. If you died, your family would need someone to handle all the household duties you currently shoulder. Life insurance would help cover those major costs.
SINGLE WOMAN
No dependents? You can still benefit from life insurance — especially the permanent kind. Build up cash value, which you can borrow for emergencies or supplemental retirement income. When you die, the proceeds can go toward final expenses or to leave a legacy as a charitable contribution.
How do you know what type of life insurance to get?
Life insurance is as unique as you are — and there are a range of options, including term life insurance, plans specifically designed for children and young adults, and permanent life insurance plans that offer permanent solutions for permanent needs.
Financial representatives can help answer questions and help you better understand what life insurance plan is best fit for your unique situation.
One note: Life insurance through group policies at work is great, but often that insurance doesn’t go with you if you leave your job. Everyone should have their own life insurance that they own, so you don’t have to worry about it being dependent on your employer.
How do you know how much life insurance you need?
Free online tools, like this online calculator, can help you know how much life insurance is right for you.
The perception is that life insurance is super expensive. Is that true?
That perception is false! In fact, the LIMRA research organization supports that two-thirds of people overestimate the cost of life insurance by a whopping three times over. Life insurance is accessible and approachable; it’s not as expensive as you may think.
Modern Woodmen is a fraternal organization — what does that mean?
We’re really proud of our organization — and it differentiates us from others. We don’t have stockholders; so that means our decisions are made for our members’ best interests.
We share three common values: financial security, quality family life, and community impact.
When people become members at Modern Woodmen, they can join a local chapter and get more involved, too — from volunteering to social and educational events and more. We have more than 2,500 chapters and youth service clubs across the country. It’s really such a beautiful, community-fueled experience.
Fraternal benefit societies actually have a long history, dating back to the mid-1800s. They were created to support families after the breadwinner died. Although Modern Woodmen has evolved over the years, our goal of giving back to the communities where members live, and work has remained the same.
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Modern Woodmen can provide you with solutions and financial guidance to help you along the way and help you protect against life’s uncertainties. While nothing can replace you, you can ensure your loved ones are protected and have financial security.
Modern Woodmen of America. 1701 1st Ave. Rock Island, IL 61201. Product availability varies by states. Individual representatives may not be licensed to sell all products. Paid endorsement.