No one wants to contemplate the thought of passing away. Living in a big joint family, you focus on the future in which you spend your time with your loved ones, see your children and maybe grandchildren grow up and settle with their spouses and then witness the birth of a new generation. However, life is unpredictable, and we never know when misfortune might happen. That is why you need to take appropriate steps to secure your family’s well-being when you are no longer there.
Therefore, it might be a good idea to buy life insurance that will protect your loved ones against the unplanned. If you were to pass away suddenly, your family would be provided with a cash payout they can use according to their needs – be it daily expenses, children’s education, or end-of-life expenses. The money can also help save the family home or your business.
As such, it’s recommended to research your options – check if life insurance cover suicide, mental and terminal illnesses, chronic ailments, all kinds of accidents, and so on. You want to be prepared for anything; however, make sure not to overdo it – you don’t want to pay your whole monthly income to the insurance company.
If you are still on the fence about whether you need life insurance, here are some reasons why it matters:
It Gives Your Family Financial Security
If you are the sole breadwinner in your family, the loss of your income will have a tremendous impact on the family’s financial situation. After your passing, your family is left to fend for themselves. They will have to adjust to the changes that come with the loss of their provider.
If you are the breadwinner of your big joint family, the insurance coverage can help replace your contribution to the household’s cash flow, especially if you decide that your beneficiaries should receive regular monthly payments. You could also opt for a lump sum payment, but it might be harder for your family to manage. However, if you are in a dual-income family, life insurance can be used as a financial safety net that can be tapped in an emergency.
It Can Help Pay for Your Children’s Education
If you have children or grandchildren and you are planning to fund their education, life insurance can play a major role in helping them achieve their goals. If you have a big joint family, the cost of their studies will run into tens of thousands of pounds. Many parents find themselves short of money to pay for their children’s tuition, especially when one of them is gone.
Life insurance can ensure your children are given a good start in life. For example, they can use some of the money to pay for private school fees, university scholarships, or the necessary accommodation.
It Can Pay Off Your Debts
Life insurance can be used to pay off your outstanding debt. If you have taken out a loan or credit card or owe money to any creditors, life insurance will allow your family to settle your obligations after you die.
It will save them from worrying about the impact that your unpaid debts might have on their financial situation. This also includes a mortgage, so you will not have to worry about your big family suddenly losing their home.
Life Insurance Can Help Pay for End-of-Life Expenses
When it comes to end-of-life expenses, these can quickly add up and put a strain on your loved ones financially. With life insurance, your beneficiaries will receive a lump sum payout that can be used to cover funeral and other related costs. This will also ensure that your final wishes are carried out without a financial burden on your loved ones.
Moreover, your family might be left to shoulder the cost of the medical expenses that come with end-of-life care. Depending on your condition, it could be difficult for them to find the money to pay for your medical treatments. It is why life insurance can come in handy, especially if you decide to opt for a policy that pays out a lump sum.
It Can Be Used to Keep Family Businesses Running
When you pass away, your family’s business can be left in the hands of your loved ones. With no experience in running a business, they might struggle to make a profit.
With life insurance, you can help your family manage the financial risks of running a business. It will also allow your children to focus on expanding the company instead of scrambling to pay off your debts and shoulder other financial responsibilities that come with business ownership.
It Can Be Used as an Emergency Fund
Usually, your life insurance is paid out after you have passed away. However, depending on your policy, life insurance can also be used as an emergency fund to help your family through rough patches. If you run into an illness, accident, or other unforeseen situation, life insurance will help provide financial security.
You could access that money by surrendering the policy, making a withdrawal, borrowing from the policy, or covering your premiums. However, you need to remember that if you tap your insurance, your family might receive a smaller payout after your passing.
It Can Be Used to Support Charity
If you have been a philanthropist, it is possible that you would like to use your life insurance to support your favorite charities. You can even donate the amount of your life insurance to an organization or cause.
This can also be an opportunity for your family to honor your legacy and continue supporting the causes close to your heart. Plus, it’s a way to ensure that you will never be forgotten by the people you have touched in life.
In Conclusion
Life insurance is a crucial part of your financial plan. It is a way to ensure that your family will be taken care of when you are no longer around. However, life insurance can also be confusing; there are several options available, and each one comes with its own unique features, so it is vital to make the right choice for your big joint family.
If you have specific questions about life insurance, you should speak to a qualified financial adviser. Your family will likely depend on this insurance in the future, so it is essential to think about which option is the best for your loved ones.
About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
