Donald C. Reutemann CFP®, RPA, AIF®

(518) 688-2223

Insurance Read Time: 3 min

The Value of Insuring Against Life’s Risks

Did you know that...

  1. Sixty-one percent of American workers have no private short-term disability insurance.1,2
  2. Sixty-seven percent of working people in the U.S. lack private long-term disability coverage.1,2
  3. Forty-eight percent of Americans have no life insurance.3,4
  4. Approximately 14 percent of American drivers are uninsured.5

If you ask a homeowner, replacing a roof is probably the least satisfying expense they will ever face. While the value of such an investment is obvious, it doesn’t quite provide the satisfaction of new landscaping. Yet, when a heavy rain comes, ask that same owner if they would have preferred nice flowers or a sturdy roof.

Insurance is a lot like that roof. It's not a terribly gratifying expenditure, but it may offer protection against the myriad of potential financial storms that can touch down in your life.

The uncertainties of life are wide ranging, and many of them can threaten the financial security of you and your family. We understand most of these risks – a home destroyed by a fire and a car accident are just two common risks, which could subject you to an outsized financial loss.

Similarly, your inability to earn a living to support yourself and your family, due to death or disability, can wreak long-term financial havoc on those closest to you.

Insurance exists to help protect you from these forms of wealth destruction.

Some insurance (such as home or car) may be required. When it isn't mandated (in the case of life or disability), individuals may be tempted to avoid the certain financial “loss” associated with insurance premiums, assuming the risk of much larger losses that are less likely to happen.

But insurance premiums aren't a financial “loss.” They are designed to help protect you and your family as you build personal wealth.

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020
2. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Federal and state laws and regulations are subject to change, which would have an impact on after-tax investment returns. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.
3. LIMRA, 2021
4. Several factors will affect the cost and availability of life insurance, including age, health and the type and amount of insurance purchased. Life insurance policies have expenses, including mortality and other charges. If a policy is surrendered prematurely, the policyholder also may pay surrender charges and have income tax implications. You should consider determining whether you are insurable before implementing a strategy involving life insurance. Any guarantees associated with a policy are dependent on the ability of the issuing insurance company to continue making claim payments.
5. AutoInsurance.org, 2021

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

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