Life Insurance
Life insurance is designed to protect the people who depend on you — helping replace income, cover final expenses, and keep long-term plans on track if the unexpected happens.
Model Your Scenario
Why this calculation matters: A common starting point is the DIME method — Debt, Income, Mortgage, and Education — minus what you already have saved. Estimating a baseline helps you see whether your current coverage matches your family's real exposure.
Interactive Coverage Estimator
Educational tool to help you visualize common life insurance benchmarks.
Estimated protection for income replacement, debt payoff & children's future.
*For educational purposes only. Exact needs depend on health, age, underwriting, and unique family circumstances.
Discuss with MarkistWhat the result means
The estimate shows a baseline coverage amount to replace your income, pay off debts, and fund future goals, less what you've already saved. It's a conversation starter, not a final number — your actual need depends on health, age, underwriting, and family circumstances.
Recommended next step
Bring your estimate to a consultation. We'll compare term vs. permanent options, review any coverage you already have, and tailor a plan to your budget and timeline.
Carries your scenario summary to the consultation form — no sensitive data.
Who this is for
Parents, spouses, homeowners with mortgages, and anyone whose income others rely on. It's especially relevant during your working years when dependents are most exposed.
Planning considerations
- Term and permanent coverage — what each is and how they differ in cost, duration, and cash value
- Income replacement, mortgage and debt protection, and legacy goals for your dependents
- Reviewing existing coverage as your family, career, and finances change over time
Term vs. Permanent: the core trade-off
Term life covers a set period — often 10, 20, or 30 years — and usually has a lower initial cost. Permanent life (whole or universal) is designed to last your lifetime and can build cash value, but at a higher cost. Many families layer the two: a larger term policy while dependents are young, plus a smaller permanent policy for lifelong needs.
Why coverage needs change over time
A new mortgage, a second child, a career change, or paying off debt all shift how much protection makes sense. That's why reviewing existing policies periodically — not just buying once — matters. A policy that fit at 30 may be too small or too large at 45.
Common Questions
What's the difference between term and permanent life insurance?
Term covers you for a set period and usually costs less initially. Permanent lasts your lifetime and can build cash value. Which fits depends on your goals, budget, and time horizon.
How much life insurance do people usually consider?
It varies widely. People commonly think about replacing income, paying off a mortgage, covering final expenses, and funding education. A needs analysis — like the estimator above — looks at your specific situation rather than a one-size number.
Can I review coverage I already have?
Yes. Reviewing existing policies as your family and finances change is a normal part of the process — it confirms your coverage still lines up with your goals.
Ready to talk about life insurance?
Schedule a no-obligation consultation and we'll walk through what fits your goals — in plain language, on your timeline.