Life Insurance Awareness Month

 Every September, we recognize Life Insurance Awareness Month, a time to better understand life insurance and take a closer look at how well we are protecting the people who depend on us.

Life moves quickly. Between work, family, homeownership, retirement planning, and everyday responsibilities, it's easy to put life insurance on the back burner. Yet protecting the people we love is one of those financial decisions that can make an enormous difference when it matters most.

According to LIMRA and Life Happens' 2025 Insurance Barometer Study, only 51% of American adults report having life insurance. At the same time, 40% say they need coverage or need more than they currently have— representing nearly 100 million adults.

Cost is one of the biggest misconceptions. Many people assume life insurance is much more expensive than it actually is. LIMRA found that adults age 30 and younger estimated the cost of a $250,000, 20-year term policy at roughly 10 to 12 times its actual median cost for a healthy person their age.

That raises an important question: Expensive compared with what?

A quick look at everyday spending can sometimes put the cost of financial protection into perspective. The goal isn't simply finding the cheapest policy. It's determining how much protection your family needs and finding coverage that fits your circumstances and budget.

Confusion is another obstacle. Terms like term life, whole life, universal life, cash value, beneficiaries, and riders can make insurance seem complicated. The good news is that you don't have to become an insurance expert to make a thoughtful decision. A conversation with a qualified professional can help you understand your options.

And then there's procrastination. Nobody enjoys thinking about what would happen if they weren't here tomorrow. But avoiding the conversation doesn't make the risk disappear.

At its heart, life insurance isn't really about a policy. It's about people. If something happened to you, would your family have enough resources to continue paying the mortgage, everyday bills, childcare, education expenses, debts, and funeral costs? Life insurance can provide financial breathing room during an incredibly difficult time, allowing your loved ones to grieve and adjust without immediately having to worry about how they will make ends meet.

Think of it as a gift of stability. There isn't one type of life insurance that's right for everyone.

Term life insurance generally provides coverage for a specific period and is often less expensive than permanent coverage. It can be useful during the years when children are dependent, a mortgage is outstanding, or income protection is especially important.

Permanent life insurance is designed to provide coverage for life and may build cash value, depending on the policy.

The right choice depends on your goals, financial situation, family, budget, and what you're trying to protect. That's why the conversation should begin with your needs—not a particular policy.

Life Insurance Awareness Month is also a great time to review coverage you already have.

Ask yourself:

• Are my beneficiaries still correct?

• Has my income or financial situation changed?

• Have I bought a home, gotten married, or had children?

• Has my employer-provided coverage changed?

• Would my current coverage still be enough to protect my family?

Life changes, and your insurance coverage should change with it.

Life Insurance Awareness Month isn't about buying insurance simply because it's September. It's about taking a moment to think about the people who count on you and making sure your financial plan reflects the life you want to protect.

Life insurance isn't just about money. It's about love, responsibility, and protecting the people who matter most. So, this September, review your coverage, ask questions, and make sure your protection still matches your life.