Insurance, of any kind, is one of life's expenses that we ALL hate.

The problem is, insurance seems so expensive... like such a waste of money... until you need it!

And now, a startling trend has emerged: As many in America are still seeing their assets drained by the current economic crisis, the number of people who own life insurance--the ULTIMATE safety net for families if the breadwinner suddenly dies--has hit a 50 year LOW!

According to a recent survey by LIMRA, an industry-sponsored group, 30% of American households have NO life insurance at all!

And, 40% of American families with children under 18 acknowledged they would encounter immediate financial difficulty if the primary wage-earner died.

Isn't that enough of a wake-up call? Many cited other financial obligations such as saving for retirement, reducing debt and shrinking take-home pay (if employed!) as some of the reasons for not having life insurance...or adequate life insurance.

FACT: Many families go without adequate life insurance because they either don't know where to buy it or believe that it is just "too expensive."

FACT: Premiums for term insurance are markedly LOWER than a decade ago. If you, your family or someone you know has no insurance or is under-insured...NOW is the time consider purchasing term insurance...the least expensive way to get only coverage that you really need.

So, how much DO I need?

As a general rule we believe that a family should have 8 to 10 times the amount of annual salary of the primary wage-earner, and AT LEAST half that amount for a working spouse or stay-at-home-spouse to cover the lost income, cost of child care, etc., in case of an untimely death.

We know that times are tough, (bucks have never been tighter) but don't ignore your ULTIMATE safety net...life insurance.

To get you started...or evaluate the insurance that you already have...we have LOTS of help here at dolans.com.

• Avoid these Costly Life Insurance Mistakes
• What Type of Life Insurance Should You Have?
• How to Save 25% on Life Insurance Premiums

Don't forget... Insurance SEEMS expensive (often it isn't!)...until you need it!!

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