I was at my sister’s house recently with the task of driving my nephew to hockey practice.
It wasn’t going to happen. After leaving my car in her lot during the day, it wouldn’t start at night. Not even a click from the ignition. I shouldn’t have been surprised. If I had done the right thing and taken it for its regular tune up, I’d have delivered on my promise to get him to practice. The sinking feeling of disappointing my nephew struck hard, even though he quickly forgave me.
As a life insurance guy, it wasn’t long before I connected my experience to reports showing that only 59% of Americans have life insurance, and about half of those people are underinsured.
I didn’t expect car problems. What were the chances since it had been running so well? Similarly, who knows for sure when their time is up? Nobody.
That is why life insurance is so important. When you’re not adequately insured and loved ones rely on you for income, you are putting them at risk. The consequences of failing to do the right thing are serious. Your family may not be able to stay in the same home if you die too soon. College plans for the kids may have to be scuttled. Everyday activities might have to be scaled back due to insufficient funds.
You don’t want to be the cause of loved ones’ disappointments because you failed to secure the necessary life insurance protection.
That’s why I strongly support the Life Insurance Awareness Month campaign this month by my friends at Life Happens. It reminds everyone to “do the right thing” for those most dependent on you. It’s a good message, though my nephew would say playing hockey is doing the right thing too.
I wouldn’t argue with him. The point is, owning life insurance will help ensure your loved ones will be able to live the life they want to live, that they can count on you.
Jack Dolan is Vice President, Public Affairs at the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI). A former journalist and Capitol Hill aide, he joined ACLI in 1991. He has represented ACLI in print, broadcast and online news outlets on a wide range of financial and retirement security issues facing American families.
