Separate obligations by timing
Distinguish immediate debts and final expenses from multi-year income replacement and future goals. Each amount may need a different time horizon.
Plan an Insurance Coverage Review
Start an insurance coverage review by listing what the household would need and what it could use. The difference is a discussion gap, not a policy recommendation. This worksheet cannot choose a policy or decide eligibility.
Every household is different. List debts, income needs, current coverage and available assets. Then ask an agent to explain the gap, the assumptions and the policy terms in writing.
Do not stop at the gap
The planner uses a transparent needs-minus-resources worksheet. It does not select a product, price risk, estimate eligibility or replace a licensed insurance analysis.
Before reviewing a proposal, verify the agent's licence and line of authority in the official state record. Keep that evidence with the quote and policy documents.
Use the financial decision tools index when the next task is a fee, mortgage or candidate comparison.
Count resources conservatively
List existing cover and liquid assets that survivors could realistically use. Avoid counting the same asset toward several goals without discussing the tradeoff.
Test the policy, not only the benefit
Ask which values are guaranteed, what can change, which exclusions apply, how premiums may develop and who services the policy after purchase.
Insurance coverage worksheet questions
Does the result recommend term or permanent insurance?
No. The tool estimates an input gap only. Product selection requires goals, time horizon, guarantees, affordability, underwriting and policy-specific analysis.
Should employer-provided life insurance be included?
Include it as an existing resource only after checking whether it is portable, how long it remains in force and whether the benefit can change with employment.