Term Life vs Whole Life Insurance: Which Should You Buy?

For most families, term life insurance is the better buy: it is affordable, simple, and covers you during the years your family depends on your income. Whole life makes sense for specific estate, tax, or lifelong-dependent needs. Here is how to decide.

Term Life: Best for Most People

Term life covers a set period (10-30 years) at low cost. It is ideal for income replacement while raising kids or paying a mortgage. To understand the basics, Life Insurance 101 ($10-$16) is a clear starting point.

• Pro: Low cost, simple, high coverage for the price
• Con: No cash value; coverage ends when the term does

Whole Life: Best for Specific Goals

Whole life is permanent and builds cash value. Money. Wealth. Life Insurance. ($12-$18) explains advanced uses.

• Pro: Lifelong coverage, cash value, estate planning uses
• Con: Much more expensive per dollar of coverage

How to Decide

Read a neutral primer like The Consumer's Guide to Life Insurance before committing.

FAQ

Which is cheaper? Term, by a wide margin for the same death benefit.

Is whole life ever worth it? Yes, for permanent needs or estate strategies.

Conclusion

Most families should buy term and invest the difference. Read Life Insurance 101 here.

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