How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?
A useful estimate adds the obligations survivors may need funded and subtracts reliable resources already available. The result is a planning range—not an automatic policy recommendation.
Build the estimate
| Add | Question |
|---|---|
| Income replacement | How much annual support, for how many years, and should inflation be considered? |
| Debts | Which mortgage, loans, or obligations should be paid or reduced? |
| Education and care | What future education, childcare, or dependent-care costs matter? |
| Final and transition expenses | What immediate cash may survivors need? |
| Business or estate liquidity | Is there a separately documented business or estate need? |
Subtract resources
Existing personal coverage
Count only coverage expected to remain in force.
Employer coverage
Check portability and what happens after a job change.
Liquid assets
Use amounts truly available to survivors without creating another shortfall.
Avoid double counting
Do not add the full mortgage and also include mortgage payments inside the same income-replacement total unless that duplication is intentional. Keep each assumption visible.
Calculate a working range
The interactive worksheet totals needs, subtracts resources, and lets you print the assumptions.