Life Insurance Houston, Texas

There are many types of life insurance, but they generally fall into two categories: term insurance and permanent insurance.

Term insurance is designed to meet temporary needs. It provides protection for a specific period of time (the "term") and generally pays a benefit only if you die during the term. This type of insurance often makes sense when you have a need for coverage that will disappear at a specific point in time. For instance, you may decide that you only need coverage until your children graduate from college or a particular debt is paid off, such as your mortgage.

Permanent insurance provides lifelong protection. As long as you pay the premiums, and no loans, withdrawals or surrenders are taken, the full face amount will be paid. Because it is designed to last a lifetime, permanent life insurance accumulates cash value and is priced for you to keep over a long period of time.

It's impossible to say which type of life insurance is better because the kind of coverage that's right for you depends on your unique circumstances and financial goals.

But remember, the best way to figure out the amount and type of life insurance that makes sense for your particular situation is to meet with a qualified life insurance professional.

The Value of Life Insurance

Obtaining or buying life insurance is a crucial step in planning for your future and the future of your loved ones. It can fulfill promises made to your family if you are no longer around by providing a death benefit to your beneficiaries in return for premiums paid to the insurance company. Life insurance can also provide benefits while you are living.

Advantages of the Death Benefit

• Provides income tax-free money to your named beneficiary(s) that can be used to pay funeral expenses, debt, tuition, estate taxes or virtually any financial obligation you leave behind.
• Can provide business security by enabling partners to buy out the interests of a deceased partner and prevent a forced liquidation.

Advantages of Living Benefits

• The cash value growth of a permanent life insurance policy is tax-deffered, which means you do not pay taxes on the growth of the cash value unless the money is withdrawn.
• Loans or withdrawals can be taken against the cash value of a permanent life insurance policy to help with expenses, such as college tuition or the down payment on a home.

Assessing Your Need

The amount of life insurance you select should be based on your personal and financial needs. We can assist you in determining an appropriate coverage amount and help you decide on which type of life insurance is right for you.

Generally, you should consider life insurance if you have:

• A spouse
• Dependent children
• Aging parents or a physically-challenged relative who depends on you for support
• Retirement savings that is not sufficient to ensure your spouse's future financial well-being
• A sizable estate
• A business

Life Changes - So Should Your Policy

As events happen in your life, your life insurance coverage may need to change to adapt to your current needs. Some life changes that may require you to reevaluate your coverage include: marriage, divorce, a new baby, purchase of a new home and retirement.

Types of Life Insurance

There are several different types of life insurance products available. The most common include:

Term Life Insurance

Term provides life insurance protection for a specified period of time. If you do not currently have life insurance, term can be a good place to start. It's generally less expensive than permanent life insurance, and is available in varying term periods with fixed premiums from a 5-year, 10-year, 20-year or 30-year period (level term). Furthermore, term insurance is sometimes convertible to permanent coverage, providing you with flexibility as your needs change.

Whole Life Insurance

Whole life is a form of permanent life insurance that remains in force during the insured person's lifetime, provided premiums are paid as specified in the policy. Whole life insurance can build cash value.

Universal Life Insurance

Universal life is a form of permanent life insurance characterized by its flexible premiums, flexible face amounts and unbundled pricing structure. Universal life can build cash value, which earns an interest rate that may adjust periodically, but is usually guaranteed not to fall below a certain percentage.

Mortgage Protection Insurance

Life policy to cover your home mortgage; It will pay your mortgage off in event of unexpected death.