Everyone would like to know that when they die their loved ones will be financially secure, yet many people find the subject of life insurance confusing or intimidating. This brochure offers straightforward information and practical advice about life insurance—how it can provide financial security for loved ones, as well as sensible investment options.

Life insurance is a financial resource for your loved ones in the event of your death. When you buy life insurance, you enter into a contract with an insurance company that promises to provide your beneficiaries with a certain amount of money upon your death. In return, you make periodic payments, called premiums. The premium amount is based on factors such as your age, gender, medical history, and the dollar amount of life insurance you purchase.

Certain types of life insurance may provide benefits for you and your family while you’re still living. Whole life and universal life insurance policies accumulate cash value on a tax-deferred basis. The accumulated cash value can be used to supplement your retirement income or help pay for a child’s education.

Life insurance is an important part of a complete financial portfolio. Learning basic life insurance facts will help you make an informed decision about the type and the amount of life insurance that you need.