Term life vs permanent life (briefly)
You’ll hear about “whole life” or “permanent life” insurance too.
Here’s the simple distinction:
- Term life = temporary protection, low cost
- Permanent life = lifelong coverage, much higher cost
Many people start with term life and only explore permanent insurance later if their needs change.
Common first-time mistakes
- Buying too little coverage just to save money
- Choosing a term that ends too early
- Waiting too long and paying higher rates later
- Assuming work insurance is enough (it rarely is)
- Avoiding the topic altogether because it feels uncomfortable
The takeaway
Term life insurance isn’t about predicting the future.
It’s about making sure that if the unexpected happens, your family has options, time, and stability — instead of financial stress.
