September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time to pause and think about one of the most important ways we protect our families. As a financial advisor—and as a dad of three young girls—this topic hits close to home. Life insurance is more than a financial product; it’s about preparing for your family’s future, much like eating right, exercising, and taking care of your health.
When we think about staying healthy, we often focus on nutrition, workouts, and regular doctor visits.
We invest in these habits because we want to live longer, feel better, and be there for the people we love. Life insurance is similar—it’s a proactive step to make sure your family is financially cared for if something unexpected happens.
Both health and wealth require planning, consistency, and long-term vision. If you neglect your health, problems eventually catch up with you. If you neglect financial planning, the same is true. Life insurance is one of those foundational building blocks that strengthen the “wealth” side of the equation while protecting the “health” of your family’s future.
I often think about what would happen if I weren’t here tomorrow.
It’s not a fun thought, but as a parent, it’s a necessary one. How would Kristen handle the mortgage, everyday bills, and the cost of raising three little ones on her own?
That’s where life insurance comes in. It creates a financial safety net so your family doesn’t face added financial stress during what would already be a difficult time. The same way we buy health insurance to cover medical needs, life insurance helps cover the cost of living, future education, and even gives your family the ability to continue pursuing dreams without disruption.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; the right coverage depends on your family’s needs, stage of life, and financial goals.
- Term Life insurance: Affordable and straightforward, this covers you for a set number of years (10, 20, or 30). Great for young families who need protection during their children’s growing years. (most people fall into this category)
- Permanent Life Insurance: Offers lifetime coverage and builds cash value, which can serve as another financial tool. Think of it as both protection and a long-term emergency account.
- Employer coverage vs. personal policy: Many people rely on their employer’s life insurance, but those benefits often fall short. A personal policy ensures coverage stays with you no matter where you work.
Here’s something most people don’t realize: your health directly impacts your life insurance options.
The better you take care of yourself, the more affordable your premiums often are. Staying active, eating well, and managing stress not only improve your quality of life, but they also protect your wallet when it comes to securing coverage.
It’s another example of how health and wealth truly connect. Taking care of one almost always benefits the other.
At the end of the day, life insurance is about freedom.
It’s about knowing that your spouse and kids will be okay financially, no matter what happens. Pursuing that kind of goal allows you to live more fully, just like exercising and eating well give you the energy to enjoy your days.
As a dad, I want my girls to see that part of loving your family is preparing for the future—both in health and finances. Life insurance may not be the most exciting topic, but it’s one of the most powerful ways to show love, responsibility, and commitment.
So, this September, take a moment to review your coverage. If you don’t have life insurance, now’s the time to start the conversation, and if you do, make sure it still fits your family’s current needs. Just like going for that annual check-up, it’s a small step that makes a big difference.
September 2025