Guide
How much life insurance do you need?
Tool with a calculator plus the thinking: income replacement years, obligations, school costs, and current insurance or savings.
Sum up what your paycheck would pay for during your earning years and subtract assets already committed. It's not a mathematical proof, and it doesn't have to be: insureds pick round amounts, and accuracy matters less than confidence.
Coverage estimate
Math = (monthly income × desired years of coverage) + total liabilities + college estimates − existing assets, then round up to $5k. Use this as a beginning, never as professional guidance.
Why those inputs
Income years. Most planners recommend ten to twenty years of income replacement, depending on how long your dependents need support. A household with young children in Lawndale might prefer the longer end since childcare, housing, and schooling costs cluster in the same years.
Loans outstanding. Your home loan is typically the biggest one. Proceeds sufficient to pay it off give heirs flexibility in their housing decision.
College and training. Set aside per-child estimates using today's prices. It's simpler to buy enough now than add coverage later.
Existing assets. Bank accounts you could tap and company-provided death benefits. Often these end when employment ends, so partial credit is reasonable.
With your target amount in hand, go to the quote comparison tool to see monthly costs across 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30-year options from every participating carrier. Opting for slightly higher coverage is typical when price jumps are minimal early on.