Life Insurance
Guides & explainers
Coverage explainers, buying decisions, and how-tos for life insurance — written by editors who actually read the policies.
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How life insurance underwriting actually works
The medical exam, MIB report, prescription history, MVR, and how carriers assess your application. Understanding the process helps you optimize your application.
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Convertible term life insurance: the option most people don't use
Most term policies allow conversion to permanent coverage without new underwriting. This is the most valuable feature in life insurance that no one talks about.
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Indexed Universal Life (IUL): what the agents don't tell you
IUL is heavily marketed as 'tax-free retirement' and 'be your own bank.' Here's how the product actually works — and the cases where it makes sense vs. doesn't.
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When to buy life insurance: timing is the largest discount
Premium is locked at the rate you qualify for at application. Here's how to think about timing to lock in the cheapest possible rate for life.
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How much life insurance do I need?
Sizing life insurance to your actual obligations.
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Life insurance beneficiaries — primary, contingent, and revocable
How to designate beneficiaries correctly and avoid the most common mistakes.
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Medical exam vs. no-exam life insurance
When no-exam policies make sense and what you give up for the convenience.
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Term life vs. whole life insurance
How to choose between term and whole life — and why most people should choose term.
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