How do I decide between whole life and term insurance today?

[Avery GK]

With a family of six, I’m trying to determine if whole life is actually worth the cost. Is the cash value benefit worth the high premiums, or should I choose a large term plan for more flexibility?

[Kaile]

So, for a $500k policy, a healthy 30-year-old is typically looking at around $30 to $40 a month for term insurance. However, if you consider whole life, the increase is substantial; you’re looking at approximately $400 a month. It’s essentially 10 to 14 times the cost because it lasts forever and includes a cash-value component.

For most people, especially those with a mortgage or children, term life is usually the better option. It's much cheaper, and you can invest the savings in an index fund or retirement account.

If you've explored all options and want a long-term safety net, whole life insurance could be a suitable choice. Many individuals prefer a long-term policy, investing their savings for greater value while building their futures.