Beginner-friendly answers to the questions everyone asks.

If anyone depends on your income — a partner, kids, aging parents, or a business — life insurance is usually a foundational piece of your financial plan. If no one does, it's often less urgent, though small policies can still cover final expenses.

A common starting point is 10–15× your annual income, adjusted for debts, future goals (like college), and how long your family would need the support. We'll calculate something more precise on our call.

Term covers you for a set period (e.g., 20 years) at a lower cost. Whole life covers you for life and builds cash value, but costs more. Most families use term as their main protection, sometimes paired with a smaller permanent policy.

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Many carriers now offer no-exam policies that approve based on health questions and database checks. We'll choose the easiest path that still gets you a fair rate.

Many policies are issued within a week. Underwritten policies with exams may take 2–4 weeks. I'll set expectations clearly up front.

I'm compensated by the insurance carriers when a policy is issued — at no additional cost to you. Because I'm independent, I'm not incentivized to push any single company's products.

Most conditions are insurable. The key is matching you to the right carrier — some are more lenient about specific conditions than others. That's where an independent advisor really helps.

Yes. Term policies can often be converted to permanent coverage, and you can always add or adjust policies as your life changes. I do annual check-ins with clients to keep things current.