Dear Carrie: I am a single, 43-year-old female and, at the advice of my insurance agent, I've been carrying a term life insurance policy since age 22. I also participate in my company's life insurance plan, which is just a few dollars per month. Does it really make sense for me to continue paying for these policies, especially since I don't have any children? -- A Reader
Dear Reader: Most people recognize the importance of insurance, particularly when it comes to protecting their property and their health. When we buy insurance, we're willing to pay a (relatively) small amount now to insure against a substantial loss in the future. If the premium is fairly priced, and the terms of the policy are reasonable, it's a smart trade-off, providing us with protection against losses that are typically too big to bear.
Everyone needs health insurance. Everyone with a home needs homeowner's insurance. And everyone with a car needs automobile insurance. But not everyone needs life insurance, and while I don't know all the details of your situation, of course, if you're single and childless, you may be one of those who don't. (And a good insurance agent should have pointed this out.)
After all, when you insure your life, you're really insuring on behalf of other people -- your beneficiaries -- spouses, children and other relatives who may rely on your income. Life insurance at its purest -- I'm thinking of straightforward term life insurance policies here, which are simple, relatively inexpensive and quite effective -- is a way to make sure that if you die, the benefit will help support your family.
But if you're single and childless, unless you have other family members you support, there's little reason for you to have life insurance, regardless of how inexpensive it might be. I would instead think about saving those premium dollars and investing in your future. Increase your 401(k) contribution or start investing in a taxable account. Consider buying insurance that might have more value for you, such as a disability or possibly a long-term care policy.
I'll add just a word about what are called "whole-life policies," which combine a life insurance benefit with an investment component in order to potentially build some wealth over the years in which you pay for insurance. But these policies tend to be expensive and, if you really don't need the life insurance benefit, are probably not appropriate for you. You could simply invest for yourself to build wealth.