The Family Protection Checklist

Section 1: Coverage by Life Stage

Life Stage	Recommended Coverage	Notes
Under 30, Single	Term life if anyone depends on you. Otherwise consider locking in whole life now.	Rates are lowest when you are young and healthy. Starting a whole life policy early means locking in a low rate for life.
30s with Family	Term life at 10 to 12 times annual income	Lock in rates now that you have a family. Consider adding permanent coverage if legacy matters.
40s, Building	Review and increase coverage as income and assets grow	This is the decade where protection becomes as important as accumulation. Protect the assets you are building. Add permanent coverage if not already in place.
50s	Review all existing policies. Still a viable age for whole life or term depending on health and goals.	Adding a small permanent policy now locks in rates and guarantees end of life coverage before health becomes a factor.
60s and Beyond	Final expense coverage is the most practical and accessible option	Review existing policies. Update beneficiaries. Confirm coverage still matches your needs and your family's situation.

Section 2: How to Choose Your Beneficiary

• Name a primary beneficiary — the first person to receive the death benefit.
• Name a contingent (backup) beneficiary — receives the benefit if your primary beneficiary predeceases you.
• Update beneficiaries after every major life event: marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a beneficiary.
• Make sure your beneficiary knows the policy exists and where to find the documents.
• Avoid naming your estate as beneficiary — the benefit will go through probate, which is slower and may be reduced by creditors.
• If naming minor children, consider a trust or naming a custodian — insurers cannot pay directly to a minor.

Section 3: Documents to Keep Safe

Keep these in a secure, accessible location and make sure your family knows where to find them.

• Life insurance policy documents and policy numbers
• Contact information for your insurance agent
• Insurance company name and claims phone number
• Bank account numbers and institution names
• Investment and retirement account information
• Will or trust documents
• Property deeds and vehicle titles
• Social Security numbers for all family members
• Funeral preferences, if any

Section 4: Who to Call When Something Happens

Fill in your contacts below and keep this page with your policy documents.