Guide
How much life insurance do you need?
A tool with the numbers behind it: income years, debts, school, and what you already have.
Add up future income obligations, then subtract existing assets. It won't be perfect, and it doesn't have to be: policies come in round amounts, and the aim is keeping the household going for the years that count.
Coverage estimate
Start: income × years + debts + school − existing coverage, round to $5,000. It's a place to start, not guidance.
Why those inputs
Years of income. Most advisors suggest ten to twenty; what fits you depends on how long dependents need help. Families in Santa Cruz with young kids often pick longer terms since childcare, homes, and schools all cost at the same time.
Debts. A mortgage tops the list for most people. Enough coverage to eliminate it allows survivors to stay put without financial pressure.
School. Save a rough amount per child in today's money. It's quicker to include now than apply for a second policy later.
What you already have. Cash set aside and employer-provided coverage count. Employer plans usually disappear when you leave, so many people include just part of the total.
Once you have a number in mind, the quote tool demonstrates pricing across a 10- to 30-year timeframe from every carrier. Getting slightly more coverage than your estimate is typical since monthly premiums are low when you're young.