Buying life insurance for over 50 is a different undertaking than for
someone in their 20s. Here are 3 of the top mistakes people make when
buying life insurance for over 50.
Mistake #1: Assume you’ll have to Pay Outrageous Rates
Many people looking into life insurance for over 50 just assume that
their rates will be a lot higher. While you will pay more than when you
were in your 20s or 30s, not every company will charge the same rates.
Some specialize in life insurance for older people. Some even
specialize in people with health conditions. While you may have been
dealing with the same agent for years, it may be time for a switch. The
fact is some agents can only sell for certain companies. So get some
online quotes, research a few other companies. If your agent can’t help
you buy from a reputable company that offers you a lower premium, then
you may need to make an economic decision and find someone who can help
get a better deal.
Mistake #2: Don’t Bother Thinking Through your Goals
Confused by all the different life insurance plans there are out there?
Bewildered by all the insurance terms? Don’t be too hard on yourself:
you aren’t alone. But you don’t need to invest a ton of time in
learning about every plan or programs and understand every term.
Instead, put your energy into figuring out what your goals are. In
other words, what do you want the life insurance to do for you? Do you
just want a death benefit to pay for your funeral? Or do you want to use
the life insurance as a financial investment? If you don’t know what
you want to accomplish, then you’re just making the whole process of
buying life insurance for over 50 more complicated.
Once you know your goals, then you will be able to find life insurance
products that meet those goals. You don’t need to look at any others.
Are you uncertain whether you want the life insurance to work as an
investment for you? Then get advice from an estate planner or financial
advisor, people who have no financial stake you in buying the life
insurance.
Mistake #3: Fall for Promises of Big Payouts
This mistake often follows making mistake #2. If you don’t know what
your goals are, then you’ll be prone to listen to any offer that comes
along. Don’t let visions of a big payout keep you from seeing just how
big your premiums will be. The last thing you want to do is buy a
policy you can’t afford.
And remember the old adage, there’s no free lunch. When someone
promises big payouts, ask yourself how they are making money out of the
deal. Are there any hidden fees? What are the risks to you? The
reality is that a deal that might make sense for someone in their 20s,
who has 40 or more years to allow an investment to grow may be
completely wrong for someone much older. Be especially wary of offers
that name the person selling the insurance as the person who receives
the death benefit.
Avoid these mistakes when buying life insurance for over 50, and you’ll be much more likely to get an affordable policy that meets your needs.
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