Guide
How much life insurance do you need?
Interactive tool plus explanation: what to count under income years, debts, schooling, and current assets.
Start by totaling what your paycheck supports and remove existing protections. The math needn't be exact; term policies come in standard amounts anyway. The true goal is stability for your household through the critical years.
Coverage estimate
Estimate = annual earnings × years of coverage + outstanding balances + education costs − existing resources, then round to $5,000 increments. This is exploratory math, not a recommendation.
Why those inputs
Income years. Most advisors recommend ten to twenty years of replaceable income; your situation determines where in that range fits best. In Covina, families with younger children typically extend toward thirty because costs for childcare, housing, and tuition overlap.
Debts. Home loans typically represent the largest obligation. Insurance proceeds sufficient to settle them allow heirs to remain in the home without financial pressure.
Education. Budget an approximate sum per child in current dollars. Adding it now beats buying extra coverage later.
What you have. Liquid savings plus employer-provided death benefits. Keep in mind that work-provided coverage normally ends if you leave the job, so base your plan on only the portion you'll retain.
With an estimate in hand, the quote tool breaks down costs across 10 to 30-year periods from different carriers. Most people find paying slightly more upfront for extra coverage makes sense due to minimal monthly increases when you're younger.