Guide
How much life insurance do you need?
A tool and the logic behind it: the income years your family needs, debts, education costs, and existing coverage.
The standard way is to add up the years you want to protect times your annual income, then add extra for debts and education, then subtract savings and any existing coverage. It's approximate, but term insurance comes in round numbers anyway, and the goal is a figure that keeps your household steady through the years that matter most.
Coverage estimate
Estimate = (annual income × years of support needed) + debts + education − existing savings and coverage, rounded to $5,000. It's a starting point, not professional advice.
Why those inputs
Income years. Most planners suggest ten to twenty years, depending on how long your family would need support. Citrus Heights families often choose longer terms when young children are home because schools, childcare, and housing costs are all high at the same time.
Debts. A home loan is usually the biggest debt. Insurance that would pay it off lets your family choose whether to keep the house based on what they want, not just what money allows.
Education. Set aside a rough estimate per child in today's dollars. Including it now avoids the need to apply for another policy later.
What you have. Emergency savings you could use, and any group life insurance through your job. Group policies usually end when employment does, so many people count only part of it.
Once you've settled on a number, the quote tool shows you what each carrier charges for 10- to 30-year terms. Going a bit higher than your estimate is often smart because the monthly cost difference is usually small at younger ages.