Article

Inflation Impacts Your Insurance Coverage Too

Inflation Impacts Your Insurance Coverage Too

Inflation is making the news with soaring rates that haven’t been seen in 40 years. Because inflation affects future purchasing power, it also affects future life insurance needs and your family’s financial security. Make the necessary updates before you need them, when it’s too late. Read here about coverages you should consider.

April 25, 2022
Inflation Impacts Your Insurance Coverage Too
Important Disclosure: Content on our website and in our newsletters is for informational purposes only. The information provided may (or may not) directly apply to your situation. We recommend that readers work directly with a professional advisor when making decisions in the context of their specific situation.

When Jill and John Smith purchased their life insurance policies ten years ago, they based their coverage on their anticipated obligations and needs. They made policy decisions, taking into account the mortgage on their home, projected college education costs, and living expenses. Well, that was then – and this is now.

Recently, the Smiths reevaluated their insurance needs and were surprised to discover their insurance coverage was inadequate. How could this be? The answer is really quite simple – inflation.

Because inflation affects future purchasing power, it also affects future life insurance needs. For couples like the Smiths, inflation means that life insurance coverage, which may have been adequate several years ago, may no longer be sufficient. With this in mind, consider three of the more common life insurance needs that may be affected by inflation.

Mortgage Obligations

Until recently, it seemed that many people who bought their homes lived in them for most of their lives. Today, Americans are increasingly mobile. Changing employment opportunities, the work-from-home movement, along with dual incomes, have altered the dynamics of family finances.

In many cases, a growing family may now be able to afford to pay a mortgage on a lot more “house” than at any time in the past. Does this trend minimize the reality of inflation and the rising costs of homeownership? Not at all.

The fact is, escalating real estate prices have translated into larger mortgage loans. Therefore, if you have recently purchased a home, you may need to consider increasing your life insurance to help cover your new mortgage.

College Education Costs

If you are planning on sending your children to college, you are probably concerned about the escalating costs of higher education. And, rightfully so.

The average cost of college in the United States is $35,720 per student per year. The cost has tripled in 20 years, with an annual growth rate of 6.8%. The average in-state student attending a public 4-year institution spends $25,615 for one academic year.

To be prepared, factor inflation into your college savings strategies. Make sure you have adequate life insurance to help provide financial protection in the event of an untimely death, and consider increasing your coverage so that it best reflects the future cost of education.

Daily Expenses

Shopping at the grocery store. . .pizza on Friday nights. . .taking your children to the movies. . .filling up your gas tank. . .purchasing a new car. Over the course of time, the costs associated with these necessities and “treats” of everyday life are affected by inflation.

As a result, your family’s future lifestyle could be affected too. By basing your life insurance needs on your current income and today’s cost of goods and services, you are potentially shortchanging your family’s future. Be sure to account for increases in the cost of living as you insure your family’s current and future financial security.

Future Projections

Determining your current life insurance needs is one thing. But, figuring out how much coverage you’ll need in the future requires you to pay careful attention to inflation and how it can affect your lifestyle.

Regular reviews of your insurance coverage can help you keep pace with inflation and your changing needs. Make the necessary updates before you need them.

Other content you may like

  • Mid-Quarter Roundtable Highlights

    Podcast Highlight - Predictions for Inflation: Potential Pains and Gains

    November 30, 2022
    Inflation hasn’t gone away. An examination of true inflation helps the team explain why rising costs were a factor in the exit polls and how some costs are hitting harder than others. There may be relief on the horizon as they look at historical inflation and how it peaks.
    Read this Article
  • Reacting to Geopolitical Volatility

    November 7, 2024
    In this market overview, we look at some of the great volatile geopolitical events of our nation and how the market responded historically. The overview includes a review of the stock market volatility during elections, how high stock valuations have not been a great predictor of performance, money market fund yields, and more.
    Read this Article
  • a Stronger Dollar Has Investing Implications

    A Stronger Dollar Has Investing Implications

    October 10, 2022
    World currency fluctuations mean more than calculating your travel costs. Exporters win or lose every time currency rates fluctuate, affecting corporations and your portfolio. Here’s a brief overview of how that may look in global markets, how a strong dollar may affect U.S. exports, and the pros and cons of international investing.
    Read this Article
  • Market Volatility Can Trigger Your Loss Aversion

    Market Volatility Can Trigger Your Loss Aversion

    March 2, 2022
    At the foundation of your financial well-being lies your behavior. There is an entire field dedicated to study it – behavioral finance. Did the what-ifs of January’s volatility leave you feeling panicked? Your financial advisor is there to support your financial and emotional well-being, while keeping an eye on your long term investment strategy. Here are some ideas to help cure irrational investing behavior.
    Read this Article
  • The link you have selected is located on another server. The linked site contains information that has been created, published, maintained, or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of this organization. We do not endorse, approve, certify, or control any linked websites, their sponsors, or any of their policies, activities, products, or services. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information contained therein. Visitors to any linked websites should not use or rely on the information contained therein until they have consulted with an independent financial professional. Please click “Continue to Link” to leave this website and proceed to the selected site.
    phone-handset