As someone who’s spent a lifetime in leadership—first in the U.S. Army, now as founder of The Elite 15 Financial—I know firsthand how crucial clear communication is, especially when it comes to protecting our loved ones. Yet, a recent finding caught my attention: 78% of global families haven’t had a real conversation about life insurance. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a reminder of how easily we put off essential planning. Even more telling, 60% of adult children think their parents have life insurance, but only 44% of those parents actually do. This disconnect doesn’t stop at insurance; it extends to retirement, healthcare costs, and legacy planning, leaving families exposed when it matters most.

From my experience, one of the most practical steps is to hold a family meeting every year, or after big life changes, to discuss protection needs and document decisions together. Involving a financial professional early—someone who values integrity and education—can help ensure that life insurance becomes a meaningful part of your overall financial strategy, alongside saving, investing, and retirement planning. Protecting families and building legacies isn’t just my mission—it’s a responsibility we all share.

In my years guiding families and business owners through their financial journeys, one truth stands out: understanding your protection needs is the foundation of any sound insurance plan. When younger clients in our Global community start their planning, life insurance plays a vital role—but the conversation should always begin with what you and your loved ones truly need, not with a policy pitch. Far too often, I’ve seen commission-driven advice lead to expensive, complicated coverage that’s not always in your best interest. For most healthy clients under 50, simple and affordable term life policies provide the right level of security. Skipping these important discussions can leave families exposed, which is why I emphasize thoughtful planning and working with independent brokers who put your needs first.

For younger professionals, disability insurance is just as critical. The reality is, during your working years, the odds of facing a disability are higher than those of a premature passing. Every household is unique—dual-income families may need less coverage, but if you rely on a single income, consider how much would be needed for mortgage payments and childcare. My approach, shaped by a lifetime of leadership and service, is to guide you toward personalized, informed choices that protect your legacy and give your family peace of mind.

In my years both as an Army Aviator and now as a financial professional, I’ve seen how the lack of open conversations about life insurance can leave families unprepared. Recent surveys show that nearly 80% of families haven’t had a real, in-depth discussion about life insurance. This disconnect is especially clear between generations: about 60% of adult children believe their parents have coverage, while only 45% of parents confirm they actually do.

This gap in communication isn’t just about insurance. It stretches into retirement planning, healthcare costs, and legacy wishes—areas that are vital to family stability and future planning. That’s why I encourage families to sit down together at least once a year, or after major life events, to talk honestly about protection needs and long-term goals. Bring everyone to the table, clarify expectations, and document your decisions so nothing gets lost in translation.

As someone committed to protecting families and building legacies, I know these conversations aren’t always easy, but they are essential. Involving a trusted financial professional early on can help ensure everyone’s interests are protected and your family’s legacy is secure.

As someone devoted to protecting families and building legacies, I make it my priority to understand how different life insurance options truly serve your needs. One major U.S. insurer offers both term and indexed universal life policies. While their term coverage is typically priced above average for most, it becomes more competitive for those in their 60s and 70s. Their U.S. term policies range from 10 to 30 years, are renewable up to age 95, and start at $100,000 in coverage. Quotes are easy to access online, though purchasing is done through licensed agents.

What stands out to me are the living benefits: policyholders can access a portion of the death benefit if they’re diagnosed with a qualifying critical, chronic, or terminal illness. Additional riders—like those for children, disability waivers, guaranteed insurability, and accidents—allow for greater personalization, which is something I always encourage my clients to consider.

However, their permanent life options receive lower marks for cash value access, illustration reliability, and internal costs—important factors when evaluating long-term value. The indexed universal life policies link growth to market performance, which can be attractive but requires careful consideration.

Notably, this insurer’s complaint rate is less than half the industry average and they hold a strong A+ rating. That kind of stability resonates with my own commitment to integrity and service. If you’re weighing your life insurance choices, details like term conversion windows and living benefits can make a meaningful difference in protecting your loved ones and securing your legacy.

Life insurance helps reduce financial strain on loved ones after a policyholder’s death, and coverage usually costs less when buyers are younger and healthier.
Two main categories shape most choices: term coverage lasts for a set period, while permanent coverage lasts for life and builds cash value.
Term policies can run for 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 yr, often covering prime working yrs at lower cost.
Permanent choices differ: whole life offers steady premiums and guaranteed cash value, while universal versions trade certainty for more payment flexibility and market-linked growth potential.
Final expense coverage offers smaller guaranteed benefits and may suit seniors or people with preexisting conditions because it does not require a medical exam.