Throughout my decades in the insurance business, I’ve helped countless people, educating and providing insurance through various life stages. Among the many memorable experiences we’ve shared — exciting new chapters and life-changing transitions — one story has stuck with me. 

In 1994, I met with a woman to discuss life insurance policies for her five grandchildren. She wanted to make a small but meaningful contribution to help financially protect the children and their families. We discussed the value of starting early, when they were still young, and setting up her loved ones for a more secure future.  

One of her granddaughters was 4 years old at the time. Three decades later, that granddaughter was involved in a car accident and did not survive. She was just 34 when she passed away.  

The entire family was overcome with grief, shattered by the sudden loss of their beloved daughter, granddaughter and sister. Amid the shock and sorrow, they also had to face the financial and logistical realities of the situation. The cost of a funeral — particularly an unexpected one that no one had planned for — was significant. As an agency, we stepped in and did what we could to help get the life insurance benefit issued as soon as possible, which allowed the family to cover the cost of giving their loved one a beautiful memorial, headstone and casket.  

This would not have been possible without the grandmother’s foresight and thoughtfulness. Without the life insurance policy she bought for her young granddaughter and maintained over the years, the woman’s family would have had to bear the financial stress all on their own.  

I think back to my original conversation with the grandmother often, because the lesson couldn’t be any clearer: starting early can change everything. When the topic of life insurance comes up with customers, I always share this insight with them. 

Many people think of life insurance as something they might need eventually but can’t afford now. I let them know that starting a policy as a young person has several critical benefits. It can be more affordable than policies started later in life, with some products costing as little as $1 per day. Also, it can be easier for a young person to qualify for a policy. Most young people are healthy and aren’t taking many medications, so their policies typically don’t require a medical screening. This can make the decision to get a head start with life insurance an easier one.

Whether we’re starting with an affordable term life policy or going with a flexible indexed universal life policy, I walk customers through their options so they can determine which is the right fit. I tell them, “It’s important to choose a policy that works with your budget, lifestyle and goals.” And I help them every step of the way.