5 Reasons Why Women Architects Buy Life Insurance‑or More of It

One of the most harrowing experiences I’ve ever had was during the sixth month of my pregnancy. My husband was out late, hadn’t called, and I was, of course, angry at his thoughtlessness. But this very evening, he had misjudged a bend in a rural, mountain road—and plummeted off the side of it into a ravine, totaling his car.

It was some time before campers found him, unconscious and with a dislocated shoulder, but otherwise uninjured. I was overwhelmed suddenly—even though my husband was going to be fine—with the prospect of managing the future costs of raising a child without him. But there was a catch to this epiphany: I was the breadwinner of the family. If I was worried about losing him, what if he lost me? I investigated our options and secured life insurance for both of us.

My story could be anyone’s story. Women tend to have less life insurance coverage than men – and here’s why it’s a good idea to take stock:

1. Women increasingly are the primary breadwinners, even sole providers for families. Whether you’re earning close to, as much as, or more than your spouse – or you don’t have a spouse, your income is critical to providing basic of needs to your family, whether that family involves kids you’re raising, aging parents, a special-needs sibling you’re caring for, or simply helping to support yourselves. Life insurance ensures that whoever depends on your livelihood can continue to do so even after something happens to you.
2. Stay-at-home moms need protection, too. Don’t discount the value you provide as the manager of the household. Life insurance provides much needed funds when an overwhelmed spouse or other caregiver suddenly has to find help to care for the kids, create meals, manage a household or needs to take a significant amount of time off to stay with them.
3. Women often pay less for insurance—or get more coverage for the same amount. Because women have a longer average life expectancy than men, that in turn decreases the cost of life insurance for women. Keep in mind that the younger and healthier you are, the less it will cost you. You can see for yourself by checking out the rates offered by your group.
4. Mompreneurs and those who work part-time need coverage too. Women often run home-based businesses or work part-time while also raising children. They should also consider their need life insurance because, while they may not be the main breadwinner, their income supports the family and will be sorely missed if something were to happen.
5. Women’s situations can change. Just when you think you’ve gotten your life insurance needs all taken care of, you might experience more additions to your family, or close down a business, or go through a divorce, or a family member might need your active support in the future. Is your insurance up to date with your changing needs? Remember, the AIA Trust can help you as an AIA member to find coverage that fits your budget and lifestyle, which is key. Don’t wait for that crisis moment but plan ahead.

For more information, visit our term life insurance page.

This information is courtesy of Life Happens, used with permission. It is intended exclusively for general information only. View original version.