Dependents
During retirement, you're living a lifestyle that's supported by what you've managed to save over the years, as well as other benefits. But even though the kids have left the nest and are now leading independent lives, you may have a partner or spouse who depends on you for financial support. For example, do you plan on working part-time in retirement to help supplement your income? If you were gone, would your surviving partner or spouse have enough income to meet daily expenses?
If you don't think you have enough retirement savings, you may not want to cancel your life insurance policy. Now's the time to review all of your retirement accounts to determine if your partner or spouse would have enough in retirement assets to meet the cost of living expenses should you die unexpectedly. If you find there would be a significant income gap upon your death, then life insurance can help fill the void.
Other considerations would be a special needs dependent. If you have a child or other family member who requires special care, continuing your life insurance policy can ensure that their ongoing needs will be met long after you're gone.
Final expenses
Another way to preserve your retirement funds for a partner or spouse, is by having enough life insurance to cover funeral and burial costs, as well as outstanding medical bills. Leaving your significant other with enough readily available cash to cover your final expenses allows them to better preserve their retirement savings by not having to liquidate assets. If cost is a factor, consider a smaller policy or joint life insurance. A smaller term policy will cost less, and joint life insurance (also known as first-to-die insurance) will benefit the surviving spouse.Estate taxes
If you have a high net worth, a large estate, or own a flourishing business, your estate may be subject to estate taxes. The fact is, as the value of your estate increases, so does your potential for an increased tax liability. Keeping your life insurance policy in retirement can provide your family with the immediate cash to cover estate taxes so they won't be forced to liquidate assets in order to cover a potentially large tax bill.
There are many ways that life insurance can help you in retirement. As part of a solid financial plan it's always a good idea to talk to a qualified financial advisor or life insurance professional who can help you determine the best life insurance plan to meet your retirement and estate planning needs.
