The Hidden Risk in Your Employee Benefits ??

You check the box for life insurance during your open enrollment and never think about it again. It was simple, it wasn't costly, convenient, easy peasy, we're good. But what happens if you switch jobs—or worse—lose your job? Most people never consider this until it’s too late.

Most people assume that if their job offers life insurance, they’re covered. No need to think twice, right? But what if I told you that relying solely on your employer’s life insurance might be one of the biggest financial risks you’re taking—without even realizing it?

Let’s break this down in a way that actually makes sense (and hopefully won’t put you to sleep).

Let's Start Here:

Most companies offer group life insurance, which is usually a term policy that covers you while you’re employed. The coverage amount? Typically 1-2 times your salary. Sounds decent at first glance, but let’s play this out:

• If you make $60,000 a year, your employer might provide a $60,000 to $120,000 life insurance policy.
• That may seem like a lot, but if something happened to you, how long would that actually last your family?

Would it cover: ? The mortgage or rent? ? Day-to-day bills? ? Funeral expenses (which can cost $10K+ alone)? ? Debts like student loans or credit cards? ? Future needs like your kids’ education or your spouse’s retirement?

For most people, that coverage disappears fast. And here’s where things get tricky.

--> Let's take it a step further, because I think this is an area where convenience can become a blind spot.

A lot of people also think, “?? Well, since my job offers life insurance for my spouse and kids too, we’re good.”

THIS WAS ME! I had an incredible job, great benefits, I've got life insurance now for myself, my husband and our son but after surviving 4 rounds of layoffs, I was laid off unexpectedly while 5 months pregnant. It was at this moment I realized, oh snap... they don't have any more coverage either and all we have now is my husbands policy he had prior to me landing that job.

I say this to say, well, THIS... here’s what most people don’t realize:

? The coverage amount for your spouse is usually far lower than what they actually need—sometimes just $10,000-$50,000. ? The coverage for kids is even smaller—often just $5,000 or $10,000.

? Just like your own policy, this coverage vanishes if YOU leave your job OR the job leaves YOU.

And here’s the kicker: Most of the time, the cost of adding your spouse to your work policy is way more expensive than just getting them their own private policy!

Think about it—if something happened to your spouse, would a $25,000 payout be enough to cover their lost income, childcare, or daily living expenses? Probably not.

And if you have kids, life insurance isn’t just about covering burial costs. It’s about making sure you can take the time off work to grieve without worrying about money.

The smarter move? Getting an individual policy that covers your family properly—at a price that doesn’t disappear when you change jobs.

Now, let's talk about something that no one likes to think about: job changes.

In today’s world, people change jobs an average of 12 times during their career. And guess what happens to that employer-provided life insurance when you switch jobs?

?? It disappears.

If you leave, get laid off, or retire, that “free” life insurance doesn’t go with you. And if you wait too long to get a private policy, you could face higher premiums or even be denied coverage later due to age or health changes.

Imagine being in your 50s, finally realizing you need life insurance, and discovering it’s way more expensive than when you were younger. Or worse—being told you no longer qualify. And because these policies don't have any health requirements and you don't have to report anything in regards to your health, you may even have a false reality of what you truly qualify for.

That’s why locking in a personal policy while you’re younger and healthier is one of the smartest financial moves you can make.

Now, I want to add (because someone always says this in the comments) SOME jobs allow you to take your policies with you. I've worked with a few nurses that have been able to keep their policies at cost. Certain group life insurance plans allow conversion to an individual policy, but the cost skyrockets since it typically switches to a permanent (whole life) policy.

So, What’s Your Next Move?

I get it—life insurance isn’t exactly the most exciting topic. But what’s more important than making sure your family is financially protected if the unexpected happens?

Here’s the real question:

?? If you couldn’t use your job’s life insurance tomorrow, would your family be okay?

If the answer makes you pause for even a second, let’s talk. I can help you figure out exactly how much coverage you need and find a policy that fits your budget. No pressure—just real talk and a plan that actually makes sense for you.

Let’s make sure you’re covered beyond just your 9-to-5. Shoot me a message, and let’s chat.

#LifeInsurance #FinancialSecurity #ProtectWhatMatters #WorkBenefits #EmployerCoverage