Laddering Life Insurance Policies: Ways To Save
Quick Facts
The laddering life insurance strategy can help you save money on your monthly life insurance rates
Before implementing the laddering strategy, consider how much life insurance coverage you need
The laddering life insurance strategy is a good option for people who want to save money on their life insurance rates
Like most people, you probably think of life insurance as a one-time purchase: You buy a policy, and that’s it. But what if there was a way to save money on life insurance? That’s where the ladder life insurance strategy comes in.
The ladder strategy is a way to save money on your life insurance rates by dividing your coverage into several different policies. You can then stagger the policies so that you’re not paying rates for coverage you don’t need.
For example, you might have a policy that covers you until you reach age 65, another that covers you until age 75, and a final policy that covers you until you die. Read on to learn how to make the ladder strategy work for you.
What is the ladder strategy?
The ladder strategy is a common term life insurance strategy that you can use to help meet various financial goals. The strategy involves purchasing multiple life insurance policies with different death benefit amounts and coverage periods.
Therefore, this allows the policyholder to “ladder” their policies so that as one policy expires, another is still in place. The ladder strategy can provide short-term or long-term protection and save money on insurance rates.
For example, let’s say you have a term life insurance policy for $500,000 that expires at age 65 and another term life insurance policy for $250,000 that expires at age 75. This way, you have coverage for the time being. Then, as you age and may not need as much coverage, your rates will decrease.
What are the benefits of laddering life insurance policies?
Several benefits come with laddering life insurance policies, including:
Tailor your coverage to your specific needs and circumstances. Having multiple policies allows you to assign a specific purpose to each policy and tailor your coverage accordingly.
More flexible coverage. Laddering allows policyholders to adjust coverage as their needs change. This is unlike a single life insurance policy, which typically has fixed coverage for the duration of the policy.
Lower costs. Since laddering involves owning multiple policies with different expiration dates, you only pay for the coverage you need at each stage of your life. As a result, you can save money in the long run by not paying for coverage you may not need later in life.
These are just a few ways laddering can save you money on life insurance. Keep reading for more ways to lower life insurance rates without sacrificing coverage.
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How To Save Money With the Ladder Strategy
As mentioned earlier, laddering your life insurance policies can save you money. As each policy expires, you can reassess your coverage needs and choose not to renew policies that are no longer necessary. The ladder strategy can also add flexibility to your life insurance plan.
For example, a major life event occurs (such as having a child or buying a new home), and you need to increase your coverage. With the ladder strategy, you can add a new policy to your existing plan instead of having to buy a whole new, larger policy.
How to Ladder Your Life Insurance
Say, for example, you determine that you need $1 million worth of life insurance coverage. Instead of buying one $1 million policy, you could buy several smaller policies with different term lengths. You could purchase the following:
A $250,000 10-year term policy
A $250,000 15-year term policy
A $500, 000 20-year term policy
As the shorter-term policies expire, you can ladder in new policies to keep your coverage intact. This strategy can save you money on insurance rates because shorter-term policies typically have lower rates than longer-term policies.
Consider How Much Life Insurance Coverage You Need
Before laddering your life insurance, know how much term life insurance coverage you can buy. How much life insurance coverage you need depends on factors like:
Your current and future financial obligations (such as mortgages, debts, and dependents)
Your income
Your assets
Any additional expenses your loved ones may have after your passing
How do you determine your life insurance needs? One common way to calculate life insurance rates is to use the “10 times income” rule. This rule of thumb suggests that you should purchase a policy worth ten times your annual income.
However, this is just a general guideline. Your needs may be different. For example, you may need more coverage if you have a large family or significant debts. Alternatively, you may need less coverage if you are single and have no dependents.
Ultimately, the best way to determine your life insurance needs is to consult with a financial advisor who can help you assess your unique situation.
Review Life Insurance Coverage Regularly
It’s important to review and reassess your life insurance coverage needs periodically, as they can change over time. It’s especially true if you’re using the ladder strategy, as policies will expire and change regularly.
As mentioned earlier, factors such as your financial obligations, income, and assets can all impact the amount of coverage you need. So, review your life insurance coverage at least every few years or anytime there is a major life event, such as getting married or having a child.
As always, consider any changes or updates to your life insurance coverage with your overall financial plan in mind.
Shop Around for the Best Rates
When laddering your life insurance policies, shop around and compare rates from different insurance companies. Doing so can help ensure you get the best rates and coverage for your specific situation.
Most insurance companies offer the ability to get quotes online, or you can speak with an insurance agent for personalized assistance. Find the best term life insurance companies here.
Who should use the ladder life insurance strategy?
The ladder strategy can benefit anyone looking for flexibility and potential savings on their life insurance coverage.
However, it may be particularly useful for individuals with changing financial obligations, such as those with changing income levels or dependents at different life stages (such as young children or adult children in college).
Overall, the ladder strategy can be a helpful tool for individuals looking to tailor their life insurance coverage to their unique needs and circumstances.
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Best Strategies When Shopping for Life Insurance
When shopping for life insurance, it’s good to consider your options and potential strategies. Along with laddering, some other strategies to consider include:
Purchasing a policy with a longer term length. This can add stability and potentially lower rates in the long run.
Adding riders to your policy. Riders add additional coverage, such as long-term care or disability, at an added cost.
Looking into other types of life insurance. Term life insurance is the most common, but there are also options such as whole or universal life insurance.
Purchasing a combination of term and whole life insurance. Combining these policies can provide both short-term coverage and long-term savings opportunities.
No matter what kind of policy you need, the best strategy when shopping for life insurance coverage is to compare multiple quotes. Find at least three insurers you like and compare life insurance quotes from each to see which offers the best rates.
Final Thoughts on Laddering Life Insurance Policies
The laddering strategy for life insurance policies is a great way to save money and ensure you have the coverage you need. First, it is essential to consider how much coverage you need and review your policy regularly to ensure that it still meets your needs at different points in your life.
Then, shop around for the best rates. You can consider other potential strategies, such as adding riders or a combination of term and whole life insurance. In all cases, consulting with a financial advisor can help you make the best decision for your specific circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best life insurance company?
There is no one “best” life insurance company, as it will vary depending on the specific needs and circumstances of the individual. Therefore, it’s essential to do your own research and compare policies from different companies to find the best fit for you.
What is the difference between whole life and term life?
There are several key differences between whole life and term life insurance policies. Whole life insurance provides coverage for the entirety of your life, with a cash value component that accumulates over time. Term life insurance, on the other hand, only provides coverage for a set period of time and does not have a cash value component.
How do you make a life insurance ladder?
A life insurance ladder is created by purchasing several life insurance policies with different term lengths to provide coverage for multiple stages of life. You can do this through one insurance company or by purchasing policies from multiple companies.
Always consult a financial advisor when creating your ladder to ensure that it aligns with your financial plan.
How much life insurance should I buy?
How much life insurance to buy will depend on individual circumstances such as income, dependents, debts, and future financial goals. Consider these factors and your overall financial plan when determining the life insurance coverage you need.
What is the best strategy when shopping for life insurance?
The key is to consider your options and potential strategies, such as laddering, purchasing a policy with a longer term length, and adding riders. You should also look into other types of life insurance and consider combining term and whole-life policies.
Ultimately, the best strategy will depend on your individual needs and circumstances
Can I ladder whole life insurance policies?
No, you cannot ladder whole life insurance policies because they don’t have a specific term length. However, you can combine whole life insurance with term life insurance in your overall life insurance strategy.
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Rachael Brennan has been working in the insurance industry since 2006 when she began working as a licensed insurance representative for 21st Century Insurance, during which time she earned her Property and Casualty license in all 50 states.
After several years she expanded her insurance expertise, earning her license in Health and AD&D insurance as well. She has worked for small health in…
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Written by
Rachael Brennan
Licensed Insurance Agent
Benjamin Carr was a licensed insurance agent in Georgia and has two years’ experience in life, health, property and casualty coverage. He has worked with State Farm and other risk management firms. He is also a strategic writer and editor with a background in branding, marketing, and quality assurance. He has been in military newsrooms — literally on the frontline of journalism.
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Reviewed by
Benji Carr
Former Licensed Life Insurance Agent
