Hint: It not only covers funeral expenses

When you think about life insurance, you automatically think about the funeral expenses it will cover after you’re gone. But that’s not the only reason why you should own life insurance. When you’re contemplating whether to buy a plan, consider these three reasons why you should own life insurance:

1. Cover final expenses

A life insurance plan ensures your loved ones aren’t left with a financial burden after you’re gone. Funerals alone can average $7,000 to $8,000, so covering these costs will reduce financial stress on both you and your loved ones. Whole life, term, universal life, or final expense insurance can help further because they’re not limited to covering funeral costs. Depending on your policy, it can pay medical bills, mortgage payments, and more. Your family can dispense the money toward expenses as you advise or as they see fit.

2. Leave something to remember

Do you want to give money to your kids or grandkids after you pass? A life insurance policy allows you to leave behind money for whomever you choose. You can designate policy beneficiaries to receive the tax-free death benefit after your passing.

3. Replace lost income

If you have dependents who rely on your income, you want to make sure they’re taken care of when you’re gone. Depending on the amount of your life insurance policy, the death benefit can act as a replacement for your dependents’ lost income or even help your surviving spouse supplement Social Security.