Do American Family Retirees Need Life Insurance?

And American Family employees should consider life insurance as part of their retirement planning - to protect loved ones, pay off debts and leave a legacy - to give them financial security in their absence - says Tyson Mavar, representative of the Retirement Group, part of Wealth Enhancement Group.

Life insurance can give you peace of mind in retirement - protecting your family and your wealth from the unexpected - Wesley Boudreaux, of the Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article, we will discuss:

1. Life insurance for retirees - especially American Family types.

2. Financial dependents, outstanding debt and savings are key factors determining life insurance needs.

3. The role of life insurance in securing a financial future and leaving a legacy for loved ones.

More than 60% of Americans who feel confident they understand life insurance are insured. Nonetheless, life insurance covers less than 20% of those who do not know about life insurance. See if life insurance is a good asset for retirees if you work for American Family and are considering retiring. Life insurance buyers can get free price quotes from their preferred insurers before making a commitment. But, despite the variety and ease of getting coverage, more than two out of every three Americans say they lack adequate life insurance. American Family employees must consider whether life insurance is necessary for retirement.

Financial Dependents:

American Family employees with financial dependents must secure them at any age or position. A retiree with a spouse and children who depend on their retirement income might profit from an active life insurance policy. A full four in five (44%) American households would be broke within six months if the primary wage earner were to lose his or her job. More than a quarter (28%) would go broke in a month. The insured's dependents would not be left broke if they died; they would keep their income. 75% of Americans with life insurance say they would still feel financially secure if their main wage earner died. But only about half of uninsured Americans say they would be financially safe in such circumstances. And even though life insurance is commonplace, just owning a policy does not necessarily provide adequate protection.

More than 100 million Americans are underinsured or uninsured, according to estimates. Taken together, American Family employees then need to determine how much life insurance they need. That depends on your standard of living, monthly contribution, overall financial position, and situation. Ideally, you would have enough life insurance to replace lost income on death. Even so, American Family employees know that buying insurance beyond this scenario is possible - and it is your job to determine what coverage meets their needs.

Outstanding Debt:

American Family employees with outstanding debt that passes to beneficiaries upon death should buy life insurance now. Around forty percent will leave a financial burden to a loved one. Life insurance would relieve your beneficiaries of financial responsibility should you die unexpectedly. For instance, you should buy a policy that lets you repay a mortgage loan. Should you be unable to pay off your mortgage on your own with your income, you may want to buy coverage at least equal to that amount. This way, American Family employees can lock in the mortgage balance should they die.

Savings:

American Family employees who have not left a substantial inheritance for their beneficiaries can buy life insurance as a supplement. As savings aren't restricted to cash account balances either, the prospect of buying a policy for hundreds of thousands of dollars for less than USD 100 a month might be tempting. American Family employees should research insurance benefits, limits, and price ranges before purchasing to avoid overspending and understating.

A study by research and consulting firm LIMRA found that life insurance ownership among Americans age 55 and older has steadily increased over the past decade. In 2011, only 63% of this age group had life insurance coverage - by 2021, it was 70%. That shows more American Family retirees realize life insurance can protect their heirs financially. The study also noted that reasons for getting life insurance in this age group included replacing lost income, paying for funeral expenses and leaving an inheritance.

Whether American Family employees need insurance depends on their situation. If you have dependents and beneficiaries, life insurance could give them income when you die. Your buying life insurance could spare your family obligations that would have been passed down if you were in debt. A life insurance policy could be an alternative if you cannot save a large nest egg for your heirs. American Family employees uncertain whether to buy coverage should seek professional financial advice. Get a free cash flow analysis when you contact The Retirement Group to see which option best fits your needs.

Now picture your retirement as a garden that you have grown over time. You've sodded the seeds of financial security and watched them grow into wealth. As a garden needs protection so does your retirement - and life insurance can put a fence around your financial legacy.

Consider life insurance like the evergreen hedges that preserve your garden. Like hedges protect your garden from outside dangers, life insurance covers your family from financial strain should you die. That way, your labors will continue to feed your family - giving them a source of income and paying off any debts you may have left behind.

As each plant in your garden has a purpose, so does life insurance in retirement. It may replace lost income, pay down outstanding debts such as a mortgage, or provide a substantial cushion for your beneficiaries. Sow in your financial garden and bolster it with the right life insurance coverage - and you plant a seed that will bear fruit in your absence.

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Also, as you consider retirement, plant a garden of financial security with life insurance. A well-tended garden brings joy and security, too - and so will life insurance - the assurance that your family and your legacy will thrive long after you retire from work.

Sources:

1. Rodeck, David. 'Do You Need Life Insurance in Retirement?' Investopedia , 22 June 2023, https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/010716/do-you-need-life-insurance-after-you-retire.asp .

2. 'Life Insurance Statistics in 2025.' The Zebra , March 2024, https://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/life-insurance-statistics/?utm_source=chatgpt.com .

3. 'What is a Life Insurance Retirement Plan (LIRP)?' Aflac , 24 Aug. 2023, https://www.aflac.com/resources/life-insurance/life-insurance-retirement-plans-lirp.aspx .

4. 'Life Insurance Benefits for Retired Workers.' Bureau of Labor Statistics , Sept. 1990, https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/1990/09/Art2full.pdf .

5. '10 Reasons Why You Need Life Insurance in Retirement.' GBS Life , 15 June 2016, https://www.gbslife.com/media/28501/10-reasons-retirement.pdf .

What type of retirement savings plan does American Family offer to its employees?

American Family offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does American Family match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, American Family provides a matching contribution to employee contributions made to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

What is the eligibility requirement for American Family employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of American Family are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.

Can American Family employees choose how to invest their 401(k) contributions?

Yes, American Family employees can choose from a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan to tailor their investment strategy.

What is the maximum contribution limit for American Family's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for American Family's 401(k) plan is determined by IRS regulations, which may change annually.

Does American Family allow for catch-up contributions in the 401(k) plan?

Yes, American Family allows employees aged 50 and older to make catch-up contributions to their 401(k) plan.

How often can American Family employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan?

American Family employees can typically change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan on a quarterly basis or as specified in the plan documents.

Are loans available from the 401(k) plan at American Family?

Yes, American Family's 401(k) plan may allow employees to take loans against their vested balance, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) balance if I leave American Family?

If you leave American Family, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the plan if allowed.

Does American Family offer financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?

Yes, American Family provides financial education resources to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

American Family Insurance provides a defined contribution 401(k) plan with company matching contributions. Employees can contribute pre-tax or Roth (after-tax) dollars, and American Family matches a percentage of eligible compensation. The plan includes various investment options, such as target-date funds and mutual funds. Financial planning resources and tools are available to help employees manage their retirement savings.

Layoffs and Restructuring: In October 2023, American Family Insurance confirmed staff reductions aimed at increasing efficiencies across its operations. The layoffs affected various positions, including leadership roles, as the company consolidates areas that provide similar functions across its multiple insurance brands (Sources: Insurance Journal, The Insurer). Financial Performance: The company reported a significant underwriting loss of $1.5 billion in 2022, attributed to inflation and high catastrophe claims. Despite these losses, American Family maintains a strong financial position with plans to reinvest in products and services (Sources: Carrier Management, AM Best). Operational Changes: The restructuring aligns with American Family's strategy to streamline processes and improve cost management, which is essential for sustaining long-term growth and delivering value to customers (Sources: Insurance Journal, The Insurer).

American Family Insurance grants RSUs that vest over time, providing shares upon vesting. Stock options are also part of their compensation, allowing employees to buy shares at a fixed price.

American Family Insurance has consistently enhanced its employee healthcare benefits to adapt to the evolving needs of its workforce. For 2023, the company maintained comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. These plans offer a range of services including preventive care, major dental work, and vision care, which covers eye exams, lenses, and frames. Mental health support is also a significant part of the benefits package, with access to counseling services and wellness programs designed to support employees' mental and emotional well-being. These offerings are designed to ensure that employees have access to quality healthcare, promoting a healthier work environment and improving overall productivity. In 2024, American Family Insurance continued to refine its healthcare benefits, placing a greater emphasis on flexibility and comprehensive coverage. The company introduced enhancements such as expanded mental health resources and wellness programs aimed at managing chronic conditions and preventive care. This is particularly important given the current economic and political climate, where healthcare costs are rising and the need for robust employee support systems is critical. The company also provides various options for employees to manage healthcare costs through Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). By continuously updating its benefits offerings, American Family Insurance ensures that its employees are well-supported in maintaining their health and well-being.