Getting to the Core
I had my first life insurance policy when I was 21. I did not think I needed it, death was furthest from my mind at that time.
But everyone was getting one (at the office, at least) and so I did too. The bi-monthly deductions hurt (though it did not even reach the one million mark) so it was kind of a hard decision to make. But after courting me day after day, making sure I get the medical exam and pass it, after we did the dance of joy (I signed up), I never saw that insurance agent again. I left the job and forgot the insurance and never knew what became of it. I did not know I had options – take the cash surrender value, buy an extended term insurance or a reduced paid-up insurance or even reinstate within a three (3) year period. I did not do anything because the agent did not take the time, nor cared, to explain my options to me.
And so I look at insurance agents with skepticism. One call, one meeting, and I would find an excuse not to see them again or sign up. It went like this for several years. I did not know I was making unavailable to myself the most basic step in establishing financial freedom – protection.