Life insurance in your 30s vs 40s vs 50s — what changes

By Sivaprasad Kotta, Kotta Financial Services | June 11, 2026

Your 30s: maximum exposure, minimum cost

Buy term life — 20 or 30 year. $750,000 to $1.5 million for $40-$80/month. This is the cheapest decade. Common mistake: relying only on the $50,000 employer policy.

Your 40s: peak earning, peak responsibility

Revisit coverage. If income doubled, coverage should increase. Consider adding whole life or IUL alongside term for permanent coverage and cash value.

Your 50s: pivot from protection to income

Mortgage may be nearly paid. Kids leaving home. Shift focus to guaranteed retirement income, estate planning, and final expense coverage. Consider converting term to permanent before health changes.

Phone: (919) 645-8723 | Free age-appropriate coverage review