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Options for When Term Life Insurance Ends

Financial planners frequently observe families hastily purchasing term life insurance when their children are very young, only to later question their next steps as the term concludes.

Term 10 or Term 20 life insurance policies offer a cost-effective solution for individuals seeking coverage without the burden of high premiums. These policies are particularly appealing to younger couples and parents in the early stages of their careers, who might be earning less and facing substantial mortgage debts.

As the insurance term ends, individuals need to reassess their health, financial situation, and dependency status to decide on the necessary coverage level and seek the most favorable rates from insurers. Oftentimes people might opt to terminate their life insurance if it becomes unnecessary, reallocating financial resources towards investment, savings, or debt reduction, depending on their financial goals and circumstances.

Deciding on the appropriate coverage entails evaluating ongoing financial obligations, such as mortgages, debts, plans for expanding the family, and any health conditions that could influence insurance premiums. Other financial planners advise clients to also consider the extent of life insurance coverage provided by their employer’s group benefits package. Often, individuals choose to maintain some level of life insurance, albeit less than initially needed, based on a reassessment of their requirements.

Many insurers facilitate automatic term life renewals, beneficial for those in poorer health since it doesn’t require a medical assessment. However, that renewal can lead to a substantial premium increase, which may deter some people. For those in good health, consulting with an advisor to explore the best rates is advisable, underscoring the importance of market comparison.

Permanent life insurance, another option, offers lifelong coverage and includes a savings component, irrespective of health changes. Distinguished by its higher cost compared to term insurance, permanent insurance is available in whole life and universal life variants, each with distinct benefits and investment potential.

Given the significant cost difference, some financial planners note that Canadians who are price-sensitive or have considerable debt may find permanent insurance less appealing. It might make sense to buy permanent insurance as early as possible and reducing premiums through term riders can make this option more accessible, offering a blend of both insurance types.

In summary, while circumstances vary, ensuring some level of insurance coverage is generally advisable for those reliant on their income.


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Investing Mistakes to Avoid

 

Investing can be a complex and challenging journey, even for the most seasoned investors. Mistakes are inevitable, but they also serve as valuable lessons, offering insights that can help build more resilient investment portfolios. The CFA Institute has highlighted the top 20 investment mistakes that individuals should be aware of to navigate this journey more effectively. Here’s a closer look at these common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

  1. Expecting Too Much

Setting realistic return expectations is crucial. This helps maintain a long-term perspective and prevents emotional decision-making.

  1. No Investment Goals

Investors often get caught up in short-term trends or fads instead of focusing on their long-term objectives.

  1. Not Diversifying

A well-diversified portfolio can prevent any single stock from significantly impacting its overall value.

  1. Focusing on the Short Term

Short-term thinking can lead to second-guessing and impulsive decisions, straying from the initial strategy.

  1. Buying High and Selling Low

Emotional responses to market fluctuations often lead to this counterproductive behaviour.

  1. Trading Too Much

Frequent trading can lead to underperformance. A study in The Journal of Finance found that active traders lagged behind the U.S. stock market average by 6.5% annually.

  1. Paying Too Much in Fees

High fees can significantly erode investment returns over time.

  1. Focusing Too Much on Taxes

While tax strategies like loss harvesting are beneficial, decisions should not be based solely on tax implications.

  1. Not Reviewing Investments Regularly

Regular portfolio reviews are essential to ensure alignment with your goals and to rebalance as needed.

  1. Misunderstanding Risk

Balancing risk is key; too much may be uncomfortable, while too little could lead to inadequate returns.

  1. Not Knowing Your Performance

Tracking your investment performance, considering fees and inflation, is vital to assess whether you are meeting your goals.

  1. Reacting to the Media

Avoid making decisions based on short-term media reports; focus on your long-term strategy.

  1. Forgetting About Inflation

Inflation, which has historically averaged around 4% annually, can significantly reduce your purchasing power over time.

  1. Trying to Time the Market

Market timing is challenging and often less effective than remaining invested over the long term.

  1. Not Doing Due Diligence

Always verify the credentials of financial advisors, for instance, through resources like BrokerCheck.

  1. Working With the Wrong Advisor

Take the time to find an advisor whose approach aligns with your investment goals.

  1. Investing With Emotions

Stay rational and avoid making decisions based on emotional reactions to market changes.

  1. Chasing Yield

High-yield investments are often riskier; assess them in the context of your risk tolerance.

  1. Neglecting to Start Early

Starting to invest early can have a substantial impact on the eventual size of your portfolio due to compounding.

  1. Not Controlling What You Can

Focus on consistent contributions over time, rather than trying to predict market movements.

One notable point is the significance of diversification. A study suggests that holding about 15 stocks in a large-cap portfolio is optimal for balancing return and risk. For small-cap portfolios, this number increases to 26. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and seeking tailored financial advice is often beneficial.

Additionally, avoid the trap of excessive trading. Each trade incurs fees, which can cumulatively dampen your portfolio’s performance. Regularly monitoring your investments is also crucial, especially in changing market conditions. This ensures your investments align with your goals and accounts for external factors like inflation and changing personal circumstances.

In conclusion, by being aware of these common investment mistakes and actively working to avoid them, investors can significantly enhance their chances of achieving their financial goals. Remember, informed decisions and a disciplined approach are key to successful investing.