Guide
How much life insurance do you need?
A calculator plus the logic behind it: from income years through debts, education, and what you already own.
The simplest approach is to add up your income during the years your family needs support, then subtract any coverage already in place. Precision isn't required—term policies come in round numbers, and the goal is a figure that keeps your household stable through the years that matter.
Coverage estimate
Estimate = (income × years) + debts + education − existing coverage, rounded to $5,000. Use this as your starting point, not financial guidance.
Why those inputs
Income years. Financial advisors typically suggest ten to twenty years as a reference, adjusted based on how long dependents will need support. In Lodi and similar areas, families with young children frequently select the longer range because schooling, housing and childcare expenses tend to cluster during the same period.
Debts. The mortgage is typically the largest debt families have. If coverage would pay it off, survivors can choose their path forward instead of being pushed by cash flow.
Education. Set aside an amount per child in today's money. Including this now is simpler than buying another policy when your first child starts school.
What you own. Liquid savings you could use if needed, plus group life through work. Group coverage typically ends when employment does, so most families count only part of it toward their total.
Once you have your target amount, the quote tool lets you see the cost for 10 to 30 years from every carrier. Many people buy slightly more than their initial estimate because the extra cost each month is usually small when you're younger.