So much of what we do to protect our families requires income – whether it’s buying the weekly shopping, paying the monthly mortgage, making sure the kids have the education they deserve, or simply providing the occasional family break.
But what would happen if you suddenly became too ill to work, had an accident that took you out of employment for a period of time or died prematurely? The sudden emergence of a global pandemic is a stark example of how things can take an unexpected turn at any time.
If you find yourself out of work due to illness or injury, it can turn your family’s world upside down overnight - both emotionally and financially. Protecting your income is all about protecting you and your loved ones from the financial effects of death and serious illness. These effects fall most heavily on those in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. These are the key ages where there are significant earnings at risk. And typically, there aren’t sufficient savings to fall back on.
If others depend on you, then you need to think about how your death would impact them financially. If you’re the breadwinner, then a loss of your income could be catastrophic. Our calculator should help you quickly get a sense of the impact it will have. If you don’t have people in your life who depend on you financially, then you may not have a significant need for life insurance. However, you should make sure that you could cope financially if illness prevented you from working for a prolonged period of time.
Sorting this out feels good, even if it requires you to contemplate some unpleasant possibilities for a moment so that you can do something about it. Most likely, the worst won’t happen, but in the event it does the plans that you make now could turn out to be the most important financial decisions in your life.
Disclaimer
Life assurance and pensions products are provided by New Ireland Assurance Company plc., trading as Bank of Ireland Life. New Ireland Assurance Company plc., trading as Bank of Ireland Life is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Advice on Bank of Ireland Life products is provided by Bank of Ireland, trading as Bank of Ireland Insurance & Investments. Bank of Ireland trading as Bank of Ireland Insurance & Investments is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Bank of Ireland is a tied agent of New Ireland Assurance Company plc trading as Bank of Ireland Life for life assurance and pensions business.
Members of Bank of Ireland Group.
