06/19/2026
How much life insurance do you actually need?
The common "10x income" rule can be a helpful starting point, but it often falls short for high earners, business owners, and families with more complex financial situations.
A better approach is to focus on what the coverage is intended to accomplish: replacing income, paying off debts, covering a mortgage, and funding future goals like education. The DIME method (Debt, Income, Mortgage, Education) can provide a more structured way to evaluate your needs.
The right amount isn't based on a generic formula. It's based on the financial impact your absence would have on the people who depend on you.