Few people look forward to talking about life insurance. The subject forces us to think about uncomfortable realities like death, money, and future responsibilities. Yet avoiding the conversation doesn’t change its importance. Having coverage is a way of showing your family that you care about their security, no matter what happens.
If you’re unsure how to begin, here are three practical strategies to help you start the discussion with a spouse, parent, or another loved one.
Approach 1: Start with Honest Questions
One of the most effective ways to open the door is by asking thoughtful questions. It might feel intimidating at first, but being direct shows you care. Questions such as, “Do you already have a policy in place?” or “Have you thought about how final expenses would be handled?” can help begin the dialogue.
If you’re speaking with a partner, you might frame it around shared responsibilities: “What would happen financially if one of us passed away?” From there, listen carefully to their responses. The key is to create a safe, judgment-free space where both of you can be candid. Even if your loved one hasn’t done much planning yet, the conversation itself is a step in the right direction.
Approach 2: Use Real-Life Stories
Sometimes a personal example makes the subject more relatable. Sharing a story about someone who had coverage—and how it eased the financial burden on their family—can highlight the value of planning ahead. On the other hand, pointing to a situation where someone was unprepared can be equally powerful, especially if you’ve seen families struggle to raise money for funeral costs or medical bills.
Choose whether a positive or cautionary example will best open up the conversation. Stories often help people see the real impact of life insurance beyond abstract numbers.
Approach 3: Connect to Current Events
Recent events, such as the pandemic, have made many families more aware of life’s uncertainties. You can use this shift to introduce the topic in a natural way. For example, you might say, “The last couple of years made me realize how important it is to have a plan. How do you feel about that?” From there, you can transition into discussing life insurance specifically.
By connecting the subject to something that’s already on people’s minds, you make it easier for them to engage without feeling pressured.
Final Thoughts
Talking about life insurance will never be easy, but delaying it only makes things harder down the road. Preparation allows families to grieve without the added stress of financial uncertainty.
Before you start the discussion, take some time to review the basics of coverage and jot down the questions you want answered. Decide whether to approach the conversation directly, through storytelling, or by tying it to current events. Once you’ve talked it over, the next step is speaking with a licensed professional who can help identify the right policies for your situation.
Making the effort to have this conversation today can give your family confidence and peace of mind for years to come.
