Life Insurance Financial Protection Tool Calculator

Plan protection with realistic inputs and assumptions quickly. See coverage, gap, and affordable premium ranges. Save results to CSV or a simple PDF file.

Inputs

Used for an illustrative premium rate.
Gross yearly income.
If none, keep 0.
Typical range: 60–80%.
Often until major goals are met.
For emergency fund sizing.
Common: 3–12 months.
Credit cards, loans, etc.
Use 0 if renting.
Funeral, taxes, closing costs.
For education funding.
Total goal, not annual.
Cash, investments set aside.
Assets intended for protection needs.
Personal policies in force.
Group benefit amount.
Expected long-run return assumption.
Used to estimate a real rate.
Used for an illustrative premium rate.
For premium illustration only.
This tool estimates coverage needs using your assumptions. It is educational and does not provide legal, tax, or insurance advice.

Formula used

The calculator uses a needs-based approach:

  • Income replacement present value is modeled as a present value annuity.
  • Total needs include income PV, debts, mortgage, final expenses, education, and emergency fund.
  • Offsets include savings, other assets, and existing coverage amounts.
Real rate: r = (1+discount)/(1+inflation) − 1
Income PV: PV = P × (1 − (1+r)−n) / r
Needs: N = PV + debts + mortgage + final + education + emergency
Offsets: O = savings + assets + existing coverage
Recommended coverage: max(N − O, 0)

Premium estimates use a simple illustrative rate per $1,000 of coverage based on age, term, and health class.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter your income, partner income, and the replacement percentage.
  2. Set the number of years you want income protected.
  3. Add debts, mortgage, and a realistic final-expenses estimate.
  4. Include emergency months and education funding goals.
  5. Subtract savings, assets, and existing coverage amounts.
  6. Press Submit to see coverage and a premium illustration.

Example data table

Scenario Income Years Debts Mortgage Children Savings Existing Coverage Recommended Coverage
Sample A $65,000 20 $12,000 $80,000 2 $10,000 $50,000 $520,000
Sample B $90,000 15 $8,000 $0 1 $25,000 $100,000 $410,000
Sample C $45,000 10 $5,000 $20,000 0 $5,000 $0 $180,000
Example results are illustrative and depend on rates, inflation, and offsets.

Professional article

Coverage need is driven by household cashflow

Most families start with income continuity. This calculator estimates replacement as your income minus partner income, multiplied by a chosen percentage. For example, $60,000 income, $10,000 partner income, 70% replacement equals $35,000 per year. That figure is discounted over the selected years to estimate the present value of support. It helps align coverage with timelines and budgets.

Present value uses a real discount rate

The tool converts assumptions into a real rate using (1+discount)/(1+inflation) − 1. With 5% discount and 2.5% inflation, the real rate is about 2.44%. Over 20 years, a $35,000 annual payment has a present value near $546,000, giving a grounded baseline for protection sizing. Shorter horizons reduce PV; higher real rates reduce PV.

Needs include debts, goals, and liquidity

Beyond income, needs often include debt payoff, mortgage balance, final expenses, education funding, and an emergency buffer. If monthly expenses are $2,500 and you choose six months, the liquidity target is $15,000. Two children with $20,000 each adds $40,000, helping convert life events into measurable funding requirements. Adding a mortgage payoff can materially change the recommended total.

Offsets reduce the required coverage amount

Available resources lower the gap. The calculator adds savings, other assets intended for protection, existing personal coverage, and employer benefits. If savings are $10,000, other assets $15,000, and existing coverage totals $100,000, offsets equal $125,000. Subtracting offsets from total needs yields the recommended coverage estimate. Keeping offsets realistic avoids underinsuring critical obligations.

Interpreting results and stress testing assumptions

Use the outputs to compare scenarios, not to “pick a perfect number.” Try 60%, 70%, and 80% replacement and vary years from 10 to 25. Adjust inflation and discount inputs to reflect your environment. The chart highlights which components dominate your needs and how premiums scale with coverage size, supporting practical decision‑making. Revisit inputs after major life changes or debt reduction milestones.


FAQs

How do I choose an income replacement percentage?

Start with 60–80% of net household income. Use a higher percentage if most spending supports dependents or fixed obligations. Use a lower percentage if you have strong savings, dual incomes, or lower long‑term expenses.

Why does the calculator discount future income?

Discounting converts future cash needs into today’s dollars, reflecting investment growth assumptions. The tool uses a real rate (discount minus inflation effect) so income replacement can be compared fairly with savings and other offsets.

Should I include mortgage and other debts?

Include debts you want fully repaid if the insured dies. If your plan is to keep paying a mortgage from replacement income, you can include only part of the balance or omit it and increase the replacement years.

How should I treat employer coverage?

Add employer coverage as an offset, but consider portability and job changes. Many people model only a portion of employer benefits for conservative planning, especially if the coverage ends when employment ends.

Is the premium estimate a real quote?

No. It’s a simple illustration using age, term, and health class to estimate a rate per $1,000 of coverage. Actual pricing depends on underwriting, location, riders, and insurer rules.

How often should I update my inputs?

Recalculate after income changes, new debts, marriage, children, or major savings milestones. A quick annual review is also useful, especially if inflation shifts materially or your goals and timelines change.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.