The Worksheet
Take a pen. Write a number next to each line:
- Your farewell. Burial or cremation? Simple or with a service? Write what you want.
- Lingering medical bills. Hospital, hospice, prescriptions — what will be left?
- Debts. Credit cards, car loan, personal loans you do not want passed on.
- A cushion. A few thousand extra, so no one scrambles.
Total it. Round to the nearest $5,000. Most people land at $10,000 to $20,000.
Prices differ by provider and drift over time. On our call, I will help you pin real local numbers to each line.
Two Mistakes to Avoid
- Too little. A plan that leaves half the bill unpaid did not do its job. Do the math first.
- Too much. This is not income replacement. Bigger life insurance does that job. Do not buy what you do not need.
One more tip: do the worksheet apart from your spouse. Debts, wishes, and current coverage differ person to person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $10,000 enough for most families?
For cremation plus bills and a cushion, most often yes. For a full traditional burial, most families pick $15,000 to $20,000.
Can I add more coverage later?
Most often yes — a second plan, priced at your older age. Some carriers also allow raises with fresh underwriting.
Should I count Social Security's death benefit?
Social Security pays a one-time $255 death benefit to a surviving spouse in most cases. It helps, but it is not a plan. Do not build your worksheet around it.