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What is Life Insurance?

A Multi-Purpose Financial Planning Tool

Life insurance is designed primarily to protect your family’s financial security after you die. But some types of life insurance can also help you build assets to meet needs during your lifetime. So it’s a smart addition to any financial plan — because it can serve different functions within your overall investment strategy.

Security for your family should something happen to you

Life insurance can help:

Pay off your debts and taxes after your death
Allow your family to maintain its standard of living
Support your dependents’ goals and dreams
Provide immediate access to cash¹

Life Insurance: Is Not a Deposit of Any Bank • Is Not FDIC Insured • Is Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency • Is Not Guaranteed by Any Bank or Savings Association

Financial support during your lifetime

Certain types of life insurance also may serve as:

A supplement for your retirement income.
A funding vehicle for a college education, starting a business, an emergency, or buying a second home

A Must-Have for Your Financial Plan

No matter what kind of life insurance you choose, there’s no substitute for the peace of mind it can provide. Life insurance is one of the ways you can protect your family’s financial security should something happen to you. Talk to your financial advisor/licensed insurance agent about your long-term needs, and he or she can help you determine:

Which type of insurance is right for you?
How much protection you and your family need?
How to make the most of your premium dollars?

How Much Insurance Do You Need?

One rule of thumb is to buy life insurance equal to five to seven times your annual gross income.² However, there is no substitute for a careful evaluation and review of your life insurance needs with your financial advisor.

Learn more about the different types of life insurance.

Types	Key Features
Term Life	Pure protection for a limited time Coverage for a specified period of time Death benefit is paid if the insured dies during the specified period
Whole Life	Lifetime coverage with guarantees Guarantees a minimum death benefit no matter how long you live, as long as premiums are paid
Variable Life	Regular payments with a wide range of investment choices Permanent protection Scheduled premium payments
Universal Life	More options, but fewer guarantees Permanent insurance that provide protection in case of death, as well as a savings or cash value component
Variable Universal Life	Greater growth potential, greater risk Insurance protection with investment opportunity Flexible premium payments Choice of two death benefit options
Survivorship Life Insurance	Insures two lives, with the potential for cash value accumulation Premium flexibility

1 Withdrawals from life insurance policies may be subject to fees, penalties, and income taxes depending on the specific life insurance policy and the policyholder’s tax situation. Withdrawals reduce the policy value and death benefit.

2 Source: American Council of Life Insurance, December 2001.

Life insurance and annuities are issued by AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company (AXA Equitable) and by various unaffiliated carriers through AXA Network, LLC and its subsidiaries. Co-distributed by AXA Distributors, LLC and AXA Advisors, LLC, members FINRA, SIPC.

AXA Equitable, AXA Network, AXA Distributors and AXA Advisors are affiliated companies. All guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of AXA Equitable. The guarantees do not apply to the investment portfolios. AXA Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not provide tax or legal advice. This material is provided for informational purposes only. Please consult your tax and/or legal advisors regarding your particular circumstances.

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