jm192
Footballguy
I'm in the process now.The Z Machine said:Talk to me about long term disability insurance for me and my wife. I already have term life insurance with Northwestern Mutual.
If you are dependent upon your income, it's a good idea. If you're financially independent and could say screw working ever again--you no longer need it. It's typically on the expensive side--because your risk of becoming disabled between now and 65 is higher than your risk of dying during most term policies. They make money on this, they've done the math.
This is for long-term. If you've got a solid emergency fund--I wouldn't put money towards short term.
Most places recommend ~60% of your gross income--which is about your post-tax income.
Use one of the big 5/6 companies. Make sure it's true own-occupation disability insurance.
You want a policy that is "non-cancellable" and "guaranteed renewable" meaning so long as you pay the policy--they can't cancel you and they have to renew you at the same price.
Your Long term disability insurance from work is better than nothing, but probably not very good. Most work policies only pay out for 2 years and then play the game of "Can you answer phones for minimum wage? If so, you're no longer disabled."
You buy it from an independent agent who gets a commission for selling it to you. The good ones get repeat referrals and thus your reputation is a big deal. The agent can really get into the details with you and explain it well.
I've learned a lot from this website called the White Coat investor. They talk about doctors, but I think the principles really apply across the board.
If you're only up to read one or a few of the links--read the top one for sure.
https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/individual-disability-insurance-basics/
https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/ins-and-outs-of-disability-insurance/
https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-disability-insurance/
https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/how-much-disability-insurance/
https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/disability-vs-life-insurance/
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