Talking Turkey

Let's face it, Thanksgiving is the American Family Holiday. "I'll be Home for Christmas" has no meaning for tens of millions of non-Christians. Ditto Easter. And the reverse is true for Passover, Hanukkah, etc. The 4th of July is a time of fireworks and picnics, but for true "family time," nothing beats Thanksgiving. We endure endless hours in traffic or airport security lines so we can profess our love for each other, say a prayer to this God or that one, and bask in the warmth of family and friends.

But too many of us don't put our money where our heart is. Love demands commitment and care and concern. Love is a two-way street. Love is demanding and calls for sacrifice and selflessness.

What am I talking about? I'm talking about the fact that nearly 70 million Americans have no life insurance. Furthermore, even those of us who do own life insurance have an average of just 4 times our annual income in coverage. That means when Americans die prematurely, as hundreds of thousands do each year, their loved ones will typically suffer financially as well as emotionally.

We don't intentionally decide to leave the ones we love in financial straits when we die. It's just that we don't think it will happen to us – yet. We identify with Woody Allen who said, "I'm not afraid of dying. I just don't want to be there when it happens." And yet, many of us walk around with that nagging feeling that this is something we need to take care of – get life insurance. But something always gets in the way – the orthodontist appointment, getting the house ready for Mom and Dad’s upcoming visit, etc. – so we decide to "do it tomorrow."

But every day is a tomorrow that did not come for thousands. How many lives have been turned upside down because suddenly there is no money – or not enough money – because someone died last night? How many lives could have been made so much better if someone had just stopped and bought the life insurance they needed? When it's too late, it's definitely too late.

So this week, as you gather with your family and bask in the warmth and love that surrounds you, remember that your family has faith that you will always be there to take care of them, one way or another. They believe your love has covered all contingencies. They are comfortable in the security and protection you have always provided. And you have never let them down – yet.

So get the life insurance you know you need. Do it now and tell your family you love them, now and forever, no matter what.

Happy Thanksgiving.