Short-term needs
Amount
Final expenses (Medical, hospital, and funeral expenses, attorney fees, taxes. Advice: The National Funeral Directors Association says the average funeral in the United States costs approximately $7,500.)
Outstanding debts (Credit card balances, auto and school loans, home equity loans, outstanding bills.)
Emergency expenses (Repairs to home or car, or medical emergencies. Advice: Set aside three to six months' worth of total living expenses.)
Long-term needs
Housing payment fund (Advice: Leave enough money to pay off entire mortgage or rental payments for 10 years. A 3.2 percent annual increase is factored into rental payments.)
Choose one: Monthly mortgage payment: $ for years or Mortgage balance (if you choose to pay it all off at once): $ or Monthly rent payment: $ for years
Education Fund (2001-2002 average annual college costs, room and board included: $9,008 for four-year public; $23,578 for four-year private; and $13,231 for two-year private, according to The College Board. Tuition and fees average $1,738 at two-year public colleges. A 5 percent annual cost increase is factored into this calculation.)
Child #1 Two-year private college Two-year public college Four-year private college Four-year public college $ Current annual college cost including room and board Years until child goes to college
Child #3 Two-year private college Two-year public college Four-year private college Four-year public college $ Current annual college cost including room and board Years until child goes to college
Child #2 Two-year private college Two-year public college Four-year private college Four-year public college $ Current annual college cost including room and board Years until child goes to college
Child #4 Two-year private college Two-year public college Four-year private college Four-year public college $ Current annual college cost including room and board Years until child goes to college
Family maintenance fund (This should include such costs as child care, food, clothing, utility bills, entertainment, travel, insurance, and transportation. This formula adjusts for a 3.5 percent annual inflation rate.)
Monthly amount: $ You want to provide this income for years.
Assets
Current assets (Savings, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other life insurance. Do not include any money you or your spouse have put aside for retirement, such as funds in a 401(k) or IRA.)
See how much life insurance you need
