One of the most common coverage mistakes Carrie sees is Canadians who either dramatically underestimate what their family would need to survive financially without them — or who are paying for significantly more coverage than their situation requires. Getting the amount right matters both for your family's security and for your budget.
保障金額计算方法
There are several methods financial planners use to estimate coverage needs. Carrie typically uses a combination of these, then applies professional judgment based on your specific family situation.
A simple rule of thumb. Works reasonably well for straightforward situations but doesn't account for large debts, assets already held, or spouse's income.
A more detailed calculation that accounts for your actual financial obligations. More accurate than a simple multiple.
The most accurate method — calculating the exact dollar amount needed to fund your family's financial plan without your income, accounting for existing assets and other income sources.
Calculate how many years your family would need income replacement and multiply by the annual amount required.
DIME 方法詳解
Debt (excluding mortgage)
List all personal debts: car loans, credit cards, student loans, lines of credit, personal loans. Total them up. Your insurance should pay these off immediately.
Income replacement
Multiply your annual after-tax income by the number of years your family would need it. For a family with young children, this might be 20–25 years. Subtract your spouse's income if applicable.
Mortgage balance
Add the full outstanding mortgage balance — the goal is for your family to own their home debt-free.
Education
Estimate the total cost of post-secondary education for each child. Budget $20,000–$40,000 per year per child depending on program and location.
DIME example
Age 38, $95,000/year income, two children (6 and 9), $400,000 mortgage, $40,000 other debt.
D: $40,000 + I: $70,000 × 18 years = $1,260,000 + M: $400,000 + E: $120,000 × 2 children = $240,000
Total DIME coverage need: ~$1.94 million.
需求如何隨人生階段变化
| 人生階段 | 主要保障需求 | 建议方式 |
|---|---|---|
| 30岁初，無子女 | Mortgage, income replacement | Term 20-year, $500K–$1M |
| 30至40岁，有年幼子女 | Maximum income replacement, mortgage, education | Term 20–30 year, $1M–$2M+ |
| 40至50岁，子女为青少年 | Debt reduction, estate building begins | Term + beginning Par policy |
| 50至60岁，子女已成年 | Estate planning, wealth transfer | Par/Universal life for estate |
| 65岁以上，已退休 | Final expenses, estate equalization | Smaller permanent policy |
何时审查您的保障
- Marriage or common-law partnership — your financial obligations change significantly
- Birth or adoption of each child — coverage needs typically increase substantially
- New mortgage or significant debt increase
- Major income increase — your income replacement need grows
- Starting or acquiring a business
- Death of a dependent or spouse — coverage needs may decrease
- Major asset accumulation — more assets reduce coverage needs
- Every 3–5 years as a general review
常見保障缺口 Carrie frequently finds
- 全職父母缺乏保障: The cost of replacing a stay-at-home parent's contributions (childcare, household management) can easily exceed $50,000–$80,000/year. Both partners need coverage.
- 團体保险是唯一保障: Employer group insurance ends when you leave your job and is rarely sufficient — typically 1–2× salary, when most families need 7–10×.
- 銀行的按揭保险: Bank mortgage insurance covers the bank, not your family. A personal life insurance policy pays your family directly, who can then choose how to use the proceeds.
- 沒有关键人物保障的企业主: If your business couldn't survive 12–18 months without you, key person insurance is essential.
Carrie's bottom line: Most people buy insurance with an amount that feels right, not one that's been calculated. Book a proper needs analysis with Carrie — it takes one meeting and gives you confidence that your family is truly protected.
王羽恬
王羽恬是 Seven Lakes Financial Services Inc. 的创办人，同时也是服务安大略省及薩斯喀徹溫省客户的 Sun Life 顧问。她专精退休、遗产及投资规划，以溫暖且个人化的方式为每位客户提供服务，并能以英語、普通话及台語流暢沟通。