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.
保障金額計算方法
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變化
| 人生階段 | 主要保障需求 | 建議方式 |
|---|---|---|
| 30歲初，無子女 | Mortgage, income replacement | Term 20-year, $500K–$1M |
| 30至40歲，有年幼子女 | Maximum income replacement, mortgage, education | Term 20–30 year, $1M–$2M+ |
| 40至50歲，子女為青少年 | Debt reduction, estate building begins | Term + beginning Par policy |
| 50至60歲，子女已成年 | Estate planning, wealth transfer | Par/Universal life for estate |
| 65歲以上，已退休 | Final expenses, estate equalization | Smaller permanent policy |
何時審查您的保障
- 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.
- 團體保險是唯一保障: Employer group insurance ends when you leave your job and is rarely sufficient — typically 1–2× salary, when most families need 7–10×.
- 銀行的按揭保險: 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.
- 沒有關鍵人物保障的企業主: 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. 的創辦人，同時也是服務安大略省及薩斯喀徹溫省客戶的 Sun Life 顧問。她專精退休、遺產及投資規劃，以溫暖且個人化的方式為每位客戶提供服務，並能以英語、普通話及台語流暢溝通。