Insurance
Life Insurance Coverage Estimator
How much life insurance do you actually need? The DIME method — debts, income, mortgage, education — in one estimate.
Enter your numbers above.
Estimates only — not financial advice. See assumptions below.
How this works
Assumptions
- DIME is a rule of thumb, not financial advice — a starting point for the conversation, not a plan.
- Does not account for Social Security survivor benefits, which can meaningfully reduce the need.
- Review your coverage after major life events: marriage, children, a new mortgage, retirement.
FAQ
What is the DIME method?
DIME stands for Debts, Income, Mortgage, Education: add up what your dependents would need (income × years, plus debts, mortgage, and education costs), then subtract what you already have (savings and existing insurance). The result is a rough coverage target.
Why subtract savings and existing insurance?
Because coverage only needs to fill the gap. Money your family already has — savings, investments, an existing policy — already does part of the job. Insuring the full need on top of that means paying for protection you don't need.
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