Term covers you for a set period (10–30 years) at low cost — pure protection. Whole life lasts your lifetime and builds cash value, but costs many times more. Most families needing protection are best served by term.
The two products solve different problems. Term life is simple: a death benefit if you die within the term, at a low premium — ideal for covering the years people depend on your income (mortgage, kids). Whole life is permanent coverage plus a savings component ("cash value") growing inside the policy — at premiums often 5–15 times higher for the same death benefit. The classic guidance: buy the protection you need with term, invest the difference elsewhere. Whole life fits specific situations — estate planning, lifelong dependents — more than general family protection. Beware sales pressure toward whole life; commissions are much larger.
Coverage stops (or renews at much higher rates). If you sized the term to your actual dependency years, the need has usually passed by then.
Its cash value grows slowly, especially early, and fees are high. For most people, term coverage plus separate investing outperforms — whole life fits specific permanent needs.
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