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Guide

Term vs. permanent life insurance

What each kind is for, what it costs, and why most families start with term.

Term insurance pays out a death benefit if you pass away within a chosen timeframe—10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years.

Permanent coverage (whole life, universal life, and hybrids) is structured to stay active for your whole life, with cash value that builds over time.

How to choose

Work backward from your actual needs. If your obligation has a finish line (a mortgage due to refinance, kids almost done with school), a term that matches that timeline makes sense.

What people in Pittsburg often do

A practical strategy: buy a 20- or 30-year term sized for current household needs, then revisit it every few years as debts shrink.

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