How Many Years Of Term Life Insurance Do I Need? 
I do n't want to be a smart-alec , but how many years are you going to live ? -LRB- Sorry ... I did it anyway ! -RRB- Term life insurance is typically best suited for temporary risks such as a mortgage or larger credit loan . Term insurance is strictly insurance against dying too soon , so how many years of term you need would depend on who you 're protecting against your dying . Would the insurance be for paying of debts so your family would n't be stuck with them ? Will your children be able to care for themselves financially in 10 years ? Fifteen years ? Twenty ? If you want to be able to take advantage of the tax benefits and guaranteed tax-free wealth growth that life insurance can provide you need to look at Whole Life rather than Term . 