How Much Life Insurance Should You Get? 
If your family , business partners or charities depend on your ability to generate income , then you need life insurance . To determine the amount of life insurance you should have , youll need to collect some important information : total debt , all future obligations , any charitable intent and total projected income to retirement . Total debt includes your mortgage , credit card debt , student and auto loans . Future obligations include your childrens education , weddings and retirement . Charitable intent includes making a difference with your children , grandchildren and charities . But perhaps the most overlooked item is your human value , the ability to earn income over your working life . Providing an income stream for survivors is a critical component after debts have been settled , future obligations secured and benevolent giving in place . 