The need for term life coverage applies equally to income-earning spouses, and there are strong arguments for acquiring life insurance for a partner or spouse who is not drawing an income, as well.

For instance, losing a stay-at-home spouse can lead to dramatically increased child-care costs, time away from work for the surviving spouse, final expenses, the settling of outstanding debts, and these are just a few of the financial aspects of such a serious loss as the death of ...