Learning From Others’ Experience

12-11-2025

Learning From Others’ Experience.

One of the most powerful ways to benefit from life’s lessons is to learn from the experiences of others; and to accept wise advice from people who’ve lived a little longer than you have. Time is the most precious commodity we all share. None of us can gain more of it, yet by leveraging the insights and experiences of others, we can apply those lessons to our own lives, move forward faster, and gain a significant advantage in the process.

Life Insurance.

When I was born, one of my father’s closest friends; happened to be a life insurance agent. He convinced my father to take out a life insurance policy on me. Some people might think that was unnecessary, arguing that the money would have been better invested in the stock market. Others understand that life insurance isn’t an investment at all, but a protective tool designed to ease the financial burden on loved ones; in my case, a future spouse, in the event of death. My point is not to argue per say about the validity of the need of the coverage at the time but to discuss what types of coverage probably makes the most sense and cents for people in general.

Looking back now, knowing what I know, it would have been far more economical to purchase a 30-year term life policy rather than choosing whole life or universal life policy. However a salesmen’s commission is vastly different based on the type of policy issued.

Also like with any product this assumes there is a legitimate need. It would be hard to argue that a baby “needs” life insurance. If you want to buy life insurance it makes more sense to buy a policy at age 20, then another at 30, layering coverage through age 60; again assuming the need eventually disappears due to the fact that you have built up other assets to cover any existing liabilities.

Other Types of Insurance.

Life insurance has never been an investment; it’s a hedge against negative outcomes I can’t control. If you drive a motor vehicle, car insurance is legally mandatory. Health insurance is simply prudent. For many people, disability insurance also makes sense. Renters or homeowners insurance, liability coverage, and even excess liability insurance are all practical safeguards that protect you from risks most of us would rather not think about.

Being an Adult.

Unfortunately, most people hate thinking about insurance, let alone paying for it. Many avoid the conversation entirely. But ignoring risk doesn’t erase it. The same goes for not having a will or other essential directives—avoiding the topic doesn’t prevent the inevitable.

In Conclusion.

The choice is ultimately yours. Will you take personal responsibility for yourself and the people who depend on you? Or will you ignore reality and drift through life, letting the wind push you wherever it may go?

If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to contact me. Additionally, please explore the rest of my blog and website to see if any of this information can be helpful to you.

To learn more, visit the blog life, reflection, and faith.