By Cathi Williams

By the time everyone reads this, we will be past the first anniversary of the stay-at-home, social distancing, mask-wearing way of life.

Now we are looking straight at, the new normal. The idea of going back to the way things were brings on another layer of anxiety.

My children are young adults, but they still look to me for guidance on living in this new world. My daughter did her college Spring semester from home and like everything else I learned as a mother, I am learning as I go.

But I am uncomfortable too. The dining room table has once again become the focal point of the house, not for eating meals, i’s the place to do schoolwork, my office, and one end is covered by an un-ending series of jigsaw puzzles I started to keep busy.

With all that is going on, I consider myself fortunate. I did not get sick with COVID-19, nor did my kids. I was able to work during the Pandemic and we had plenty to eat and even enjoyed the holidays with a very, very small group of family and friends.

But what if things didn't go so well?

Now I'm going to get into the meat of why I am writing this and I am going to tell you that I am in the very UN-sexy business of life insurance and other protections. Don't stop reading here. The goal is not to sell something, but to leave you, the reader feeling informed, empowered, and confident. Perhaps, to inspire some redirecting of priorities.

How is life insurance part of self-care?

Simply put it is part of fulfilling the responsibilities that come with being an adult. It is a form of protection. The most important questions to ask yourself are:

1. Do you have any debt?

2. Do you have any children?

3. Do you own a business?

Almost everyone can answer "yes" to at least one of the questions. If the answer is yes, then a life insurance policy should be in your immediate plans.

Why? Let's explore this briefly.

"Yes, I have debt."

That's ok. Ever hear the statement "You can't take it with you"? This applies to debt as much as anything else you acquire while being alive. Mortgage, private loans for school, and credit cards are often at the top of this list.

"Yes, I have children."

Great! Children bring joy. Children also have costly plans to go to college, get married, have children of their own, and other things that may require financial support.

"Yes, I own a business."

Best of luck to you. What is your business succession plan and how do you plan to pay for it?

We have all endured a year-long pandemic. We are survivors. But in this survival, how many of us have made the decision to provide for those we leave behind?

Not a week goes by that I don't see a new "GoFundMe" page on Facebook. Is this the legacy that you wish to leave for your spouse, your kids, your business partner?

The right type of life insurance can help you with your "yes" answers and give you peace of mind like never before. It is but a part of every solid financial plan but should be the cornerstone.