HOW MUCH LIFE?

Physician'sMoney Digest

How much life insurance do youneed? Most experts agree that 5 to 7times your annual income is a goodbeginning. For average readers, that's nearly$1.5 million in life insurance. Butthat's only a starting point; you needto analyze your own lifestyle andassets to come up with the insurancefigure that best fits you. If you haveseveral young children, you may needmore insurance than if you havefewer or no dependents. If you'reolder with a flush retirement account,you may need less insuranceor none at all. Term life makes moresense for younger doctors than wholelife policies, because you get a biggerbenefit for your buck. Check outinsurance company ratings with A.M.Best (908-439-2200; www.ambest.com) or Weiss Ratings (800-291-8545; www.weissratings.com).