10 Moments You’ll Thank Yourself For: My Personal Guide to Choosing Term Insurance
By Dhirendra Sharma,CFP®(Certified Financial Planner), MBA, LLB | 15 Years in Financial Services
Let’s drop all the jargon. Imagine you and I step out for a chai, and you ask, “Dhirendra, what REALLY matters before I buy term insurance?”
So, here’s my story-first answer—Pull up a chair, pour yourself a cup of chai, and let’s talk about something most people treat like a boring checkbox—term insurance.
Trust me, it’s not just paperwork. It’s the invisible shield that protects your family’s dreams when life throws a curveball. And I want to share my personal philosophy with you: IINFIRST MINDSET – Insure First, Invest First, Nurture First.
Let’s Have a Heart-to-Heart: 10 Game-Changing Thoughts Before You Buy Term Insurance.
1. Imagine Tomorrow — Insure It Today
Before you plan your investments, vacations, or dream home—first secure life’s foundation. A small step today can protect your loved ones’ big dreams tomorrow.
2. Your True Worth — Beyond Formulas
Forget the “10x your salary” thumb rule. Think deeper. If you weren’t around tomorrow, could your family manage expenses, goals, and debt repayments with dignity? Calculate based on your real responsibilities.
3. Pick the Right Duration — Tenure Matters
Coverage length is about practicality, not guesswork. If you have young kids, aim for a term until they are financially independent. Your policy should last as long as your loved ones truly need you.
4. Honesty First — No Secrets
When filling your form, share everything—your health history, habits, and lifestyle choices. A transparent start means fewer unpleasant surprises for your family during claims.
5. Add Extra Strength with Riders
Critical illness, accidental death, waiver of premium—think of riders as your policy’s armour. Tailor your coverage so it stands strong against life’s most unpredictable turns.
6. Premiums — The Sweet Spot Rule
Choose a payment mode that matches your cash flow—annual, monthly, or limited pay. The best plan is the one you can stick with through thick and thin.
7. Choose Trust Over Trend
Cheapest isn’t always best. Pick an insurer with a rock-solid claim settlement record and a reputation for being there when it matters most.
8. Online or Offline — Your Comfort Comes First
Yes, digital policies can be affordable and fuss-free, but go with the buying method you’re comfortable and confident with.
Online is faster; offline might feel safer. Choose your own adventure, as long as you are 100% confident—because protecting your family should never feel confusing.
9. Keep Nurturing Your Policy
Life changes—marriage, kids, new loans. Your policy must keep pace. Review and upgrade regularly to match your evolving responsibilities.
10. Beyond Claim Ratios — Look for Real Storie
Claim settlement percentages matter, but also read real customer experiences. The real test of an insurer is how they stand by families in their toughest hour.
Final Word — From Me to You
If you and I were chatting over coffee, I’d tell you this: term insurance is not about money—it’s about keeping promises.
With the IINFIRST mindset—Insure, Invest, Nurture—you’re building a safety net that lets your loved ones chase their dreams fearlessly, even if life takes you out of the picture.
Make this decision with love, clarity, and courage—because protecting your family is the greatest financial gift you can ever give.
Each of these ten points? Learned over decades, through real people, real losses, and real courage. So, when you finally sign that policy, smile. You’re securing more than money—you’re backing your family’s tomorrows with everything in your heart.
Think First. iin first. Join the iinfirst movement.
Warm wishes,
Dhirendra Sharma, CFP®
15+ Years of Guiding Families Towards Prosperity
Helping India insure, invest, and prosper – The iinfirst way.
