Financial security means different things to different people. For most of us, it means a comfortable standard of living. But maintaining your standard of living takes hard work...and money.

Although money can come from a number of sources, most of us rely on a pay-cheque. Have you thought about what could happen if you lost your job, or were ill and unable to work? For some people, Employment Insurance can help fill the gap and give you time to find another job. Losing your health or your life is a different story; it can be financially devastating. Worse yet, it can happen without warning.

These days, there’s a lot of talk about investing. It’s wise to plan for retirement, but not at the expense of your overall financial security. Before you consider investing money elsewhere, you should have a sound insurance plan in place. It’s a core need, just like having an "emergency" savings fund.

It’s been said that "life insurance isn’t for the people who die, it’s for the people who live." Without your income, your family’s standard of living may be at risk.

If something were to happen to you, have you taken the necessary steps to get your financial affairs in order? Consider two different types of expenses:

1. Immediate expenses such as funeral expenses, paying off debts, establishing an emergency fund for your family or providing an education fund for your children.
2. Ongoing expenses like providing income for your surviving family members or business partners.

In reality, we don’t get a chance after we’re gone to get our affairs in order. We need to plan ahead and make these important decisions before it’s too late. That’s why it’s a good idea to talk with an independent advisor who can guide you through the process and help you get your affairs in order now.

Although life insurance may seem confusing at first glance there really are just two basic forms of coverage, Term and Permanent.