We’ve all had that fleeting, middle-of-the-night thought: If something happened to us tomorrow, would my family be okay?

As the ones usually managing the household “everything,” we know that “being okay” isn’t just about the bank balance — it’s about the mortgage being paid, the kids staying in their same schools, and the life we’ve built together remaining intact.

If you’re looking to sit down with your partner and finally check this off your to-do list, here are three simple rules of thumb to guide the conversation.

1. The “10x Income” Baseline

A quick starting point is to aim for a policy that is 10 times you or your spouse’s annual salary.

• The Goal: This provides roughly a decade of “breathing room” to replace the lost income and keep your lifestyle stable while you navigate the future.
• The Math: So for an $80k earner, start the conversation at $800,000.

2. The DIME Method (For a Tailored Plan)

If you want to get specific, use the DIME acronym together. It’s the easiest way to see the “full picture” on one page:

• D (Debt): Total up the credit cards, car loans, and personal loans.
• I (Income Replacement): How many years would you need the salary to keep things running? (Usually until the youngest child is 18).
• M (Mortgage): The current balance to ensure the family stays in the home.
• E (Education): Estimated tuition for the kids.

3. Don’t Forget “The Invisible Salary”

If you are a stay-at-home mom or work part-time, remember: you need a policy, too. If something happens to you, your partner would need to pay for childcare, household management, and transportation—costs that add up to tens of thousands per year.

Don’t leave your role out of the protection plan.

4. The “Peace of Mind” Buffer

Finally, add $15,000–$25,000 for immediate final expenses. This ensures that in the hardest moments, no one is worrying about how to pay for a funeral or legal fees.

The Next Step: Once you’ve settled on a number, don’t let the policy sit in a dusty filing cabinet. Upload a digital copy to Shelter. That way, no matter what happens, you both have access to the details, the agent’s name, and the “How-To” for your family.