Life insurance could save you more heartache. Be prepared.

There are more than 100 million uninsured and underinsured Americans who say they need (or need more) life insurance coverage. 38% of Americans say their household would face financial hardship within six months should a wage earner die unexpectedly — 30% would struggle financially within a month.

The top reason people give for not purchasing coverage is that it is too expensive. Yet, more than half of Americans overestimate the cost of life insurance three-fold. 36% of those without life insurance say they haven’t purchased it because they are uncertain how much they need, or what type to buy.

64% of insured middle-income consumers own permanent life insurance. These cash value accounts can be used to help with retirement savings, pay for emergencies, leave an inheritance, or help fund a dependent's education.