Why This Question Matters More Than You Think

When shopping for life insurance, one of the first—and most important—questions you’ll face is: “How much coverage do I actually need?” It might seem like a simple math problem, but the truth is, the answer can vary wildly from person to person. And getting it wrong can mean your loved ones are left with too much burden—or too little support.
Too little coverage leaves your family vulnerable. They may struggle to keep up with mortgage payments, household bills, childcare, or even daily living expenses. On the other hand, too much coverage might mean you’re overpaying for a policy that exceeds your actual needs. It’s all about striking the right balance: enough to fully protect your loved ones without draining your current finances.
This isn’t about guesswork. It’s about taking a good, honest look at your financial life—your income, your debts, your responsibilities, and your future goals—and building a plan that aligns with reality. Life insurance is peace of mind, yes, but it’s also a financial product. And just like any financial product, the key is in how well it fits your unique situation.
Knowing your number is one of the most important financial decisions you can make—and getting it right starts with asking the right questions.

The 10x Rule: A Useful Starting Point (But Not the Whole Answer)

One of the most common rules of thumb in life insurance is to buy coverage that equals 10 times your annual income. If you make $75,000 per year, that means $750,000 in coverage. It’s a quick and easy starting point—but it’s not the full picture.
That rule doesn’t take into account your debt, dependents, or how long your family will need financial support. It also assumes your household only relies on your income. But what if you’re a stay-at-home parent who provides unpaid services that would cost thousands to replace? Or what if your spouse earns more, but your income still helps sustain the lifestyle your family depends on?
While the 10x rule is better than nothing, it’s too simplistic for most families. It doesn’t reflect real-life variables like student loans, special needs dependents, or future college expenses. And it certainly doesn’t help if you’re using life insurance as a wealth transfer tool or tax strategy.
Start with the rule if you must—but don’t stop there. Your family’s security deserves more than a shortcut.

Consider Your Outstanding Debts

A major factor in calculating your life insurance needs is understanding how much debt would be left behind. Would your spouse be able to pay the mortgage on one income? What about your car loan, student debt, or credit cards? These balances don’t disappear just because you do.
List out every significant financial obligation tied to your name. That includes your mortgage balance, remaining car payments, personal loans, and any private student loans. Some debts, like federal student loans, may be forgiven upon death. Others, like joint credit cards or cosigned loans, absolutely won’t be.
The goal of life insurance is to ensure your family doesn’t have to dip into emergency savings or rack up additional debt to stay afloat. That means your policy should at least cover all outstanding balances, so your loved ones can maintain their financial footing.
You don’t need to leave behind a fortune—but you should leave behind a clean financial slate.

Income Replacement: The Real Backbone of Coverage

The heart of most life insurance plans is income replacement. If your household depends on your salary to survive, losing that income could send shockwaves through every aspect of daily life—from housing to healthcare to future savings.
Start by estimating how many years your family would need your income if you were no longer around. Is it five years until your youngest child finishes school? Or twenty years until your spouse retires? Multiply your annual income by that number. That’s your coverage goal for income replacement alone.
Don’t forget to factor in raises, inflation, and the role your income plays in covering essentials. Also, consider whether your spouse or partner would be able—or willing—to return to work, and how that shift might affect your children or household operations.
Life insurance isn’t just about the money—it’s about buying your family time. Time to grieve. Time to adjust. Time to rebuild, without financial chaos.

Planning for Future Expenses (Yes, Even the Ones You Can’t Predict)

It’s easy to think of life insurance as something that only covers the here and now. But a smart policy should also protect your family’s future—especially the parts that are hard to plan for.
Think long term. Will your children need help paying for college? Will your spouse need extra funds for retirement now that your shared income plan has changed? What about weddings, moving costs, or even eldercare responsibilities you would’ve handled?
Even if you’re a meticulous planner, there are always surprise costs in life. Inflation, medical emergencies, and economic shifts can quickly drain a well-prepared bank account. A solid life insurance policy accounts for this by including a cushion—funds that aren’t earmarked for anything specific but are there just in case.
You can’t predict every expense your family might face—but you can prepare for them by building in margin. That’s the difference between getting by and being truly protected.

Finishing Touches: Sealing, Painting, and Protecting

Now that your window frame is patched and sanded, it’s time to make it look beautiful and last longer. The finish you apply is what gives your window frame both style and protection from the elements.
Let’s start with primer—this step is crucial, especially if you’re working with bare wood. A good-quality wood primer seals the surface, prevents the paint from peeling, and helps it adhere better. Apply it with a brush in smooth, even strokes. Don’t rush; give it time to dry completely. You’ll thank yourself later.
Next up is paint or stain, depending on your style. If you want a traditional look, a rich wood stain might be perfect. Want something more modern? A crisp coat of white or a bold color can totally transform the frame. Go for exterior-grade paint if your windows are exposed to weather—this adds an extra layer of protection against rain, sun, and temperature swings. Apply two thin coats, letting each one dry thoroughly in between. Thick, sloppy coats only lead to drips and uneven finishes.
Don’t forget the edges and corners. Use a smaller brush to get into tight spots and maintain clean lines. And if you’re restoring multiple windows, try to stay consistent in tone and color to keep your home’s curb appeal cohesive.
Once your paint has dried, add a layer of clear polyurethane if you want even more protection—especially if you used stain. It adds a subtle sheen and helps defend against moisture, UV rays, and scratches.

Inspect and Maintain: Make Your Work Last

You’ve put in the effort—now make sure your restored window frame stands the test of time. Inspect the frame regularly for signs of peeling paint, cracking caulk, or soft spots that suggest moisture is sneaking in. A little seasonal maintenance can save you from another full restoration down the road.
Also, consider checking for drafts. Older windows are charming, but they’re not always energy-efficient. If you feel cold air coming through, add weatherstripping around the frame or use a rope caulk in winter months. Small changes like these help keep your home cozy and your energy bills lower.
If you find moisture between double-pane windows, or the glass looks foggy, it may be time to look into defogging services or even consider replacing just the glass, not the entire window. There are plenty of modern solutions that can work with old frames—preserving history without sacrificing comfort.

Final Thoughts: Restoring More Than Just a Window

Restoring a window frame isn’t just about fixing wood and slapping on paint—it’s about honoring the character of your home. Every brushstroke brings back life to something that might’ve been headed for the landfill. You’re not only saving money but also adding real charm and uniqueness that modern builds can’t replicate.
And hey, don’t be surprised if neighbors ask how you did it. There’s something deeply satisfying about reviving old features with your own two hands.
Whether you’re restoring one window or taking on the whole house, remember this: patience and attention to detail are your best friends. Take your time, use quality materials, and enjoy the process. There’s nothing quite like looking at a beautifully restored window and knowing you did that.