Insurance Analysis
Making Sure Coverage Fits Your Life, Your Goals, and Your Financial Plan
Insurance plays an important—yet often misunderstood—role in a comprehensive financial plan. As part of our financial planning process at Greenbush Financial Group, we conduct a full review of a client’s existing insurance policies to determine whether coverage is appropriate, sufficient, and aligned with current and future financial goals.
This analysis typically includes:
Life insurance
Disability insurance
Long-term care insurance
Buy-sell insurance for business owners
Employer-sponsored group coverage
The objective is not to sell insurance—it is to help clients understand what they have, what they need, and what they may no longer need.
Life Insurance Analysis
Life insurance needs change significantly over time. Our role is to help clients determine:
Whether life insurance is needed at all
How much coverage is appropriate
Which type of policy best fits the situation
Life Insurance for Growing Families
For individuals and couples starting families, life insurance is often a critical planning tool.
Key considerations include:
Future college tuition expenses
Mortgage obligations
Ongoing household expenses
The loss of one income in a two-income household
If a spouse were to pass away unexpectedly, life insurance can provide financial stability and help bridge the income gap during a very difficult time.
We analyze life insurance needs based on:
Income replacement
Debt obligations
Family goals
Existing assets
Future financial objectives
Term vs. Permanent Life Insurance
As financial planners, we generally view life insurance as a temporary need, not a permanent solution.
For most individuals:
Term insurance is the most appropriate option
It provides the largest amount of coverage for the lowest cost
It aligns with periods of financial dependency (raising children, paying down debt)
As assets grow over time, many individuals become effectively self-insured, reducing or eliminating the need for life insurance altogether.
Permanent insurance may be appropriate in select cases, but it requires careful evaluation.
Life Insurance Analysis at Retirement
Life insurance needs often change dramatically at retirement.
By this stage:
Mortgages may be paid off
Children may be financially independent
Retirement assets may be sufficient to support a surviving spouse
We help retirees evaluate:
Which policies are still necessary
Which policies may no longer serve a purpose
Whether coverage should be reduced or allowed to expire
Tax Considerations When Ending a Policy
When surrendering a permanent life insurance policy with cash value:
There may be tax consequences
Gains inside the policy may be taxable
We help clients assess:
The timing of surrender
Potential tax implications
Whether alternative strategies make more sense
Employer-Sponsored Insurance Options
Many employers offer group insurance plans that:
Have little or no underwriting
Are available at relatively low cost
Can be a strong complement to personal policies
We help clients evaluate:
How employer coverage fits into their overall plan
Whether additional coverage is needed
What happens to coverage when employment ends
Disability Insurance Analysis
Disability insurance protects one of the most valuable assets a person has: their ability to earn income.
For working individuals, especially professionals and business owners:
A disability could disrupt long-term financial goals
Income loss can affect retirement savings, mortgages, and family expenses
We help clients assess:
Whether they have disability coverage
How much income is protected
Policy quality and definitions
Gaps in existing coverage
Long-Term Care Insurance Review
For clients who already own long-term care insurance policies, we evaluate:
Policy benefits and limitations
Inflation riders
Elimination periods
How the policy integrates with retirement and estate planning
Long-term care insurance decisions should not be made in isolation—they should be coordinated with broader financial and long-term care planning strategies.
Business Insurance & Buy-Sell Planning
For business owners, insurance analysis often includes:
Buy-sell agreements
Key person insurance
Succession planning considerations
Properly structured insurance can help protect both the business and the owner’s family in the event of death or disability.
Our Insurance Analysis Articles
“I found out about Michael reading his expose about Medicare supplemental plans. Of everything I have read, his piece was the most efficacious, informative, and easy to understand. As a matter of fact, I followed up with a call, and even though he didn’t make a cent off me…he willingly spent time at the end of his day, talking me through some of my specific issues, and answered a slough of questions I had about Medigap Plans and the advantages of one choice over another. I would trust Michael with any endeavor for which I needed help…finances, insurance, retirement planning. Thank you Michael! (Cat) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”
This endorsement provided for Greenbush Financial Group, LLC on Google Review was made by a non-client, and it was a non-paid review. This non-client was solicited by Greenbush Financial Group, LLC to provide the endorsement.
“Amazing service! I spoke with Michael and he helped me confidently move forward with some big financial decisions. In addition, he had a great tip for some additional life insurance that will allow me to feel more secure about my family’s future. I would highly suggest reaching out. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”
This endorsement provided for Greenbush Financial Group, LLC on Google Review was made by a non-client, and it was a non-paid review. This non-client was solicited by Greenbush Financial Group, LLC to provide the endorsement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance Analysis
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Why is insurance analysis part of financial planning?Insurance protects against risks that could derail a financial plan, such as death, disability, or long-term care events.
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How much life insurance do I need?It depends on income, debts, family needs, and long-term goals. There is no one-size-fits-all amount.
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Is term life insurance better than permanent insurance?For most individuals, term insurance is more cost-effective and appropriate for temporary needs.
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Do I still need life insurance in retirement?Often no—but it depends on asset levels, income needs, and estate planning objectives.
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What happens if I cancel a permanent life insurance policy?There may be tax consequences if the policy has accumulated cash value.
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Is employer-provided insurance enough?Sometimes, but it should be reviewed to ensure it aligns with personal financial needs.
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Why is disability insurance important?It protects your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.
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How often should insurance coverage be reviewed?Insurance should be reviewed after major life events and as part of ongoing financial planning.
Contact Us . . . .
All of our services start with a complimentary consult. No high pressure sales tactics. We are financial planners, not salesmen.
About Our Firm: Greenbush Financial Group is an independent registered investment advisory firm based in Albany, New York, that provides four main services to clients: fee-based financial planning services, investment management, employer-sponsored retirement plans, and retirement planning services. The firm serves clients locally in the Albany region and virtually across the United States.
