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With a new year on the horizon, it’s the ideal time to reflect on your financial goals and prepare for what’s next. A solid financial plan isn’t just about building wealth but safeguarding what matters most.
Adding protection like life insurance or income protection means you’re not just planning for the good times; you’re preparing for the unexpected. It’s all about balancing growing your future and protecting your present, giving you and your family peace of mind no matter what the year brings.
Financial Planning: Plan Smart to Protect Your Goals
Financial planning is essential no matter what stage of life you’re in—it’s the foundation that helps you achieve your goals with confidence and clarity.
Whether you’re saving for your first mortgage, preparing for the arrival of a baby, budgeting for Christmas, planning a wedding, or securing your children’s education, a well-thought-out plan ensures you’re ready for life’s significant milestones.
It’s not just about managing today’s expenses; it’s about building a future where your dreams, like a comfortable retirement or financial peace of mind, are within reach.
While savings and investments are crucial, protection, such as income protection, adds a layer of stability to your plan. It’s the foundation that allows your financial goals to thrive, even in the face of challenges.
What Is Financial Protection?
Financial protection is like a safety net for your money and loved ones. It’s all about having plans in place to make sure you’re covered if something unexpected happens—like losing your income, facing a big medical expense, or dealing with unforeseen events.
Policies like life insurance, serious illness cover, or income protection can ensure that if life throws a curveball, you and your family can stay financially secure and continue to cover essential expenses like your mortgage, bills, or daily living costs.
Think of it as peace of mind for the “what ifs” in life!
Failing to include protection in your financial plan can leave you vulnerable. Without it, you may need to dip into savings, sell assets, or rely on family members during tough times. These scenarios can set you back years in your financial journey and create unnecessary stress.
Why You May Need Financial Protection
Uncertainty Is Always a Factor
Life is full of surprises—like landing tickets to your favourite concert at the last minute or a broken boiler on the coldest night of the year. You never know what’s coming next, but you can ensure you’re ready.
Financial protection, like life insurance or income protection, is like your backstage crew, quietly keeping everything running smoothly no matter what happens. It’s not just about being prepared for the worst; it’s about giving yourself and your family room to breathe when life decides to shake things up.
With a solid plan, those “what-ifs” won’t stand a chance of stealing the spotlight from your big goals.
Secure Your Family’s Future
For many of us, family is the driving force behind our financial decisions. Protection policies like life insurance ensure your loved ones will be financially supported if you’re no longer there to provide for them. This could mean:
- Paying off a mortgage so your family can stay in their home.
- Covering daily living expenses, such as groceries, school fees, and utilities.
- Ensuring long-term financial stability for your spouse or children.
Protect Your Income and Lifestyle
Your income is the foundation of your financial plan—it funds your goals, lifestyle, and aspirations. Yet, many people overlook how vulnerable their income is to unforeseen events. Income protection insurance is designed to replace some of your earnings if illness or injury prevents you from working. This means you can:
- Continue to pay your bills without dipping into savings.
- Maintain your standard of living even during tough times.
- Stay on track with long-term financial goals like retirement savings.
your goals!
Affordability of Protection Plans
Contrary to popular belief, protection doesn’t have to break the bank. Many policies can be tailored to suit your budget, balancing affordability and adequate coverage.
You’d be surprised how affordable protection can be—often less than what you spend on little things like coffee runs or takeaway. And the peace of mind it brings? Totally worth it.
Plus, locking in a policy early when you’re young and healthy can save you money in the long run, as premiums typically increase with age.
Tax Benefits and Savings Opportunities
In some cases, protection policies come with added financial advantages. For example:
- Life insurance policies: can be set up under a Section 72 plan to cover inheritance tax, reducing the financial burden on your dependents.
- Pension term assurance: allows tax relief on premiums, making it a cost-effective way to secure your financial future.
- Income Protection: Eligible for income tax relief at 20% or 40%, depending on your tax band.
- Health insurance: When you buy health insurance or get a quote, your premium breakdown will include the tax relief being deducted at source.
Key Components of Financial Protection
Life Insurance
Life insurance provides a lump sum payment to your beneficiaries if you pass away. This money can be used to cover expenses like mortgages, education, and daily living costs, ensuring your family’s financial stability.
We have a variety of articles to help you navigate the world of life insurance. From breaking down the types of policies and simplifying the jargon, understanding tax implications for cohabiting couples and finding advice tailored to parents—whether you’re a mum, dad, married, or a single parent—there’s something for everyone.
Explore our resources and get the clarity you need to make informed decisions.
- Life Insurance Calculator: How Much Does Life Insurance Cost in Ireland?
- What’s the difference between Mortgage Protection and Life insurance?
- Questions about Life Insurance You Always Wanted to Ask
- What is Life Insurance?
- The Benefits of Using a Broker to Get Life Insurance Quotes
- The Benefits You Can Enjoy From Life Insurance While Alive
get a quote today!
Income Protection
Income protection replaces a portion of your income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury, allowing you to continue covering essential expenses without dipping into savings
- Replaces up to 75% of your annual salary if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury.
- Ensures you can cover essential expenses without dipping into savings.
- Provides cover until the day you retire.
- Eligible for income tax relief at 20% or 40%.
- Flexible deferred periods: 4, 8, 13, 26, or 52 weeks.
Explore our resources and get the clarity you need to make informed decisions.
- Your Guide to Income Protection Insurance
- Understanding the Power of Income Protection Insurance
- Critical Illness vs. Income Protection: Which is the Best?
Serious Illness Cover
A serious illness can have both an emotional and financial impact. Medical treatments, recovery time, and loss of income can all strain your finances.
Also called Critical illness insurance, it provides a lump sum payment if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness like cancer, heart disease, or stroke. It helps with medical costs, lost income, or lifestyle adjustments during recovery.
This money can help:
- Cover medical expenses and specialised care.
- Replace lost income while you focus on recovery.
- Make adjustments to your home if needed (e.g., accessibility upgrades).
Explore our resources and get the clarity you need to make informed decisions.
- Serious Illness Cover Explained: Your Comprehensive Handbook
- Critical Illness vs. Income Protection: Which is the Best?
- How to Claim Serious Illness Cover Multiple Times?
Health Insurance
Health insurance gives you peace of mind by helping cover the cost of public and private healthcare, such as hospital stays and specialist treatments. Health insurance also helps reduce waiting times for procedures and surgeries.
Read our comprehensive guide to explore all the benefits, or talk to our financial advisors to find the right plan for you.
Financial Protection for Business Owners
If you’re a business owner, protection is not just a personal priority—it’s also essential for your company. Policies like key person insurance or executive income protection safeguard your business against financial losses due to the illness or death of key team members. This ensures the continuity of your operations and gives you and your stakeholders peace of mind.
Start or Review Your Protection Plan Today
Life changes, and so do your financial needs. If you already have protection policies in place, take a moment to review them—are they still enough for your current lifestyle, family, or career situation? If not, it might be time to make some adjustments.
And if you’re starting fresh, don’t worry—a financial advisor can help you find the right options.
At LowQuotes, we’re here to simplify the process and help you create a financial plan that’s as secure as your goals. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the next step toward a more confident and protected future.
We also provide various financial services, such as mortgages, pensions, financial planning, and savings & investments.
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All our content has been written or overseen by a qualified financial advisor. However, you should always seek individual financial advice for your unique circumstances.