Who stands behind what you read here.
Life insurance is one of the most consequential financial decisions a family makes. Our guides are written under the direction of licensed agents, reviewed and approved by a licensed agent before they publish, and sourced from references we cite. Here is exactly how we work.
A licensed agent directs and approves every guide
Our guides are written under the direction of licensed life insurance agents and reviewed and approved by a licensed agent before they publish. The reviewer is named on the page. Insurance is a high-stakes decision, so a real, accountable professional stands behind the explanation.
Real numbers, from sources we cite
Any figure about rates, taxes, or rules comes from an authoritative source, and we link it. We lean on bodies like the NAIC, the Insurance Information Institute, the IRS for tax questions, and state insurance departments. We do not invent numbers, and we do not round them into something they are not.
Education, never a sales pitch
Every guide is written to help you understand a decision, not to push a product. The action step is always the same: a conversation with a licensed agent who can look at your situation. If the honest answer is that you are already covered, or do not need much, we say that too.
We never promise an outcome
We do not promise savings, approval, or investment returns. Coverage is subject to underwriting, and product and carrier availability varies by state. Anything quantitative is framed as an estimate or an illustration, never a quote. A licensed agent confirms the specifics.
We keep guides current and fix mistakes
Insurance products and rules change, so stale guidance is wrong guidance. Every guide shows when it was last updated, and we revisit them on a regular cadence. If we get something wrong and you tell us, we correct it and update the date.
Plain English, on purpose
We translate the jargon the first time it appears, keep paragraphs short, and lead with the answer. If a guide cannot be understood at a kitchen table, it is not finished.
These guides are for general education only. They are not tax, legal, or individualized financial advice. For guidance on your situation, talk to a licensed Checkmate agent.
Tell us, and we will correct it.
If a number looks off or a guide reads as out of date, let us know. We would rather fix it than leave it.