[campbellcj]

Same here, I think it's kind of an "obligation" to the wife and kids to ensure that housing, education and living expenses will be taken care of, if I should be removed from this existence unexpectedly.

Term life is not horifically expensive if you are a non-smoker, healthy and young. The key is to initiate the policy when these things are the case, as then you can lock in a guaranteed premium to age 65.

Some employers will either provide minimal coverage (probably rare anymore) or can at least get you a better rate thru their broker via being part of a "group" vs an individual.

Keep in mind that as your net worth builds, you need to consider estate planning issues i.e. the death tax, or at least we do here in the States. So if, god forbid, something should happen to both parents, insurance can cover the tax to the kids and help avoid erosion of assets.

Just my amateur $.02...hopefully the pros will chime in and clear up the matter further.