Marc is 32 and married to Estella, who is 30. Estella is a stay-at-home mom to their two children, ages 1 and 4. They currently
live on Marc's salary of $110,000 (after taxes) that just about meets their household expenses. They would like to make sure that if Marc dies, they replace his income for 17 years, which would match their mortgage maturity and their kids would be well off to college; fund the children's college education ($300,000); establish a retirement fund for Estella ($250,000) to supplement Marc's Social Security retirement benefits; cover funeral costs ($10,000); and establish a 3-month emergency fund. If Estella dies, they want to have enough insurance to be able to pay for child care ($36,000 per year) and housekeeping services ($12,000 per year) for 17 years, to establish an emergency fund, and for funeral costs. They have the following financials:
Marc's employer provides a year's salary life insurance. Family is eligible for Social Security survivor benefits of $55,000 if Marc dies. Household expenses would be 20% lower if either parent dies. Current savings and investments of $23,000.
Using the financial needs approach, how much life insurance would you recommend?
A. $905,500 on Marc; $778,500 on Estella
B. $1,015,500 on Marc; $756,500 on Estella
C. $487,500 on Marc; $340,500 on Estella
D. $1,063,500 on Marc; $708,500 on Estella
