What Happens If the Job Doesn’t Let You Come Home?
- Jim Carlson
- May 12
- 3 min read
Updated: May 16
It’s not the most comfortable topic. Talking about life insurance can feel like you’re planning for something you don’t want to think about, and to be honest, the industry hasn’t exactly helped. Too many people have had a bad experience with someone pushing a policy at the kitchen table, turning a personal decision into a sales pitch.
That’s not what this is about.
This is about making sure your family is protected if the unthinkable happens. If you're in a high-risk profession like firefighting, the financial fallout from a tragedy can be just as devastating as the emotional one, and it’s often preventable.
The Gap That Catches Too Many Off Guard
Most departments provide some basic group life coverage. It’s usually tied to your salary or years of service. That’s a helpful benefit, but it often falls short of what a family actually needs if a firefighter doesn't make it home.
If you’ve got a mortgage, kids, debts, or a spouse depending on your income, the math often doesn’t pencil out.
And if you’re running a side business, relying on OT, or planning on leaving the job early, that adds even more complexity.
Term vs. Permanent: Which One is “Right”?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Anyone who tells you there is probably has something to sell.
Term insurance can cover high-need years, when your kids are young, your debt is high, or you haven’t hit your savings goals yet.
Permanent insurance may make sense in specific cases, especially when you're looking at legacy planning or if your pension doesn't offer strong survivorship options for your spouse.
What matters most is understanding the role insurance plays in your plan, not someone else’s.
How I Approach It
I keep my insurance licenses active not to push products, but to help clients build a smart, flexible framework for coverage. If you want to implement through me, that’s fine. If you prefer another route, that’s fine too. My job is to help you understand:
How much coverage your family really needs
How long you need it for
What type fits your plan best
Where to get it without getting pain funneled
This is planning, not pitching.
A Final Word
You protect people every day, often without recognition. Don’t forget to protect the ones waiting for you at home. A little planning today can make a world of difference, without the sales pressure, without the jargon, and without the regret that comes from not knowing what you needed until it was too late.
If this is something you’ve been putting off, let’s talk. No pressure, no forms. Just a conversation.
Disclosures
This blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any specific insurance product. The views expressed are those of the author and are based on current conditions at the time of writing. Carlson Planning Company is a Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance services may be offered through affiliated or unaffiliated licensed agents and should be evaluated in the context of your overall financial plan. Any decisions related to life insurance coverage should be made in consultation with a licensed professional who understands your unique situation. This post does not reflect the official position of any fire department, union, or municipality and is not intended as legal or tax advice. Always consult your tax advisor, attorney, or benefits coordinator before making changes to your insurance or retirement strategy.
