Some are confused about the difference between term insurance and what is called whole life. For the longest time I assumed that term was a waste of time, but I have learned recently that this is not the case. Most people do not need whole life insurance, and paying the premium for that is often a waste of money. There are times when it might be a good idea, but for the most part, many simply need to have a long running term policy to protect their family.
Whole life insurance is particularly useful when you have a disabled child in the family. When that parents passed away, the wholelife insurance will ensure that the child receive proper coverage till the day he dies.
In other cases, perhaps term insurance is all they need. The payout can help pay for funeral expenses, and other situation. It is always good to have some kind of insurance.
Term insurance lasts for a few years. Though some can be renew once it expires, however, it may not ne necessary once all your kids are grown and you can retire comfortably.
This will be a judgment call of course, but it is not going to be the sole source of income if someone were to die early. Some who are of a charitable mind will have term life with the benefits going to charity until the day they marry or have children. Others find that they have a great policy at work, but they should remember this probably only covers death that happens on the clock. They need something more than that for their family.