Short-term life insurance

Short-term life insurance is designed to offer coverage for a specified period, providing a death benefit if the insured passes away within the policy term. This type of insurance is ideal for individuals who need temporary protection without the higher premiums associated with permanent life insurance. Common scenarios where short-term life insurance is beneficial include covering the duration of a mortgage, protecting income during a specific career phase, or bridging the gap until permanent coverage is affordable or necessary.

Unlike permanent life insurance, which covers the insured for their entire lifetime and often includes a cash value component, short-term policies are straightforward, focusing solely on providing financial protection for the agreed-upon term. They are typically more affordable due to their limited duration and lack of cash value accumulation. This simplicity makes short-term life insurance an attractive option for those seeking immediate coverage without long-term financial commitments.

Key points: 

• Provides coverage for a set period

• Offers a death benefit if the insured dies within the term

• More affordable than permanent life insurance

• No cash value component

• Ideal for temporary financial protection needs

Short-term life insurance plays a crucial role in financial planning by addressing specific, temporary needs that arise during various life stages. It ensures that your loved ones are financially protected during critical periods when you might not require lifelong coverage. Here are several reasons why short-term life insurance is important:

1. Mortgage Protection: When purchasing a home, securing a short-term policy can cover the mortgage payments for the duration of the loan, providing peace of mind that your family can stay in their home even if something happens to you.

2. Income Replacement: For individuals experiencing a career transition, starting a business, or working on a fixed-term contract, short-term coverage ensures that your income can support your family during these periods of change.

3. Debt Coverage: Short-term life insurance can help manage and pay off personal debts, such as car loans or credit card balances, preventing financial strain on your loved ones.

4. Supplementing Permanent Coverage: It can act as a bridge until you are eligible for permanent life insurance or until your financial situation stabilizes enough to afford it.

5. Temporary Dependents: If you have dependents who require support for a specific period, such as children in school or elderly parents needing care, short-term coverage can provide the necessary financial backing.

By addressing these specific needs, short-term life insurance offers targeted financial protection that aligns with your temporary obligations and life circumstances, ensuring that your family remains secure without the burden of unnecessary long-term premiums.

There are primarily two types of short-term life insurance policies: term life insurance and limited term life insurance. Each serves different purposes and offers varying levels of flexibility and coverage.

1. Term Life Insurance: Term life insurance is the most common form of short-term coverage. It provides a death benefit if the insured dies within a specified period, usually ranging from 1 to 30 years. The premiums remain level throughout the term, making it predictable and budget-friendly. Term policies are ideal for covering time-bound financial obligations like mortgages, education expenses, or temporary income replacement.

2. Limited Term Life Insurance: Limited term life insurance offers coverage for shorter durations, typically from one to five years. These policies are tailored for specific, short-term needs and are often more affordable than longer-term policies. Limited term policies are suitable for temporary situations such as covering a short-term loan, protecting a business partnership, or providing coverage during a probationary employment period.

Both types of short-term life insurance lack the cash value component found in permanent policies, focusing solely on providing a death benefit within the agreed term. When choosing between term and limited term life insurance, consider the duration of your financial needs, budget constraints, and whether you anticipate requiring longer-term coverage in the future.

Key differences: 

• Term life insurance offers longer coverage periods, typically 10-30 years.

• Limited term life insurance provides shorter coverage periods, usually 1-5 years.

• Both types focus on death benefits without cash value accumulation.

• Term policies are suitable for broader, long-term obligations.

• Limited term policies are ideal for very specific, short-term needs

Choosing the appropriate coverage amount for your short-term life insurance policy involves evaluating your current financial obligations and future goals within the policy term. Here are the key factors to consider:

1. Current Expenses: Calculate your essential monthly expenses, including housing costs (mortgage or rent), utilities, groceries, transportation, and insurance premiums. Multiply these by the number of months you want the coverage to last to determine a baseline coverage amount.

2. Debt Obligations: Include outstanding debts such as credit card balances, personal loans, car loans, or student loans. Ensure the death benefit can fully cover these debts to prevent your family from inheriting them.

3. Income Replacement: If you are the primary breadwinner, estimate the number of years your family would need to replace your income. This calculation should factor in the duration of the term policy and the specific financial needs of your dependents.

4. Future Goals: Consider any short-term financial goals that may arise during the policy term, such as funding a child’s education, starting a business, or making a significant purchase. The coverage amount should be sufficient to meet these objectives without causing financial strain.

5. Existing Insurance Coverage: Evaluate any existing life insurance policies or other financial resources. Your short-term policy should complement these resources, providing additional coverage where needed without unnecessary overlap.

6. Affordability: Balance the coverage amount with your budget. Higher coverage typically results in higher premiums, so ensure that the policy remains affordable throughout the term without compromising other financial priorities.

A common guideline is to aim for a coverage amount that equals 5 to 10 times your annual income, adjusted based on your specific needs and financial obligations. Utilizing online calculators or consulting with a financial advisor can help you determine an accurate and adequate coverage amount tailored to your circumstances.

Key considerations: 

• Calculate essential monthly expenses and multiply by the policy term

• Include all outstanding debts and financial obligations

• Estimate income replacement needs based on your role in the household

• Factor in short-term financial goals and future expenses

• Assess existing insurance coverage and financial resources

• Ensure the policy remains affordable within your budget

Selecting the right short-term life insurance provider or broker is crucial to ensure you receive a policy that meets your needs and offers reliable service. Here are the steps to help you make an informed choice:

1. Research Reputable Insurers: Start by identifying well-established insurance companies with strong financial ratings and positive customer reviews. Look for providers known for their reliability, transparency, and excellent claim settlement records.

2. Compare Quotes: Obtain quotes from multiple insurers to compare premiums, coverage options, and policy terms. Use online comparison tools or work with an insurance broker who can provide competitive quotes from different companies.

3. Assess Financial Strength: Choose an insurer with high financial strength ratings from agencies like A.M. Best, Moody’s, or Standard & Poor’s. This ensures the company can honor its commitments and pay out claims when needed.

4. Evaluate Customer Service: Consider the quality of customer service offered by the insurer. Look for companies that provide responsive support, clear communication, and easy access to policy information and claims assistance.

5. Check Policy Flexibility: Ensure the provider offers flexible policy options that can be tailored to your specific needs. This includes the ability to adjust coverage amounts, extend the term, or add riders for additional protection.

6. Review Terms and Conditions: Carefully read the policy’s terms and conditions, focusing on exclusions, limitations, and the claims process. Understanding these details will help you avoid surprises and ensure the policy aligns with your expectations.

7. Consider Bilingual Support: If you prefer documentation and support in both English and French, choose a provider that offers bilingual services. This is particularly important if you are more comfortable communicating in one language over the other.

8. Seek Recommendations: Ask friends, family members, or colleagues for recommendations based on their experiences with short-term life insurance providers. Personal testimonials can provide valuable insights into an insurer’s reliability and service quality.

9. Consult a Licensed Broker: Working with a licensed insurance broker can simplify the selection process. Brokers have access to a wide range of products and can offer expert advice tailored to your financial situation and coverage needs.

By taking these steps, you can select a short-term life insurance provider or broker that offers the best combination of coverage, affordability, and customer support, ensuring your temporary financial protection needs are effectively met.

Key steps: 

• Research and identify reputable insurers

• Compare quotes and coverage options

• Assess financial strength and reliability

• Evaluate customer service quality

• Ensure policy flexibility and customization

• Review terms and conditions thoroughly

• Consider bilingual support if needed

• Seek personal recommendations

• Consult a licensed broker for expert guidance

Short-term life insurance has specific implications for taxation and estate planning that should be carefully considered to maximize its benefits and ensure alignment with your overall financial strategy.

1. Tax-Free Death Benefit: In Canada, including Quebec, life insurance death benefits are generally paid out tax-free to the designated beneficiaries. This allows your loved ones to receive the full death benefit without the burden of taxes, providing immediate financial relief during a difficult time.

2. Estate Planning Integration: While short-term life insurance is primarily designed for temporary financial needs, it can still play a role in your estate planning. For example, it can help cover immediate expenses like funeral costs, outstanding debts, or legal fees, preventing your estate from being depleted by these obligations.

3. Beneficiary Designations: Properly designating beneficiaries is crucial. Ensure that beneficiaries are clearly named and updated regularly to reflect changes in your family structure, such as marriages, divorces, or the birth of children. This ensures that the death benefit is directed to the intended recipients without complications.

4. Trusts and Estate Structures: In some cases, incorporating life insurance into a trust can provide additional benefits. A trust can control how and when the death benefit is distributed, ensuring that funds are used according to your wishes. This is particularly useful if you want to provide for minor children, dependents with special needs, or charitable organizations.

5. Policy Ownership: Deciding who owns the policy affects control and access to the death benefit. If you retain ownership, you can make changes to the policy or beneficiaries without needing approval from others. Alternatively, transferring ownership to a spouse or family member can have estate planning advantages, such as reducing the value of your estate for tax purposes.

6. Premium Payments and Deductibility: Premiums for life insurance are generally not tax-deductible, meaning you pay them with after-tax dollars. However, the tax-free nature of the death benefit makes life insurance a valuable component of your financial strategy, even if premiums are not deductible.

7. Cash Value and Loans: While short-term policies typically do not accumulate cash value, understanding how any potential cash value interacts with your estate plan is important if you consider temporary policies with savings components. Loans against cash value can provide additional financial flexibility but may impact the death benefit and require careful planning.

By integrating short-term life insurance into your estate planning, you can ensure that temporary financial needs are met without disrupting your long-term financial goals. Consulting with a financial advisor or estate planner can help you optimize the use of life insurance within your broader estate strategy, ensuring that your loved ones are well-supported and your financial legacy is preserved.

Key considerations: 

• Life insurance death benefits are generally tax-free

• Integrate life insurance with estate planning to cover immediate expenses

• Clearly designate and regularly update beneficiaries

• Consider trusts for controlled distribution of death benefits

• Decide on policy ownership based on control and estate implications

• Understand that premiums are not tax-deductible

• Evaluate the impact of any cash value on your estate plan

Short-term life insurance can be influenced by linguistic, cultural, and legal factors, especially in regions with distinct identities like Quebec. Understanding and navigating these differences ensures that your policy aligns with your personal preferences and complies with local regulations.

1. Language Considerations: In bilingual regions, insurance documentation and communication may be available in both English and French. Ensure you fully understand the policy terms by choosing a provider that offers support in your preferred language. This is particularly important for complex policy details, exclusions, and riders.

2. Cultural Sensitivities: Cultural values can influence how you perceive and utilize life insurance. Some cultures prioritize extended family support, community obligations, or specific financial practices. Selecting a policy that respects and aligns with these cultural values can enhance its effectiveness and acceptance within your family.

3. Legal Framework: Different regions have unique legal systems that affect how life insurance interacts with other financial and estate planning tools. Understanding local laws regarding inheritance, beneficiary rights, and estate taxes is essential for optimizing your policy’s benefits and ensuring compliance.

4. Community-Oriented Providers: In communities with strong local identities, choosing insurers who are embedded within the community can offer additional benefits. These providers may have a better understanding of local needs, offer personalized service, and build long-term relationships that enhance trust and satisfaction.

5. Policy Customization: Tailor your short-term life insurance policy to reflect your cultural and legal context. This may involve selecting specific riders, choosing appropriate beneficiaries, or structuring the policy in a way that integrates seamlessly with other financial instruments you use.

6. Legal Assistance: Consulting with legal professionals who understand the local legal environment ensures that your policy is structured correctly and aligns with your estate planning objectives. They can help you navigate any legal nuances and ensure that your life insurance works harmoniously with other aspects of your financial plan.

By considering language, culture, and legal differences, you can ensure that your short-term life insurance policy is not only effective in providing financial protection but also respectful and aligned with your personal and familial values. This comprehensive approach enhances the policy’s relevance and effectiveness, ensuring it serves its intended purpose during critical times.

Key points: 

• Ensure documentation and communication are in your preferred language

• Align policy features with cultural values and family obligations

• Understand local legal implications for inheritance and estate planning

• Choose community-oriented providers for personalized service

• Customize policies to reflect cultural and legal contexts

• Seek legal advice to integrate insurance with estate plans

Securing affordable coverage for your short-term life insurance involves balancing your financial needs with budget constraints. Here are strategies to help you obtain cost-effective protection:

1. Choose the Right Policy Type: Opt for a term life insurance policy that matches your specific needs. Term policies are generally more affordable than permanent ones and provide substantial coverage for the duration you require.

2. Compare Multiple Quotes: Shop around by obtaining quotes from various insurance providers. Comparing premiums, coverage amounts, and policy features helps you find the best deal that fits your budget without compromising on essential protection.

3. Consider Policy Term Length: Select a policy term that aligns with your financial obligations. Shorter terms typically have lower premiums, but ensure the coverage period sufficiently covers your temporary needs.

4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Your health significantly affects your insurance premiums. Leading a healthy lifestyle, quitting smoking, and managing chronic conditions can lower your premiums and make coverage more affordable.

5. Bundle Policies: Some insurers offer discounts when you bundle multiple policies, such as life insurance with home or auto insurance. Bundling can reduce overall costs while providing comprehensive protection.

6. Opt for Level Premiums: Choosing a policy with level premiums ensures that your payments remain consistent throughout the term, making it easier to budget and manage your finances.

7. Adjust Coverage Amount: Carefully assess your coverage needs and avoid over-insuring. Selecting an appropriate coverage amount based on your financial obligations and goals prevents paying for unnecessary protection.

8. Utilize Discounts: Inquire about available discounts such as multi-policy discounts, loyalty discounts, or discounts for paying premiums annually instead of monthly. Taking advantage of these can lower your premium costs.

9. Review and Adjust Regularly: Periodically review your policy to ensure it still meets your needs. Adjusting coverage amounts or switching to different policy terms as your financial situation changes can help maintain affordability.

10. Work with a Licensed Broker: A licensed insurance broker can help you navigate the market, find the best deals, and negotiate favorable terms. Brokers have access to a wide range of policies and can identify cost-saving opportunities tailored to your situation.

By implementing these strategies, you can secure affordable short-term life insurance that provides the necessary financial protection without straining your budget. Balancing cost with coverage ensures that you meet your temporary financial goals while maintaining overall financial health.

Key strategies: 

•  Choose term life insurance for cost-effectiveness

• Compare quotes from multiple insurers

• Select a policy term that matches financial needs

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle to lower premiums

• Bundle multiple insurance policies for discounts

• Opt for level premiums to stabilize costs

• Adjust coverage amounts based on actual needs

• Utilize available discounts and incentives

• Regularly review and adjust your policy

• Work with a licensed broker for expert guidance

Properly managing beneficiaries, policy ownership, and making necessary adjustments ensures that your short-term life insurance policy remains effective and aligned with your evolving needs.

1. Designating Beneficiaries: Clearly name one or more beneficiaries who will receive the death benefit. This can include family members, friends, trusts, or charitable organizations. Ensure that beneficiaries are aware of their designation and understand their role in your financial plan.

2. Policy Ownership: Decide who will own the policy. Ownership typically resides with the insured individual, but you can also assign ownership to a spouse, family member, or trust. Proper ownership ensures control over the policy’s terms, beneficiaries, and any future adjustments.

3. Regularly Update Beneficiaries: Life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the death of a beneficiary necessitate updates to your policy. Regularly reviewing and updating beneficiary designations prevents unintended recipients and ensures that the death benefit reaches the intended parties.

4. Adjusting Coverage Amounts: Your financial needs may change during the policy term. If you take on new debts, experience a significant income increase, or your temporary obligations diminish, you may need to adjust your coverage amount. Contact your insurer to modify your policy accordingly, ensuring that your coverage remains aligned with your current circumstances.

5. Policy Renewals and Extensions: As your short-term policy nears the end of its term, assess whether you still need coverage or if you want to extend the term. Renewing or extending the policy can provide continued protection, but be aware that premiums may increase based on age and health status.

6. Converting Policies: Some short-term policies offer the option to convert to a permanent policy without undergoing a new medical exam. This feature provides flexibility if your financial needs shift towards long-term protection, allowing you to maintain coverage continuity.

7. Adding Riders: Enhance your policy by adding riders that provide additional benefits or coverage options. Common riders for short-term life insurance include critical illness riders, disability riders, or accidental death riders. These additions can tailor the policy to better meet your specific needs and provide extra financial protection.

8. Policy Reviews:
   Schedule regular policy reviews with your insurance provider or broker to ensure that your coverage remains relevant. These reviews allow you to make necessary adjustments based on changes in your financial situation, family dynamics, or personal goals.

By effectively managing beneficiaries, ownership, and making timely policy adjustments, you ensure that your short-term life insurance continues to provide the intended financial protection. This proactive approach maximizes the policy’s benefits and aligns it with your evolving life circumstances.

Key actions: 

• Clearly designate and communicate beneficiaries

• Determine appropriate policy ownership

• Regularly update beneficiaries after life events

• Adjust coverage amounts as financial needs change

• Consider renewals or extensions before policy term ends

• Utilize conversion options to switch to permanent policies if needed

• Add riders to enhance and customize coverage

• Conduct regular policy reviews for ongoing relevance

Riders are optional features that you can add to your short-term life insurance policy to provide additional coverage and flexibility. These enhancements allow you to tailor your policy to better meet your specific needs and financial goals. Here are some common riders and add-ons available for short-term life insurance:

1. Critical Illness Rider: This rider provides a lump-sum payment if you are diagnosed with a specified critical illness, such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke. The funds can be used to cover medical expenses, treatment costs, or other financial obligations, allowing you to focus on recovery without worrying about money.

2. Disability Rider: A disability rider waives your premium payments if you become disabled and are unable to work. This ensures that your life insurance coverage remains in force without adding financial strain during a period of disability.

3. Accidental Death Rider: This rider increases the death benefit if the insured dies as a result of an accident. It provides additional financial support in the event of an unexpected and accidental death, offering extra protection for your loved ones.

4. Waiver of Premium Rider: With this rider, your premiums are waived if you become seriously ill or disabled and cannot continue to pay. This helps maintain your policy’s coverage during challenging times without requiring out-of-pocket payments.

5. Child Rider: A child rider adds coverage for your children under the main policy. It provides a death benefit if a covered child dies, helping to cover funeral costs or other expenses, and can be a cost-effective way to include your family in your life insurance plan.

6. Guaranteed Insurability Rider:
   This rider allows you to increase your coverage amount in the future without undergoing a medical exam. It is beneficial if you anticipate needing more coverage as your financial responsibilities grow, such as starting a family or purchasing a larger home.

7. Return of Premium Rider: This rider refunds the premiums paid if you survive the policy term. It provides a way to recoup your investment in the policy, making short-term life insurance more appealing if you outlive the coverage period.

8. Terminal Illness Rider: Allows you to access a portion of the death benefit if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness. The funds can be used to cover medical bills, make necessary adjustments to your lifestyle, or fulfill any last wishes.

Adding riders to your short-term life insurance policy can significantly enhance its value and effectiveness, providing comprehensive coverage that addresses various aspects of your financial and personal needs. When selecting riders, consider your current situation, potential future needs, and how each rider aligns with your overall financial strategy.

Key riders: 

• Critical illness rider for lump-sum payments upon diagnosis

• Disability rider to waive premiums if unable to work

• Accidental death rider for increased benefits due to accidents

• Waiver of premium rider to maintain coverage without payments

• Child rider to include coverage for your children

• Guaranteed insurability rider to increase coverage without medical exams

• Return of premium rider for premium refunds upon survival

• Terminal illness rider for early access to death benefits

Several myths and misconceptions can deter individuals from considering short-term life insurance. Understanding the truth behind these misconceptions can help you make informed decisions about your coverage needs.

1. Myth: Short-term life insurance is not necessary
   Truth: Short-term life insurance is essential for covering temporary financial obligations and providing protection during specific life stages. It ensures that your loved ones are financially secure during critical periods, such as paying off a mortgage or supporting children through school.

2. Myth: It’s cheaper to buy two separate policies instead of a short-term policy
   Truth: Short-term life insurance is typically more affordable than maintaining two separate policies, especially when covering temporary needs. Bundling coverage into a single short-term policy can provide comprehensive protection at a lower overall cost.

3. Myth: Short-term life insurance cannot be converted to permanent coverage
   Truth: Many short-term policies offer conversion options that allow you to switch to a permanent policy without additional medical exams. This flexibility ensures that you can maintain coverage as your financial needs evolve.

4. Myth: Short-term life insurance lacks flexibility
   Truth: Short-term life insurance policies are designed to be flexible, allowing you to tailor coverage amounts, terms, and riders to suit your specific needs. This adaptability makes them an ideal solution for various temporary financial goals.

5. Myth: Only single individuals need short-term life insurance
   Truth: Both single and married individuals can benefit from short-term life insurance. For couples, it can cover shared debts or temporary financial gaps, while single individuals can protect personal obligations or future plans.

6. Myth: Short-term life insurance is the same as accidental death insurance
   Truth: While both provide financial protection, short-term life insurance covers death from any cause during the policy term, whereas accidental death insurance specifically covers deaths resulting from accidents. They serve different purposes and can complement each other within a comprehensive financial plan.

7. Myth: You don’t need to update your short-term policy once it’s in place
   Truth: It’s important to review and adjust your short-term life insurance policy as your financial situation changes. Life events such as marriage, having children, or paying off major debts may necessitate changes to your coverage to ensure it remains adequate.

8. Myth: Short-term life insurance is only for young people
   Truth: While short-term life insurance is popular among younger individuals due to its affordability, it is beneficial for people of all ages who have temporary financial needs. Whether you’re mid-career or approaching retirement, short-term policies can provide essential protection.

By debunking these misconceptions, you can better appreciate the value of short-term life insurance and incorporate it effectively into your financial planning. Understanding the realities of short-term life insurance helps you leverage its benefits to secure your family’s financial future without unnecessary expense or complexity.

Common misconceptions: 

•  Short-term life insurance is unnecessary

• It’s cheaper to buy two separate policies

• Short-term policies cannot be converted

• Lack of flexibility in short-term coverage

• Only single individuals need coverage

• Short-term life insurance is identical to accidental death insurance

• Policies don’t need regular updates

• Short-term life insurance is only for the young

Short-term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period and is generally more affordable, making it suitable for temporary financial needs. Permanent life insurance, on the other hand, offers lifelong coverage with a cash value component, serving long-term financial goals and estate planning. While short-term policies focus solely on the death benefit, permanent policies can also act as investment vehicles.

Many short-term life insurance policies include a conversion option that allows you to switch to a permanent policy without undergoing a new medical exam. This feature provides flexibility to extend coverage and align with changing financial needs as they arise.

Short-term life insurance is typically more affordable than permanent life insurance because it provides coverage for a limited time and does not include a cash value component. This makes short-term policies an economical choice for addressing temporary financial obligations.

Individuals who have temporary financial responsibilities such as paying off a mortgage, covering a specific loan term, supporting dependents during a set period, or protecting a business partnership can benefit from short-term life insurance. It is also suitable for those transitioning between permanent policies or needing quick coverage.

The cost of short-term life insurance is influenced by several factors, including age, health status, coverage amount, policy term, lifestyle habits (such as smoking), and occupation. Younger, healthier individuals typically enjoy lower premiums compared to older or higher-risk applicants.

While short-term life insurance primarily covers death from any cause, specific riders like terminal illness riders can provide early access to a portion of the death benefit if diagnosed with a terminal illness. This can help cover medical expenses or other financial needs during a challenging time.

To choose the right short-term life insurance policy, assess your financial obligations and determine the coverage amount and term that align with your temporary needs. Compare policies from different providers, consider adding relevant riders for additional protection, and consult with an insurance broker or financial advisor to ensure the policy meets your specific requirements.

Short-term life insurance is a versatile and cost-effective solution for addressing temporary financial needs and providing essential protection during transitional periods in life. By offering coverage for specific timeframes, it ensures that your loved ones are financially secure without the burden of long-term premiums. Whether you need to cover a mortgage, protect a business partnership, or bridge the gap until permanent coverage is feasible, short-term life insurance delivers targeted financial support tailored to your immediate circumstances.

When selecting a short-term policy, it is crucial to evaluate your financial obligations, choose the appropriate coverage amount and term, and consider adding riders that enhance the policy’s benefits. Working with a reputable insurance provider or broker can streamline this process, ensuring you find a policy that fits your budget and meets your temporary needs effectively.

Understanding the true value of short-term life insurance dispels common misconceptions and highlights its role as a fundamental component of comprehensive financial planning. By incorporating short-term coverage into your strategy, you safeguard your family’s financial stability, allowing you to navigate life’s uncertainties with confidence and peace of mind. Embrace the flexibility and affordability of short-term life insurance to secure your present and protect your future, ensuring that your loved ones remain supported through every stage of life’s journey.