to consider term insurance for limited-term needs (such as insuring against an untimely death before one has worked enough to build sufficient assets) and permanent insurance for permanent needs. In some situations that are expected to exist upon death regardless of age, perhaps something like the need to provide for a permanently disabled child upon death or to pay business ownership transfer related costs upon death, permanent insurance may be a valid consideration. As most others are saying, though, it doesn't make financial sense for the vast majority of people IMO.