1. If you want insurance protection only, and not a savings and investment product, buy a term life insurance policy.

2. If you want to buy a whole life, universal life, or other cash value policy, plan to hold it for at least 15 years. Canceling these policies after only a few years can more than double your life insurance costs.

3. Check the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Web site ( http://www.naic.org) or your local library for information on the financial soundness of insurance companies.

Web Resource: http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/acli/index.htm

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