2. How can you
tell there’s an
elephant in
the room?
When there’s a huge issue no
one talks about – there’s an
elephant in the room.
We all know it’s there.
We just pretend we don’t see it.
It’s not easy. It takes a lot of
effort to ignore an elephant.
3. If one of us died or became critically ill or disabled …
n We might not be able to n My business might
pay the bills go under
Habitat: This elephant invites itself to the kitchen Habitat: This elephant takes a large seat in
tables of families with big mortgages and small the offices of companies that depend on a
children. few key individuals.
Fact: 30 per cent of families with children say if Fact: Only 10 per cent of small and
a parent died, they’d immediately have trouble medium-sized businesses have a formal,
meeting everyday expenses. written succession plan.
(Source: LIMRA, Canadian Families at Risk, Life Insurance (Canadian Federation of Independent Business,
Awareness Month, September 2007) SME Succession: Update, October 2006)
Let’s talk
about your elephant
n We might never save
enough to retire
n My family might face a
mountain of debt
Habitat: Lurks in the sleepless bedrooms of middle- Habitat: Reclines on the porches and decks
aged couples who worry what their lives might look of people near retirement who worry about
Is there an elephant like when they retire. future medical and living expenses.
in your home? Fact: 68 per cent of Canadians say the biggest Fact: The average Canadian retires at 62.
threat to reaching their savings goals is a serious At that age, the average non-smoking couple
Take a look at the following examples. medical condition or disability. 49 per cent cite can expect at least one spouse to live for
You may recognize a nagging problem the death of a spouse or partner as a threat. another 30 years.
that’s been taking up space in your home. (LIMRA, Canadian Critical Illness Insurance Market Study, 2008) (The Long Stretch in Advocis Forum, December 2008)
In which case, you should talk with your
financial security advisor.
Your advisor specializes in talking about the
elephants that some people may want to
ignore. What’s more, your advisor doesn’t
just know how to talk about them. Your
advisor can help you tackle them, manage
them and send them on their way.
4. Freedom 55 Financial and design are trademarks of London Life Insurance Company.
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