Re-Routing: Google Maps and Life Insurance Along Life's Journey

by: Jeffery A. Keill, CFP, CIM, FMA, FCSI, CEA

Portfolio Manager and Senior Wealth Advisor

Rerouting! How many people have heard their GPS or Google Maps say this? As many know I am on the road quite often going to uncharted places and along new unfamiliar routes. My journey generally starts with a destination in mind but along the way I frequently get lost or turned around due to detours or other miscues. I am also that stereotypical dude that never asks for directions and misses every second turn. When my Google Maps declares (rudely, I may add) that it is “re-routing” I feel it's really saying- “hey stupid, you missed another turn”.

Life- like any journey- is filled with planned destinations along untravelled routes. Life is not a straight roadway as it is filled with unexpected twists, turns, detours and mistakes. We kind of need a Google Maps for life. A Google Life, maybe? Along this journey, insurance is one of those decisions many of us make once based on a fixed destination. Often when we buy a home, get married, or have kids, we file it away without further thought. As sure as there is road construction in the Canadian Spring, life changes. Your responsibilities grow, debts change, incomes shift, and the people who rely on you may look different from when you first signed your insurance papers.

A quick review can help make sure your coverage still matches your real-world needs and not just the version of your life from a few years ago. Our Wealth Advisory’s rule of thumb is to review your coverage annually and any time a major life event happens.

Life events that could trigger a Google Life Re-Routing

Here are K&A’s top events that should have clients reviewing their coverages:

• Marriage or entering a long-term partnership

• Separation or divorce

• Having or adopting a child or becoming a caregiver

• Buying a home or taking on other significant debt

• Career change

• Starting, buying or selling a business

• Health, habit, or lifestyle changes

• Approaching retirement or major net-worth changes

K&A’S Wealth Advisory Checklist

• List who you are protecting

• Update the numbers of what is needed for protection

• Check all your coverage sources

• Review Beneficiaries and contingent

• Confirm existing policy details

• Decide what needs to change

• Ensure beneficiary information is up to date, names and relationships change over time

Common (and costly) mistakes to avoid

• Assuming your Will coexists properly with insurance coverages: They often will act independent of each other and confusion or conflict can result.

• Relying only on workplace coverage: Employer Life Insurance can be a helpful addition but should never be the foundation of your insurance coverage. This seldom is enough, and is frequently lost in job changes.

• Naming minor children directly: When beneficiaries are minors it can create delays and complications.

• Letting a term policy expire unintentionally: If your term is ending, you likely face higher premium costs. Reviewing before term expiration gives you more options and can save you money.

Bottom Line: Check your Google Life Map so your insurance coverage matches your journey.

Life insurance is designed to protect people you love from financial stress during a difficult time. The best way to stay on track is to review your coverage ahead of major life events, before you need it . Set  a calendar reminder for an annual check-in with our team, and use major life moments, like a new relationship, child, home, or job, as cues to revisit your plan.

Of course, Google Life is not a thing, but Keill & Associates is .Our team at K&A is here to help your family along its journey. Call us with any questions or concerns about your current coverage.

Posted May 2026