INDIVIDUAL INVESTOR LIFE CYCLE

The Preliminaries

Before embarking on an investment program, one must make sure that other needs are satisfied. No serious investment plan should be started until one has adequate income to cover living expenses and has a safety net should the unexpected occur.

Insurance

Life insurance should be a component of any financial plan. Life insurance protects loved ones against financial hardship should death occur prematurely. The death benefit paid by the insurance company can help pay medical bills and funeral expenses and provide cash that family members can use to maintain their lifestyle, retire debt, or invest for future needs.

There are several types of life insurance contracts/policies: term life insurance, universal life insurance, and variable life insurance. The insurance coverage provides protection against other uncertainties: health, disability, automobile, home, etc.

Cash Reserve

Emergencies, job layoffs, and unforeseen expenses happen, and good investment opportunities emerge. When any of these happen, having an ample cash reserve will be helpful. One need not be forced to sell their investments or other valuable properties to cover unexpected expenses.

Most experts recommend having a cash reserve equivalent to about six months of living expenses. Cash reserves need not always be in the form of cash. It can also be in liquid investments and/or bank accounts that can easily be converted into cash with little chance of a loss in value.

In your opinion, how much cash reserve is enough or sufficient? Why? plsss own opinion