Subject : Personal Financial Planning

Insurance for young married couple

Jeff and Ann are both 28 years old. They have been married for three years, and have a son who is almost two, and will be expecting their second child in a few months. Jeff is a bank teller in a local bank while Ann is a housewife. Jeff has just received a RM60-per- week pay raise. Currently, his income is RM 960 per week, which, after tax, leaves him with RM 3,200 a month. His company provides a group life insurance plan, a medical/hospital/surgical plan, and a major medical plan. All of these group plans will protect him as long as he works with the bank. When Jeff received his pay raise, he decided that a part of it should be used to add to his family's protection. Jeff and Ann talked to their insurance agent, who has reviewed the insurance plan that Jeff had obtained through his company. In addition to that, Jeff is also protected by the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), which provides some basic protection against the loss of Jeff's income if he becomes totally disabled or if he dies before his children reach the age of 18. However, most of the protections are only basic, which serve as a foundation for Jeff and Ann to build on. For example, SOCSO payment to Ann would only be approximately RM 1,550 per month if Jeff dies leaving behind his two children under the age of 18. Yet, the family's total expenses would soon be higher after the birth of the second baby.

Questions

1. Explain the role and importance of Life insurance in Personal Financial Planning. (20marks)

2. Discuss the various Life insurance policies available in the Malaysian market. (20marks)

3. In your opinion, do Jeff and Ann need additional life insurance? Why or why not? (30marks)

4. As a financial adviser, if you were to recommend a policy to Jeff and Ann, what type of policy would you suggest? Why? (20 marks)

5. Jeff is considering to purchase Proton X70 with RM120,000. As a financial adviser, advise Jeff on his decision with factors to consider when buying a vehicle. (10 marks)