Brooke Shields Partners With Life Happens For Life Insurance Awareness Month: “2020 Is A Wake-Up Call For Everyone”

2020 has been a year of uncertainties. The global pandemic has brought about anxiety and a feeling of powerlessness for most of us. We worry about our jobs, finances, health, loved ones and our own mortality. But there is something we still have control over, and it is more important now than ever before: protecting our loved ones. There is no better or easier way to do this than through life insurance. Life insurance is a financial product that you buy now through a life insurance company, and after your death that company will pay a lump sum to your beneficiaries. Anyone can buy it, and there are options available for all budgets and situations. A simple process, and once you buy it that box is checked off - your loved ones are protected. You would think everyone would have it.

Yet still, so many don’t purchase life insurance. They worry it’s either too expensive, too complicated or really, they just don’t want to think about their own mortality (who does?).

This is why Brooke Shields is returning as the spokesperson for Life Happens, a nonprofit dedicated to educating consumers about the importance of life insurance and other related products for sound financial planning. During September’s Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM), Life Happens and Brooke Shields will join together to emphasize the value of life insurance.

Shields wears many hats. She’s a successful actress, global icon and businesswoman. However, her most important role is being a mother. She calls 2020 a huge wake-up call. “This is bringing us back to familial values and causing us to hone in on what really matters. We are seeing what and who is really important, and how quickly that could be taken away.”

She’s seen firsthand with her own family that this reality check is changing the conversations around finance and protection. She reassures that it doesn’t need to be a scary conversation about death. The opposite actually; you are showing them how much you love them, and letting them know that they are protected. “We brought these little ones into the world. It is our responsibility to protect them.” She says at the end of the day, all kids want is to feel loved and safe. And that is on us, as parents.

In fact, Life Happens' recent survey "Tough Talks During COVID-19" revealed that during the pandemic, half (49%) of respondents agreed that it is essential to have open conversations with their partners and families about their financial future. Additionally, it’s helped two thirds (66%) of Americans better understand life insurance’s value, with another quarter (25%) buying coverage for the first time.

Faisa Stafford, President and CEO of Life Happens, says the pandemic has forced some much needed changes in industry. “Life insurance companies have adjusted and changed in response to COVID-19. They stepped up by improving and streamlining the process, making medical testing easier and condensing the necessary steps to make life insurance simple and accessible to all.”

During a period where we feel powerless, Shields emphasizes the importance of identifying the things you can control. Her message is simple: You have the power to protect your loved ones when you are gone. “This is a way to empower yourself. The information and education is available. You can do this. You can protect your loved ones. Anyone can.”

For those looking to take action now, Life Happens has a free Life Insurance Needs Calculator ( www.lifehappens.org/howmuch ) to help evaluate their own life insurance needs and get the protection they need. To learn more about Life Insurance Awareness Month and Brooke’s role as spokesperson, including her new message to consumers that the time for life insurance is now, visit www.lifehappens.org/brooke .

By Liz Frazier, Contributor