Did you know we have one of the highest death taxes in the world here in Ireland.

It's more commonly known as inheritance tax.

It takes one third of what you intended to leave behind for your kids and gives it to The Taxman instead...unless you put a plan in place to pay that inheritance tax.

Do you remember the first time you drove in the dark?

Were you scared?

I was terrified, lost, and couldn't use the headlights.

And I had a baby on the way...

Nobody wants to think about what will happen when you exit stage left but, as boring as it can be, preparation is always key.

So you're paying your premium monthly towards your life insurance, serious illness cover and income protection, but what happens when you or your loved ones need to claim on that policy?

You’ve just got married, and you’re already thinking about your other halves’ potential death.

How very Henry the VIII of you.

In all seriousness, getting married is a big deal. Of course, it is – there’s nothing quite like standing up in front of your friends and families and pledging your love to someone forever.

I’m not going to tell you not to smoke.

I’m not your ma.

I’m also not going to tell you about the health risks, because we all already know. After all, we’ve seen the big rotten tumour on the fag packets.

I am going to tell you that smoking makes your Life Insurance premiums more expensive.

And don’t think you’re not included in this one too, holier-than-thou-vape-smokers. While your vape may smell like cotton candy or whatever notion-y flavour you’ve gone for, the insurers will charge you more too.

I'll admit I was worried when Vhi life insurance entered the market. 

Vhi has one million customers, that's roughly 990,000 more than us.

Little Lion.ie taking on the mighty Vhi is like David taking on Goliath, Cúchulainn and Geoff Capes simultaneously!

If you've decided that now's time to get life insurance for your family, congratulations!

It's a smart move and the grown-up thing to do.

But how do you choose the right amount of years for your cover?

A life insurance trust allows you to ensure your policy pays out to the right people at the right time without waiting for grant of probate.

What's grant of probate?

A big, and lengthy, pain in the ass.

You're here to figure out if life insurance is what you need, and I'm here to help by simplifying the bejaysus out of it.

So let's begin this Beginners Guide to Life Insurance

So those scoundrels at Aviva, Irish Life, Royal London, New Ireland or Zurich Life have increased your premium, eh?

And you're wondering why?

Let me explain: