Death is Expensive: Why We Need to Talk Life Insurance | Ep. 374

• Tiffany introduces the episode’s focus: starting life insurance conversations without loved ones thinking you’re trying to “kill them.”

Why are we talking about life insurance? Are you trying to kill me or something?

• Basiliso recounts losing his ex-wife in 2016 and his mother to COVID in 2020, and discovering his mother’s policy paid far less than expected due to loans taken against it.

• Basiliso recommends role-playing the conversation with a friend or even alone to reduce anxiety before speaking with family.

What makes you anxious to have this conversation? What do you think they’re going to say?

• He suggests using real examples—like GoFundMe posts after a death—to illustrate why insurance matters without sounding ominous.

• When people say “it’s too expensive” or “I don’t have kids,” reframe the discussion around dignity and final wishes.

Death is expensive… even the worst funeral home on the block is still going to cost you seven, eight thousand dollars.

• Ask loved ones: Who would handle your affairs? How do you want your funeral to look? What are your wishes?

• Review policies at least once a year, or after any major life or financial change (new house, move, divorce, etc.).

At the bare minimum, I would say like once a year. Best case scenario, every six months.

• Tiffany shares how her grandmother’s policy was reduced by undisclosed loans, leaving the family short when she passed.

• After naming beneficiaries, have the sometimes-difficult conversation of informing them—and those who are not beneficiaries.

It got to be full government name. So that way the company can issue the payments to the right people.

• Basiliso advises keeping important documents in a known, safe place and teaching children (age-appropriately) about these plans.

• Basiliso offers a free 25-minute consultation for sandwich-generation caregivers struggling with finances and care.

• Website: basmorenoconsulting.com
• Instagram, Threads, TikTok: @BassMorenoConsulting