Life insurance agent in New York helping families protect their financial futures with proper insurance planning.

A Hidden Risk: Underinsurance Across Our Communities

May 09, 20255 min read

A Hidden Risk: Underinsurance Across Our Communities

Let’s get even more real:

Over 40% of Americans — and even more New Yorkers — have no life insurance at all.
Not through work.
Not privately.
Nothing.

And while this gap affects people across all communities, Black and Latino families are statistically more likely to be underinsured or uninsured altogether.
This isn’t about caring less — it’s about being underserved, lacking access, and not being properly informed.

We proudly serve everyone, but we refuse to ignore the facts:
Some communities have been left vulnerable for far too long.

For a typical family of four living in New York — where monthly expenses often top $7,000–$9,000 — having little or no insurance is a financial disaster waiting to happen.

When we break it down:

Cover image showing a silhouette of a family of four in front of the New York City skyline, promoting the blog "Life as an Everyday Agent: Why Proper Life Insurance Isn’t Just Important — It’s Essential," emphasizing family protection, legacy building, and financial security through life insurance.

Life as an Everyday Agent: Why Proper Life Insurance Isn’t Just Important — It’s Essential

Every day, I wake up with one clear mission: to make sure my clients are properly insured.
Not just any insurance — the right protection that works as hard as they do.

This message is for everyone.
But being a New Yorker, serving mostly New York residents, I know firsthand:

We’re a special breed.
We have a keen sense of fashion, a love for family, faith, and community — but when it comes to life insurance awareness?
Too many of us are still unprotected.

In a world where New York City’s cost of living is 77% higher than the national average, it’s not just a good idea to have protection.
It’s essential.


Comparison chart showing the cost of living between the National Average and New York City in 2025, including Cost of Living Index (100 vs. 177), Average Funeral Cost (~$7,848 vs. $10,355), and Median Rent for a 3-Bedroom Home ($1,700 vs. ~$4,773). Highlights that NYC living costs are 77% higher than the national average.

New York City’s living expenses are about 77% higher than the national average, creating major financial pressure for families without proper planning, including life insurance coverage.


Real Talk: How Are We Flexing Without Protection?

Here’s the wild part:

We’re wearing-

  • 👟 — $1,000 sneakers

  • 🚗 — luxury cars

  • 💵 — spending thousands on vacations

  • ❌ — no basic protection (the missing piece)

  • 🏠 — home and family (who should be protected)

  • 🛡️ — protection, security (the ultimate goal)...

But over 40% of us don’t even have basic life insurance.

How does that make sense?

  • You insure your phone.

  • You insure your car.

  • You insure your apartment.

But not your life?
Not your family’s future?

It’s time to flip the mindset.


Life Insurance: The Misunderstood Asset 🔒📈🚀💰

Life insurance isn’t an anchor dragging you down.
It’s a rocket ship lifting your family toward financial security.

It guarantees wealth transfer when everything else — jobs, markets, investments — is unpredictable.

  • It’s recession-proof.

  • It’s tax-advantaged.

  • It’s guaranteed protection when structured correctly.


Case Study 1: Brooklyn Family of Four 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏠🛡️

  • Family: Renting a 3-bedroom in Brooklyn at $4,700/month.

  • Coverage: Only a $50,000 term policy through work.

  • Problem: That coverage wouldn't even cover 1 year of rent, let alone food, child care, or education costs.

  • Solution: We layered in a $500,000 term policy + $250,000 permanent policy, growing tax-free cash value along the way.

Result? Security, stability, and options — all protected.


Why Permanent Insurance Matters ♾️💵🌱🏛️

Permanent life insurance isn't just for death benefits.

It’s about:

  • Building tax-free retirement income

  • Accessing living benefits for chronic, critical, or terminal illnesses

  • Creating generational wealth

  • Protecting businesses and estates from taxes

It’s not about what it costs — it’s about what it saves.


The True Cost of Waiting ⏳📉💸🚫

Waiting a year doesn’t save you money.
It costs you higher premiums, less cash growth, and more risk.

And if you’re relying solely on your job-based insurance?
The day you switch jobs, retire, or get laid off — that protection disappears.


Why This Is Personal for Me 🧠💬❤️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

I'm not just selling policies.

I’m protecting futures.
I’m protecting legacies.

Because I’ve seen firsthand what happens when protection isn’t in place.
And I’ve seen the peace families have when they know — no matter what happens — they’re covered.


Case Study 2: Single Mother in Queens 👩‍👧‍👦🏙️💡🛡️

  • Client: Single mom of two, no coverage, believed insurance was "too expensive."

  • Solution: A $1.50/day policy that gave her kids full protection.

  • Result: Relief, empowerment, and true peace of mind.


Inspirational graphic with the headline "A Wake-Up Call for Our Communities," featuring diverse community silhouettes on a warm ochre background, encouraging life insurance conversations and wealth transfer awareness across generations.

A Wake-Up Call for Our Communities 📢🌍💬🤝

We must normalize life insurance conversations.
Especially now.
Especially in communities where wealth transfer has been a missing piece for generations.

It’s not morbid. It’s love in action.

The earlier you start, the more affordable it is.
The more benefits you build.
The greater your family's future becomes.


How Much Coverage Do You Really Need?

The rule of thumb:

  • 10–15x your income

  • Plus enough to cover debts, mortgage, education costs, and final expenses

For example:

  • If you earn $80,000/year → you should have $800,000–$1.2 million in coverage minimum.

It sounds big — but broken down monthly, it’s less than most people’s coffee budget.


Final Thoughts: Life Insurance Is Bigger Than You

Life insurance isn’t about you.
It’s about:

  • Your spouse keeping the house

  • Your children chasing dreams without debt

  • Your parents never worrying about funeral costs

  • Your legacy lasting for generations

You’re not buying a policy.
You’re buying peace of mind.

And in a world where New York life costs 77% more than average?
Peace of mind is priceless.


Let's Build Your Protection Plan

Whether you need:

  • Term insurance

  • Permanent insurance

  • Living benefits

  • A custom strategy tailored to you

I'm here.
No pressure.
No confusion.
Just real solutions for real people.


✅ Quick Facts Recap (For Visual Reinforcement):

  • NYC Cost of Living: 77% higher than national average

  • Average NYC Funeral Cost: ~$10,355

  • Average NYC 3BR Rent: ~$4,773/month

  • Over 40% of Americans have no life insurance

  • Proper planning = peace of mind + generational wealth

👤 About the Author: Michael Cornick Jr.
Michael Cornick Jr. is a licensed life insurance agent, educator, and co-founder of Real Needs Secured Insurance Solutions. Based in New York, he’s spent over a decade helping families understand the power of life insurance, build tax-free wealth, and secure legacies that last. Through his community-first approach, Michael brings real conversations to the table—mixing financial empowerment with everyday practicality for hardworking individuals and families.

When he’s not guiding clients through their financial journey, Michael is building digital systems through RNS Digital Plug, publishing financial education resources, and staying grounded in faith, family, and service. His mission is simple: to make sure no family is left unprotected.

📍 Serving: New York & beyond
📘 Author of Life Insurance: Why It Matters at Every Stage of Life
🧠 Upcoming: Avoiding Financial Famine & The Ultimate Life Insurance Handbook Get your Copy Now!

Michael Cornick Jr

👤 About the Author: Michael Cornick Jr. Michael Cornick Jr. is a licensed life insurance agent, educator, and co-founder of Real Needs Secured Insurance Solutions. Based in New York, he’s spent over a decade helping families understand the power of life insurance, build tax-free wealth, and secure legacies that last. Through his community-first approach, Michael brings real conversations to the table—mixing financial empowerment with everyday practicality for hardworking individuals and families. When he’s not guiding clients through their financial journey, Michael is building digital systems through RNS Digital Plug, publishing financial education resources, and staying grounded in faith, family, and service. His mission is simple: to make sure no family is left unprotected. 📍 Serving: New York & beyond 📘 Author of Life Insurance: Why It Matters at Every Stage of Life 🧠 Upcoming: Avoiding Financial Famine & The Ultimate Life Insurance Handbook Get your Copy Now!

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