Insurance agents know the industry and can help you pick a plan that’s right for you. Still, it’s important to keep your BS radar on at all times. Yes, insurance agents are supposed to be working for you, and in a perfect world they’d have your best interests at heart. Unfortunately, that’s not always the reality. Like the rest of us, agents want to make money, so they may care more about their commission than you or your family’s best interests. Look out for agents who try to convince you to buy a policy that isn't right for you just to score a bigger commission. If your agent isn’t listening to you or pushes a plan on you that you don’t think you can afford or don’t fully understand, find a new agent.

To get the most out of your agent, it’s important to have open lines of communication. That means being honest about your finances and feeling comfortable enough to ask tough questions. Be sure to talk to your agent about what you want for the present, as well as the future.

Don’t purchase a plan right away. Think things over and do some research on your own. You want to know you (and your family) will be taken care of, so it’s important to take the time to find the best option for you.

-- Paula Kashtan