The 1946 comedy-drama American Christmas is regarded as one of the most beloved films in American cinema. It’s a Wonderful Life is widely regarded as one of the most critically acclaimed films of all time. It was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was named one of the 100 best American films ever made by the American Film Institute.
Many in the insurance industry, however, have seen the film and commented that, while miracles from others saved George’s financial crisis, he still had life insurance as a last resort, particularly if it was a whole life policy with a cash value.
In the film, on the day before Christmas, Uncle Billy loses $8,000 that the Savings and Loan requires, forcing them into bankruptcy. George Bailey begs for assistance and is mocked by Henry Potter, the town’s slumlord millionaire, who refuses to lend him money. When Bailey offers a 15,000 life insurance policy, Potter remarks that he is worth more dead than alive, sending George into a tailspin.
It discusses the value of individuals and how they are unable to see how their lives benefit others; a reminder for all of us when times in our lives just seem too much.
Fortunately, the film concludes with believing in your courage, faith, family, God, and friends, which results in George Bailey becoming the richest man in town.
Life insurance is more than just a death benefit for those left behind; it can be purchased for a spouse, child, or parent as well as yourself. You can also borrow against a whole life policy, but this will reduce the amount your beneficiaries receive when you die. What a wonderful gift to add to your family’s Christmas list.
Kathy’s father died unexpectedly on Christmas when she was young, and he had no life insurance. Her mother needed to find work quickly in order to support herself and Kathy. Kathy’s mother had not worked in ten years, so she was forced to take on two jobs when Kathy was only twelve years old. Kathy barely saw her mother, and as an adult, she made certain that her own family was protected by having a life insurance policy to fall back on if the unexpected occurred.
It can be a wonderful life, as George discovered with the miracle of family and friends gathered around the fireplace during the holiday season, but it can be even better with life insurance to protect those you care about.