Learn the basics - Term Life Insurance:

What is term life insurance?

It's life insurance that you pay for over a specified length of time, or term - generally one to 20 years. The amount of the death benefit or face value can be selected to meet your needs. Premiums, or payments - which can be the same amount or increase over time - must be made monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. If you die during the term of coverage, the face amount of your policy will be paid to your beneficiaries.

Why would I want it?

Because you want to ensure that your family will have what you're working so hard to provide - a home, a college education, the resources to live in comfort - should something happen to you. A term policy provides an excellent opportunity for you to do this - even if you're just starting out - because such policies do not accumulate cash value and usually offer lower premiums than other life insurance products with the same face value.