Life insurance is one of the most important tools in modern financial planning, but it is not always the most appreciated. In the purest sense, life insurance is something that pays a death benefit to someone when an insured person dies. The risk of an early death is evident to most of us, particularly when we have family obligations, dependent minor children to provide for, and unpaid debts. The need to cover expenses and replace lost family income if early death occurs may be the main reason why people purchase pure life insurance protection, but it is not the only reason people purchase life insurance products. This course will provide a review of the historical evolution of life insurance and into the 21st century, examining its many forms, other types of benefits, and making it the foundation for financial planning. Also included is a guide to understanding annuities, annuity tax laws and contract structure, and their suitability. The course ends with ethical practices which will provide the essentials of ethics, market conduct and compliance.