Female Breadwinners Need to Have More.

• Position: LIFE INSURANCE

As the share of women who are the sole or primary breadwinners continues to grow, so does the need for them to protect their incomes. According to the Center for American Progress, Washington, D.C., women are the primary breadwinners in 42% of U.S. households. Yet, only 56% of females have life insurance at all and, when they do, it often is less than men.

"Every woman needs to consider how important it is to protect her income and the value of what she provides at home in the event something would happen to her or her spouse," urges Cynthia Tidwell, president and CEO of Royal Neighbors of America, Rock Island, Ill., one of the largest women-led life insurers in the U.S.

"As a mother, daughter, friend, and colleague, I have experienced firsthand the loss of loved ones and those I care about. It's important, especially for women who tend to undervalue their worth, that they understand how life insurance can help replace their salary, pay off a mortgage, cover childcare expenses, or protect college dreams should they die prematurely."

Three life insurance questions to ask are:

* How much will it cost to pay off your debts, such as a mortgage, credit card, and auto or other loans, if you were to die...