It used to be that you had to rely on the advice of an insurance agent (passed down from generation to generation) to buy life insurance but the 21 st century has changed all that. Now you can do your own research online and learn about the type of insurance that is right for you and your family. When it comes to purchasing simple, straightforward term life insurance, most educated consumers can choose for themselves and will probably end up paying less in the long run. But if you think you have more complex financial issues, you should invest the time to discuss your needs with a certified financial planner.