Earlier this year—fifteen years into her career—Sue Everett got the call no life insurance agent forgets.
It was her first death benefit claim.
“It was sobering,” Sue says. “I’ve spent years helping people plan for the unthinkable. But when it actually happens—when someone’s gone and the family’s left picking up the pieces—that’s when you see the real value of this work.”
The man who passed had done what too many don’t: he got coverage. Because of that choice, his family had a financial cushion. Not riches. Not magic. But breathing room. The space to grieve without panic. To cover loose ends. To begin adjusting to a life they never expected to live.
Sue, a seasoned HealthMarkets agent, says many men don’t want to talk about life insurance. “It feels morbid, or like you're planning for failure,” she explains. “But death is not failure. It’s reality. And insurance is a way to protect the people you love most.”
When men are willing to talk about life insurance, they often joke about it.
“One guy told me, ‘Why would I die and let her next boyfriend enjoy my money?’ Another said, ‘If I’m gone, they’ll figure it out.’ But here’s the thing: nobody should have to figure it out in the middle of their grief. That’s not love. That’s just irresponsible. Do the honorable thing, and protect your loved ones the way they deserve to be protected."
Sue specializes in helping young families in the prime of life. Those men often think they don’t need life insurance, because time is on their side. “I hear it all the time: young, healthy, optimistic guys saying, 'I'm not going to die tomorrow,’ Sue relates. “I reply, 'That's exactly why now is the best time to set up life insurance—while it's affordable. The younger and healthier you are, the easier—and cheaper—it is to get covered.”
That’s a young person’s other misconception: life insurance is too costly. But Sue says the reality is, healthy people in their late 20s or early 30s can secure substantial coverage for as little as $10 to $30 a month. "When I hear a guy claim they can't afford it, I pull out my 'mom' pad and ask about daily coffees, takeout lunches, or streaming subscriptions. Most people spend far more monthly on these little luxuries than it would cost to protect their families."
One overlooked option Sue highlights is whole life insurance for children, which not only protects them early but builds value as they grow. "“It’s one of the smartest things you can do for your kids,” Sue says. “You’re setting them up with something lasting, something they’ll thank you for years down the road. It's pennies a day when they're young, but it offers lifelong benefits.” Sue even took advantage of those lifelong benefits herself: “I cashed in my own policy after 12 years and got a very nice chunk of change. It can come in handy when you might need it."
At the end of the day, Sue says, love is about facing life’s saddest truth with a brave heart and a clear head.
“We're all going to leave this life someday. The honorable thing—the loving thing—is making sure those left behind aren't burdened financially. That's why I'm committed to this work. It's not just insurance; it’s compassion in action."
Sue’s HealthMarkets office is located at 21370 Cass Avenue in Clinton Township. Walk-ins are welcome. To schedule a free consultation and needs analysis, call Sue’s assistant, Debbie Nagle, at (586) 424-6464
Sue Everett helps protect what matters most—your family, your future, your peace of mind. From life insurance to health and Medicare plans, she makes sure you're covered when life throws the unexpected—and helps you build a strong foundation for what’s next.