This article appears as part of the Money HQ with Ben Stark newsletter.

For many people in their 30s and early 40s, life can feel like a constant balancing act – managing a mortgage, building a career, raising a family and trying to keep up with day to day costs.

With so much focus on the here and now, thinking about long-term protection can easily fall down the priority list. This could leave many financially exposed to unexpected events.

Millennials, those aged around 30 to 45, are at a defining and often stressful stage of life.

In the UK, on average people move in with a partner at 28, have their first child at 29, marry at 31 and buy a home at 36. At the same time, they work towards peak earnings, which tend to come around age 47. (1)

With such constant change, many barely have the time or inclination to stop and think about future risks – especially the unwelcome ones. But being proactive can pay off.

No one likes to think about worst-case scenarios, but that’s exactly what insurance is for. The financial consequences of serious illness, injury or death can be significant. Mortgage payments, household bills and childcare costs don't stop simply because circumstances change. For many........

© Herald Scotland