Clark doesn't want to create anxiety, but he does want to let you know that a number of life insurers are on financially shaky ground.

The insurers are being hit with a double whammy. On one hand, they had some commercial real estate investments on their books that went sour. On the other hand, they're required to pay certain holders of variable annuities (who signed a special rider) to make up for any losses incurred in the stock market.

Before you go into panic mode, heed these words of advice. First, know that in most states you're covered up to $300,000 if you have a life insurance policy. If you want to cash out and your insurer has failed, you're covered by state guarantee associations for up to $100,000.

Of course, money in excess of the cap is potentially at risk. So how do you know if your insurer is healthy? Well, if you're buying life insurance, only buy from A++ rated insurers as determined by A.M. Best.

If you're already in a policy and you're insurer rates highly, then you can relax. If not, get in touch with your insurer and explore the ways to reduce your exposure.

Finally, it almost goes without saying that if you're below either of the caps, there's no need to even check because you'll automatically be covered.