I listen to a financial guy (can’t remember his name) on talk radio that says whole life is a waste of money and only recommends term, and then the amount depends on how you want your dependents to live after your gone. Like if your wife has a carreer then you only need enough to pay off the debt you owe because she will continue to have an income. If the wife don’t work, then you will need more to pay off the debts and provide an income for her after your gone.
If you have no dependents, then he says life insurance is a waste of money. He also recommends lowering the amounts as you get older and get the mortgage paid down.