Life insurance... term or whole?

[trapsetter]

I am looking to buy a life insurance policy for myself, and I wanted to hear different viewpoints from this forum on the merits of term vs. whole. I understand the basic differences between the two, but I'm curious to hear which of them people prefer. I am leaning towards term, simply because it is cheaper and therefore seems like a better deal to me.

I am 31, married, and have no children, although we are just beginning trying to have what will hopefully be a total of 2 children. I am a non-smoker and in good health in general. I would like to purchase a policy that will pay my wife enough money to be able to live reasonably well and support two children without ever having to work again if she chooses not to.

Would you suggest term or whole, and why?

Thanks in advance for any input.