Preplanning your funeral
Dying is one of the few certain events in our lives, yet it is also something most of us are not willing or likely to plan for. But if you take the time to get your affairs in order today, you will leave your survivors with fewer things to worry about tomorrow.
Learning the basics about funeral planning is an important step towards ensuring your wishes are carried out as planned and that you do not spend more money than necessary. Right now, there are more options for truly personalizing funerals, burials and memorials than ever before. In fact, there are over 50 decisions to make for the funeral alone.
And if you don't take the time to plan, it can be incredibly expensive. Today, funeral costs average almost $7,000, but the ski's the limit. Take the time to learn more about how you can truly personalize this celebration…without jeopardizing future generations of your family. And keep in mind that a funeral service is for the living and while you shouldn't ignore your own wishes, you should also consider the needs of your survivors.
Here are some tips from the National Funeral Directors Association:
- Be an informed consumer. Don't be reluctant to ask questions.
- Today's there are a variety of options to meet your financial needs and wishes. Be sure to discuss all available options before making a decision.
- When selecting a funeral director, choose one who is licensed and has a good reputation in the community. NFDA's member directory is a good place to start.
- Be prepared! Avoid the burden of making decisions while under emotional stress by organizing details with your funeral director ahead of time. Remember…preplanning doesn't necessarily mean prepaying.
- Plan a personalized ceremony or service to help you begin the healing process. Getting through grief is never easy but having a meaningful funeral or tribute will help.
Once your plans are complete you will feel relieved knowing your wishes are known. Recently, I attended a pre-planned funeral. Not only had this dear friend purchased his casket and burial plot, he also planned every detail of his funeral. He picked the person to deliver the eulogy, identified the songs, poems and readings for the service. It was immediately gratifying to know that he died his own way. Another reason to take control of your funeral arrangements is to ease the burden carried by your survivors and close friends. It is also one of the best ways to avoid possible confusion over the arrangements and conserve money. |
